The senior team from the nursery have recently attended a training course ‘Providing Quality Learning Environments’.
Research shows that busy, bright walls and colourful resources can overstimulate children and can cause;
Crankiness
Tiredness
Upset
Anger
Miscommunication
Of course stimulation is key to developing little brains and building connections that help children learn, BUT bright, busy and plastic resources are not as beneficial as open ended resources and equipment made from natural materials.
This triggered a review of our nursery equipment and resources and further research into alternative approaches to the early year’s environment.
You may have noticed subtle changes, such as neutral displays and the introduction of ‘every day objects’ into areas within the rooms. Now it’s time to put theory into practice!!
The power of curiosity
After researching early childhood theorists and teaching methods, we have agreed that a curiosity approach to the existing continuous provision and the successful teaching and learning programme at St Mary’s Nursery would further enhance our observation, planning and assessment process.
Over the past few weeks we have been sourcing objects that promote curiosity, awe and wonder for the children. To judge the effect and compare the use of these resources to traditional ‘toys’ we have observed small groups of children exploring these items.
This experiment has proven interesting and the quality of observations have been valuable and informative.
Staff observed the children;
Playing cooperatively and working together
Problem solving
Using their imagination
Showing persistence
Maintaining a focus for a long period of time
Showing high levels of energy and fascination
Paying attention to detail
Showing curiosity about the objects
Staff have become inspired by this approach to further enhance the quality of the environment and will introduce a ‘curiosity collection’ to each area of the pre-school room (initially) for the children to;
Explore
Investigate
Think independently
Imagine
Use initiative
Please bare us in mind when you are having a clear out at home, NO TOYS thank you.
Every day objects – pots, pans, spoons, sieves
Home accessories – trinket boxes, brass, chrome or wooden ornaments and vases, cushions
Hair accessories – rollers, straighteners, hair brush, bobbles, hair dryers
Jewellery – bangles, necklaces, rings, jewellery boxes
Clothes – men’s ties, scarves, hats, shoes, shirts
If you have any questions about this please speak to a member of staff.
Thank you
