2-3: The Discovery Hub

Understanding the World

This week we have been talking about the changes to the outdoor environment as we move into Spring. We explored photos of flowers and how the outdoors may look in spring as well as exploring real flowers. During group time, the children explored feeling and smelling the flowers. They described the flowers feeling “soft” and smelling “nice”. Some of the children started to discuss the appearance of the flowers

“orange flower”

“big flower”

“lots of little flowers”

In the environment we explored pulling the petals with our fingers and experimented using scissors to cut up the flowers. While using the scissors, the children persisted to cut the stems and allowed staff to support and model how to use them.

We the explored using our cuttings and petals to create pictures using glue. The children showed concentration as they spread the glue onto the page before placing on their petals and cuttings.

In the garden, we also added some of the petals and cuttings and placed some whole flowers into the mud kitchens. The children were keen to explore with the flowers and used their fine motor skills to break apart the stems and pinch the petals from the flowers. They explored adding the flower petals into bowls, using spoons to scoop and shared them between each other. It has been lovely to observe the children’s imaginative ideas develop as they explore using the petals to create food for each other and act out home life experiences to share “food”.

Communication and Language

Our core book this week has been the Hungry Caterpillar. The children have engaged with the story very well as we begin to explore life cycles. While reading the story, we discussed how it all started with an egg before hatching to a tiny caterpillar who grew bigger and bigger before becoming a butterfly. We introduced signs for the stages of the life cycle and the children explored creating the signs whilst an adult read the story. Across the week, the children have recalled on the story to the stages of the caterpillar’s life cycle and have explored trying to sequence the cycle themselves with images.

Outdoor learning

We have had a lovely time in the garden this week as the children continue to take explore physical challenges. The children continue to test out their balancing skills as they set themselves challenges to walk across the balance beams and tyres. This week, the children have shown an interest with the hula hoops and have tested out rolling and spinning them. Using the hoops, the children also created games as the explored throwing bean bags and balls as a target.

Staffing Updates

Emma completed training this week on how to support our children, 2-4 years, in our setting. We discussed and reflected on our environments and resources we provide to develop the children’s interests and progression. 

Parents as Partners

The National Literacy Trust are hosting another storytelling event Saturday 28th March at the Glasshouse. The fun, free event will take place between 11am and 1pm.

Thank you to those who have signed up for parent consultations so far. We have a few slots available for next week. If the times are not suitable please speak with a member of staff and we can try to arrange another time.

We look forward to seeing you at our Stay and Play session on Wednesday 1st April if you would like to join us 9:15-10:30 or 1:00-2:15.

The nursery will be closed for children who are term time only from Friday 3rd April and we will return Monday 20th April. We remain open for the children accessing stretched care, however we are closed on Friday 3rd and Monday 6th of April for bank holidays.

The Nursery Team