St Philip’s Marsh Nursery School children have been exploring mathematics, creative mark-making, seasonal changes and emotional development this month.
Oak Class children have been exploring mathematics through engaging hands-on activities. Children have sustained interest in completing puzzles, from inset puzzles to complex ones where they match numerals with quantities, developing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. At the light table, magnetic tiles are being used to create complex structures and two-dimensional patterns, exploring shape, symmetry and spatial relationships. Children have made repeating patterns with unifix cubes whilst some chose to make tall towers or count blocks. The class has started “number of the week” at group time, with interest in ordering numerals and building understanding of number sequence.
Children from the two-year-old and three-year-old groups have been making marks in the garden through exciting large-scale art experiences. White sheets were hung from washing lines and children used spray bottles filled with paint to transform them, creating dramatic splashes of colour. Some children said, “we are artists!” The next day, children used traditional paint brushes and paint on cardboard before helping to clean up with soapy water and the hose. “Best day ever!” said one child.
Beech Class children have been enjoying the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, learning about colours and predicting which animal appears next. The changing seasons have sparked curiosity as leaves fall from the trees, with children collecting leaves and learning a song about falling leaves that encourages counting and understanding ‘one less’. Outdoor play has focused on children using crates creatively, turning them into campfires and beds. Inside, feelings hand puppets have been popular for learning to identify emotions, whilst the playdough area continues to be a favourite for developing fine motor skills.
These diverse experiences support children’s development across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage.