The Den:

We have been embracing Autumn this week as we focus our exploration on woodland animals. We have also continued the children’s interest in bugs and completed a bug hunt in the garden.

Characteristics of effective learning:

Continuing from our focus if bugs, this week we hid some plastic bugs in the garden and did a bug hunt with the children! I asked the children to help me look, so they followed me around to different parts or the garden. When we spotted some bugs, I asked the children to put them on the table so we could have a closer look. I showed them a magnifying glass and explained that it makes things look bigger! The children were intrigued by them and looked through the glass happily. Some children used them to look at the bugs closer which was great to watch! Some of the younger children made attempts to say the named of different bugs which was great to hear.

Since the children enjoyed reading ‘hungry caterpillar’ last week, we decided to explore the book a little more by doing some fruit tasting at snack time. The children enjoyed tasting some different fruits as we read the book to them, creating an immersive experience.

Autumnal exploration:

With the dark evenings fast approaching, we wanted to create a cozy den space for the children to share a book or enjoy the feeling of being enveloped. We added a cozy rug and some autumnal themed books/ soft animals to the space which the children loved! The children have enjoyed using this space and learning about some woodland animals.

Following from this, we created a tray with some mini pumpkins, leaves/ sticks and woodland animals to explore with the children. We spoke about the pumpkins and how they were small and orange. The children enjoyed holding them and exploring the in different ways. We added in the woodland animals and encouraged the children to engage with them. We modelled ‘feeding’ and ‘petting’ the animals to extended the children’s imaginative and role-play skills. The children were fascinated by this and enjoyed ‘feeding’ th animals.

Parents as partners:

As the weather becomes colder, can we please ask children are dressed appropriately for the weather so we can assess the garden in all climates. This includes a warm coat, hat and appropriate shoes.

Spare clothes:

If you have any clothes that belong to nursery, can we kindly ask these are returned as we are very low on spare clothes.

Hope very one has a lovely weekend 🍂🍁