In the block area, the children have been continuing to explore large scale buildings and adding detail to them. They have been continuing to extend their learning by transporting figures from the small world area to explore role play opportunities. This has developed children’s communication skills as they have been taking on various roles within their play, demonstrating creative and imaginative skills.

The children recently explored early coding and storytelling through the use of Intelino smart train tiles. This hands-on experience allowed them to investigate how different coloured tiles influenced the train’s movement, supporting their understanding of sequencing, cause and effect, and early computational thinking.

Initially, the children spent time experimenting with the tiles to discover what each colour represented. They quickly became engaged in testing ideas, observing how the train responded when different combinations were placed on the track. This open-ended exploration encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Building on this learning, the children then used a selection of visual prompts, including images of the nursery, a zoo, and various zoo animals, to create their own narrative journey. The activity developed into a rich storytelling experience as the children collaboratively constructed a “day trip to the zoo” story.

Using the tiles, they programmed the train to follow their story sequence: stopping at the nursery, travelling faster along open sections, slowing down as it passed the crocodile, stopping to feed the elephant, and carefully passing the lion. This helped the children connect physical actions with imaginative storytelling, reinforcing their understanding of sequencing in a meaningful context.

One child naturally emerged as a leader, confidently supporting peers by explaining what each tile sequence did and guiding the group’s decisions. This demonstrated strong communication skills, confidence, and a developing understanding of early coding language.

Overall, the experience provided a rich blend of STEM learning, creativity, and collaborative play, allowing the children to explore technology in a purposeful and engaging way.

The children have also  been mark making with the clay.Some of the children scribed their initials or attempted scribing words. Whilst other children drew pictures on the clay and decorated them with some loose parts!