Wren 

The children have had lots of fun in the garden this week, below are some of the activities they have been engaged in in the great outdoors: 

They took part in an egg and spoon race.  This is really great for physical development. Whilst children naturally love to run and chase, being able to walk with control and balance, whilst holding a spoon and not dropping an egg, takes real physical co-ordination and dexterity. It also teaches that fastest isn’t always the way to win. 

To help with their hand-eye co-ordination, the children have been attempting to throw a ball through a hula-hoop that has been put up in one of the branches of the tree.  Not very easy, but with practice and resilience, they have managed to get the ball through the target.  Great demonstration of having a ‘can do attitude’. 

As we had such beautiful weather at the beginning of the week, the children thought it would be a good idea to wash some of the toys.  Their imaginations took over and washing of the toys became a great role play scenario based around a car wash.  

The team used the freezer to make ice for the children to explore.  Hidden inside were various items that the children had to work out how to get to.  This led to discussion around the properties of ice, how it is formed, why it melts, what it turns back into and how it can help us to cool down in the hot sunny weather we had (early science experiment). 

The garden has had a bit of reshuffle and the children have had fun using the new digging area. Using various tools safely and carefully, gives them a sense of responsibility and helps them with their understanding of the world. 

The warm weather has meant that we have been able to transfer our sunflower seedlings to a larger pot outside.  The children carefully helped to move them, taking care not to break the delicate stems. They then talked about what they need to grow big and strong and hopefully make it to full height, perhaps growing taller than them and the grown-ups! Growing and nurturing plants is lovely for lots of reasons. It helps develop empathy, gives children responsibility to care for something, helps them understand the natural world and can also introduce maths concepts, especially with sunflowers. 

The weather has featured a lot this week. We went from very wet and windy last Friday to very hot and sunny on Monday. The children sought the shelter of our canopy on both days and talked about the different ways the shelter helped us by keeping us dry and then helping us cool down. This links into our sustainability award as the children gently learn the concepts of what we need to survive and how some people do not have the luxury of a house or flat to protect them from the elements.     

They also learnt about the effect of weather on their bodies and what they need to keep themselves well, such as suncream to stop their skin burning, a hat to stop their head getting too hot, and whether they still need to wear a coat.   

They have shown lots of interest in animals, making masks and taking on the characteristics of the animal. This led to discussion around where animals live, with many children thinking that they live in the zoo.  This led to research into the natural habitat of the animals through the use of reference books and the tablet. 

They have continued to explore Easter in their artwork and talked about the family customs that they will enjoy over the coming weekend. 

Robin 

As with Wren, many activities of a similar nature have taken place as follows: 

During the hot sunny weather at the beginning of the week the children also explored ice. There were mini Lego figures hidden inside and the children experimented with different ways of getting the figures out. This took skill and determination and also helped them keep cool on a very hot day.   

Continuing with keeping cool, they used the spray bottles to cool each other down. This helped them think about the effect that the weather had on their bodies. How the water spray helped them cool down on the outside but how it is important to drink lots of water to keep hydrated on the inside.   

They discussed why they needed to wear suncream and a sunhat to protect them from the hotest rays of the sun but also why it is important to get some sunlight every day to help their bodies produce vitamin D; important in helping their bones grow strong and healthy. 

They loved playing with the water tray outside, using various containers to fill and pour.  By using containers of different sizes and shapes they are learning about volume and capacity. They also learn about the properties of water in its various states, from ice to freeflowing water.  As there isn’t enough room at the water tray for more than a few children at a time, they also learn about turn-taking and patience. 

Similarly to Wren, the children explored shelters and made their own using blankets.  They thought about why they needed them, in this case to keep cool, and how some people don’t have homes like they do.   

They explored books outside in the cool shade of the shelter and allowed themselves to wind down after a busy day.  Having a calm time is just as important as running off all of that energy and sharing a book is a perfect way to relax and chill.  

The children are really engaging with the story sacks. They love the traditional tales, such as the ‘The Three Little Pigs’ and ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’. Familiar tales with repeated phrases are really good for supporting early literacy. 

Playdough is a firm favourite with all children and they have loved using the cutters and just the lovely sensory feedback they get from moulding and shaping the playdough. 

Continuing with the Easter theme, they made Easter egg related shakers.  Egg shaped containers filled with lentils became a musical instrument to accompany their spring time songs.