2-3: The Discovery Hub

We have loved observing the changes occurring with our caterpillars. Over the weekend the caterpillars have been busy making their cocoons and the children were so excited to see they have moved to the lid. While looking at the cocoons, we noticed the food at the bottom of the tub had nearly all been eaten. Just like in the story of the Hungry Caterpillar where the caterpillar eats all of the food. The children are so excited for the butterflies to appear next in nursery and they have been predicting which colour butterflies we will have.

Playing and Exploring

Following on from the warm weather last week, we froze some of the minibeasts in water for the children to discover. The children were problem solving how we could release the minibeasts from the ice. Suggestions of “under water”, “need a hammer” and “break it”. We then added some brushes and water to the tray and the children explored brushing the ice with the water to met the ice. The children were very excited when they were able to release the minibeasts.

Our interest of ice cream has been very popular across the week and we have added resources to develop the children’s imaginative ideas. The children explored using the foam to scoop onto the cones. It is lovely to hear the children using their imaginative language as they comment “it strawberry” “money please” and “you want chocolate?”.

Outdoor Learning

In the garden the children have been using the water and brushes to create marks on the walls, floor and surfaces. When using all of the water, the children have been asking for “more” to staff and have helped to re fill the pots to take into the garden to continue creating marks.

Our imagination skills continue to develop as the children follow their own ideas in collaborative play to make each other “ice creams”. The children have explored taking bowls and spoons in the Side Garden to create the ice cream for each other. With staff we have developed their ideas as we begin to think about the flavour of ice cream. The children are making links to their own experiences as they explore making “coffee” for the staff making sure to say “it hot”.

The interest of ice cream continues into the Blossom Garden as the children explore using the ice cream moulds to create cones for each other. When passing the cones over the children are making connections to exchanging money as they comment “money please”.

Parents as Partners

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our Stay and Play sessions, it was wonderful to see the children so excited to show you around the Nursery. Our lovely photo frames the children have been decorating will be a lovely addition in our home corner area.

Many thanks

Nursery Team