The Den:

Our final week before the October half term! The children have had a busy week as we explore pumpkins in a range of ways!

Characteristics of effective learning:

We have been exploring pumpkins this week as our main focused activity! We talked to the children about pumpkins and looked at some in our Halloween book, before we started exploring! The children were fascinated as they watched us cut the top off. We placed some metal scoops into the tray and encouraged the children to scoop the guts out of the pumpkin. As this was a new experience, some of the children were hesitant so staff modelled initially until the children gained the confidence to touch it. We were really pleased to see the children interacting with the guts, touching it or feeling the texture in their hands. We used some descriptive language like “slimey, wet” and “sticky” to describe the guts as the children played. Some children were able to repeat back this new vocabulary.

The children enjoyed looking at the seeds that were inside. This was a lovely opportunity to incorporate some early mathematical concepts as we counted the seeds. Some children made an attempt to repeat back this language.

After we explored the insides of the pumpkin, we decided to paint it! The children were very excited to come over and look. After staff demonstrated what to do, the children selected a brush and began dipping it into the paint, then onto the pumpkin. We used language like “dab, paint” and “pumpkin”.

Staffing updates:

After half term, we will have some slight staffing changes in The Den. Laney will be moving to The Nest to help gain further experience with different age ranges for her apprenticeship. Lauren, who currently works in The Discovery Hub, will take over Laney’s role, working full time alongside myself and Chloe. Lauren will also take over Laney’s key children.

Lauren has many years experience in early years and we’re very excited to have her join the team in The Den!

Half term closures:

If your child attends nursery term time only, we hope they have a lovely week off nursery! Nursery will be open as usual for those attending all year round.

Don’t forget to share anything you get up to with us via parent observation.