At Cart Mill Family Centre we understand how important it is for children to learn through play. We recognise the importance of our children being able to learn through play and lead their own learning. Our educators have created learning environments that offer a wide range of quality experiences which provide choice and challenge. Our centre is free flow, allowing children to choose the learning environment that promotes their creativity and curiosity. We understand that each child is unique and educators appreciate this, working collaboratively with each child to shape both the child’s learning and learning environment. Our learning environments use a variety of open ended materials, which encourages your child to use their creativity and imagination. For example, if we place a range of boxes near the construction area children will automatically build something, but if we place a range of boxes near the art area, children might decorate and change the function of the boxes through adding paint, paper or graphics.
The Outdoors
Curriculum for Excellence offers opportunities for all children and young people to enjoy first-hand experience outdoors, whether within the school grounds, in urban green spaces, in Scotland’s countryside or in wilder environments.
Such experiences inspire passion, motivating our children and young people to become successful learners and to develop as healthy, confident, enterprising and responsible citizens. The core values of Curriculum for Excellence echo the key concepts of outdoor learning: challenge, enjoyment, relevance, depth, development of the whole person and an adventurous approach to learning.
Learning in the outdoors at our centre is just as valuable as learning indoors. We want the children to experience the changing seasons, the weather, wildlife, planting and growing as well as just being able to explore and play. We believe that there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing. We use the outdoors every day and in all weathers. We do ask that all parents provide suitable waterproof and warm clothing, cosy socks and a pair of wellington boots for their child.
The Home Room
The Home Room embraces the importance of learning skills for life with consideration being given to each child’s physical, social and cultural experiences and how these factors impact on children’s development of lifelong skills and capacities. Learning through play requires skilful interactions and conversations in environments that support and extend thinking and actions. The Home Room promotes healthy baking and cooking during every session and children’s independence is encouraged. Educators offer many real life opportunities including sewing and weaving, setting tables, following recipes
The Discovery Room
Creativity is crucial within science, technology, engineering and mathematical learning (STEM) and the Discover Room offers learning opportunities in all STEM areas. Block play is central to the Discovery Room as this fosters creativity and encourages children to play collaboratively, take turns and develop language, especially mathematical language as well as improving fine motor skills.
Digital technologies are also explored in the Discovery Room, rapid developments in digital technologies at home and outside, are everywhere and often we find children learn digitally easier than most adults. Digital technologies are changing our habits and, in some cases, making our lives easier and more enjoyable. An emphasis on learning with and through digital technologies, rather than about digital technology will best enhance children’s early learning.
The Studio
Budding artists can express themselves through art, design and creativity in our Studio. Creating works of art can enhance your self esteem and improve confidence. Our children are encouraged to plan and use their visions to create new art. Art and creativity allow children to develop their fine motor skills and offers them the time to concentrate on their design. It is wonderful to see children’s patience pay off when they burst with pride with their finished article!
While working in the Studio, children develop their descriptive language and often express their feelings and emotions through their creations.
