Knowle West Nursery School children have been engaging in sensory exploration, seasonal observations and active physical play across all rooms this month.
Fox Room has read the story “Peck, Peck, Peck!” and children enjoyed looking for the holes in each page, developing observation skills and engagement with the interactive elements of the book whilst building anticipation and prediction about what comes next. Children have been exploring their inside and outside classroom and learning to play alongside their friends, developing social skills and building relationships through parallel play. They have enjoyed throwing bean bags into hoops and throwing a ball into the basketball hoop, practising aim and coordination whilst developing gross motor skills through active physical play. Children have also enjoyed exploring shaving foam, making marks with their friends and experiencing the sensory properties of this malleable material whilst experimenting with mark-making and creative expression.
Hedgehog Room children have recently been immersed in sensory play activities designed to spark curiosity and support early development. Using playdough and paint mix solutions, they explored textures, colours and patterns in a hands-on environment that encourages creativity and self-expression. These experiences help children build fine motor skills, develop language as they describe what they feel and see, and strengthen problem-solving abilities whilst promoting confidence and independence.
Squirrel Room has been focusing on exploring the changing seasons in the garden. This outdoor learning helps children develop an understanding of the natural world, encouraging observation skills and sparking conversations about weather, plants and the environment. The nursery has also introduced activities that explore light and dark using torches, promoting curiosity and scientific thinking as children experiment with shadows and brightness. Children have been enjoying energetic play on the trampoline and using trucks to build coordination and gross motor skills. These activities support physical health and encourage cooperative play and problem-solving. Staff have observed a growing interest in numbers and colours within the environment, with children spotting colours in the garden and counting objects during play, helping them develop early mathematical skills and strengthen their understanding of patterns and relationships.
These diverse experiences across all rooms at Knowle West Nursery School support children’s development across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.