The children have been developing their curiosity and problem solving skills in the garden as we continue to explore things that change, e.g. colour change, items that float and sink. They have been using their investigation skills whilst making predictions regarding items that will float and sink. 

“I’m doing science.” JG

“I can do it higher than you.” JG

“Red and yellow make orange.” JG & RP

“The sponge is floating.” JG

“It’s deep.” RP

“I can touch all the way to the bottom.” AR

“The bucket is too heavy.” ZG

“This is soo much fun.” BF

“It’s floating cause it has soo much density.” JG

“Mixing colours is so cool.” BF

“If you put more water in it it might sink.” BF

“I want to turn it into yellow. Is that just right?” JW

“I filled it yellow up to the top.” JW

“I squished to number 10.” JW

In the malleable area the children have been using tweezers in a fireworks number match game. The children had to find the numbers in the fireworks, identify them and then match them to the different number boards. Some children chose to group them by colour instead of numbers. As well as helping children to develop their numeracy, using tweezers offers numerous developmental benefits, primarily by strengthening fine motor skills and preparing children for every day tasks like writing!

This week at the sewing table we have been exploring embroidery using embroidery rings and calico. The children have been learning how to thread their needles, tie knots and how to manipulate the needle safely through and back. We provided a range of coloured thread and buttons of all shapes, colours and sizes to allow freedom of choice and to explore their own creativity. 

Embroidery is such a calm and nurturing experience which encourages children to focus and persevere on a task, develop their fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination, problem solving and positional language. 

Everyone really enjoyed this activity with some children asking to do it over and over again. It could be a great Santa gift!!

Following on from The Three Little Pigs story and provocation, we have been exploring building bridges and developing our problem solving and design skills to help the small world people cross the river! The children have been using a variety of loose parts, blocks and other resources to build bridges. We have been talking about the different types of bridges and their properties, discussing how they are connected, how steady they are and their height. 

BF – “You’ve got to connect them. The sticks can help or we could use leaves so they can float on them. Stones sink, they’re heavier than leaves. It’s a tall bridge now.”

SD – “I can count up how big it is. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. We need more blocks”

QCI – “It’s a long bridge I’m making. I’m going to make a walking path. They’re sinking, it doesn’t work!”

IQI – “Look at this big bit!”

We have also been exploring designing our own buildings. The children have been drawing their building designs and then bringing the designs to life in the block area. 

RU – “I want to make Elsa’s castle. This is the sides and the walls, this is the sitting room. Let’s check if it’s the right height. I think this castle needs a sign on the door.”

IH – “We need safety hats on”

RP – “I’m drawing my house, I’m a builder. That’s the door here and a window, look, come and see!”