This week Pre-school have been learning about penguins. Although not a topic ordinarily explored in summer, the activity was based around the children’s interests. We focused mainly on where they live and how they behave but by linking their interest into our enhanced planning, the children were able to learn so much more, in so many different and fun ways. We have been reading books, finding out facts, having open discussions and using recycled materials to make our own igloo and “penguin world”. We danced to music, took the small world penguins into the rain for a swim, explored ice and even got messy making our own snow. (The children found it extremely funny when the snow got Beth all messy!)
The children learnt so many new facts and could talk about them with confidence and contribute to open discussions by the end of the week. “penguins are white and black” “they waddle” “they live in a cold place” “they can’t fly”
The children showed a particular interest in the snow and ice. They asked lots of different questions and even made their own suggestions about how ice melts and where it comes from. They talked about and described the textures as they combined, stirred and poured ingredients to make their own snow. Next we will be learning more about ice and where it comes from.
EYFS LINKS
Personal, Social and Emotional Development: Making Relationships – 40-60 MONTHS; EXPLAINS OWN KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING AND ASKS APPROPRIATE QUESTIONS OF OTHERS.
Communication and Language: Understanding – 22-36 MONTHS; DEVELOPING UNDERSTANDING OF SIMPLE CONCEPTS
Physical Development: Moving and Handling – 40-60 MONTHS; USES SIMPLE TOOLS TO EFFECT CHANGES TO MATERIALS
Understanding the World: The World – 30-50; SHOWS CARE AND CONCERN FOR LIVING THINGS IN THE ENVIROMENT
Expressive art and design: Exploring using media and materials – 30-50 MONTHS; BEGINNING TO BE INTERESTED IN AND DESCRIBE THE TEXTURE OF THINGS.
