Quality Learning
Environments
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 coloured walls, 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
