Another busy week in the nursery! Following on from our pupils thinking about light/dark through talking tubs, floorbooks and3D mind-maps, the predominant theme arising was ‘Outer-space.’
The pupils identified a variety of learning opportunities and were active participants of organising materials, discussing ideas and evaluating and modifying their choices relating to the Space theme. We have had groups of pupils researching all of the 9 planets, discussing their shape, size and colours to then make their own. We cut out various sized circles and organised trays of shaving foam, mixed with splashes of paint, to then see what happened when we placed the circles on top of the foam. This created a fantastic textured effect which we will use to build up our big display of the solar system. We now want to learn a song to help us identify the planets! Some other children tried to recreate the solar system by mixing paint and water in a spray bottle, then spraying the contents over a piece of black card, this was also really effective as the children are now keen to add their own symbols of space: aliens, rockets and astronauts, just to name a few.
We have also read ‘On the Moon’ which stimulated some further thinking to recreate the moon on one of our activity trays. Pupils discussed how we could make the white dusty moon surface and what materials would be good for craters. After considering the ideas of using flour or white paper the pupils decided to mix sand and flour to get a slightly rougher texture. We experimented with paper plates for the craters but this didn’t work quite as well as we hoped. Next week we are thinking about using the junk to make rockets, moon buggies and flags to add to our moon.
One of our pupils has asked his fellow pupils if they could make the role play area into Jupiter. Many pupils helped to research the colours of Jupiter and what might be included in the area. We are continuing to develop a space rocket control panel and will to add more features of Jupiter and our space rocket next week.
Our number rockets have also been very popular this week with groups of pupils playing a game of ordering the numbers to then help the rocket to BLAST OFF! This has been helping to develop number recognition and ordering.
During gym, we have been continuing to practise our balance skills. We have worked with a partner to throw and catch a beanbag whilst one foot is on a bench. We have also been walking the plank, following the lines in the hall to help us concentrate on the positioning of our feet and stability of our core.
We are in to full swing with preparations for out Nativity. Each day we are practising the songs and beginning to work out the roles we might like to play.
As a nursery team, we are continuing to support the children in leading their own learning. Through the Outer-space topic, the enthusiasm and active engagement has dramatically increased with the pupils having greater personalisation and choice over activities across all areas of the nursery.
General Housekeeping:
Can all parents, carers and children please try their best to keep the cloakroom tidy as some items of clothing and footwear are getting mixed up. Gym rubbers should be returned to individual bags at the end of each day and ALL items of clothing should be clearly labelled.
Please ensure payments and any paperwork is returned ASAP for the nativity, panto and the Christmas party.
As the weather begins to deteriorate, please ensure your child comes dressed appropriately. We will strive to have the outdoor space open in all weathers and encourage messy and explorative play.
