This week in the cocoons room saw the children learn about plantation and plants in gardens. The children’s interests in plants began early in the week where the cocoons gathered near their outdoor garden beds to explore these man-made natural spaces. Using their senses to explore and feel the dirt the children were encouraged to hold the dirt and explain what they could feel. They were also encouraged by their educators to pat the plants in their garden beds and share with their group and educator what size they thought each plant was that they could see and touch in the garden (1/8).
Throughout the week the cocoons were given the opportunity to congregate in the garden areas observing several species and various sizes of different plants. Children also develop their care and empathy for our plants assisting by watering and spraying the plants with water to help them grow (2/8).
The cocoons engaged in sensory exploration during their gathering in the garden where they observed, touched and learnt about different plants in the garden (3/8). Using resources collected in this activity the children had the opportunity to create flowers using natural sticks and leaves.
Our exploration of plants lead to an investigation of how insects such as bees pollinate on fruits, flowers and vegetables. Through digital technology the children learnt about pollination and gave children the opportunity to develop their knowledge and ask open ended questions to enhance and extend their curiosity through discussion opportunities (3/8).
The cocoons were also able to develop their creativity and imaginations through creative arts using natural resources to create a flower puppet using leaves and sticks collected through earlier learning experiences (4/8).
Fundamental movement skills were also explored this week as the cocoons engaged in an indoor gross motor activity called ‘Jumping like frogs’ (4/8). Our little learners mimicked being a frog and practising their jumping skills in small groups as they jumped from the plant leaf while demonstrating their confidence in their jumping skills and following the task at hand.
To conclude a week of exploration and learning about plants the children continued exploring scientific concepts learning about the life cycle of a growing bean (5/8).
What the cocoons have learnt this week:
* Through providing children with experiences about plants they have been given the opportunity to explore nature through hands on learning moments.
* The cocoons use their play to investigate and explore new ideas in both their indoor and outdoor environments.
* The cocoons have demonstrated an increasing knowledge for natural and constructed environments during their learning experiences.
* Through sharing information and creating environments children also are developing their connectedness to the land and find ways to understand how human activity can impact our environments.
* Through discovery and exploration our little learners had the opportunity to develop their knowledge of the life cycle of plants and how they form.
* Our Cocoons continued developing their fine motor skills practising their grip skills using the tongs during their leaf plant activity.
Next week (week beginning 8th August) the Caterpillars will continue:
The cocoons will learn about other species of plants including the cactus.
Using their cognitive skills to learn about plants through a plant matching activity.
The cocoons will engage in a hands-on planting experience planting different plants and revisiting the plant life cycle chart.
Through creative arts children will continue to use natural resources to create different plants.
Links to Early Years Learning Framework:
2.4 - Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment.
4.1 - Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity.
Links to National Quality Standards:
3.1.1 - Outdoor and indoor spaces, buildings, fixtures and fittings are suitable for their purpose, including supporting the access of every child.
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