A child centred curriculum is one in which children take command of their own learning. Our Educators are there to provide support and to help facilitate the children's discoveries Together they carefully co-create and follow the children's passions and interests.
'What i experience today will help me learn and know more tomorrow'.
Why did we love bird watching this week?
The Joy of nature
The children have been engaged in using the binoculars to spot as many different species of birds as they could. The children have discovered the joy of recognising that their natural world was much bigger than they thought!
Building their mathematical skills.
We have been collating, over the week, just how many birds we have seen in our garden. At Circle time we have been talking about the birds we have seen and counting together. Lots of mathematical language has been used as we talk about which bird has been seen more and which has had less viewings. It has also given the children an opportunity to explore and try out their estimation skills.
Listening skills.
The children have been using their sense of hearing to recognise that each bird has its own distinctive whistle. We also learned that loud noises scare the birds away.
First hand experiences
The children have been learning that birds come in different sizes, much like ourselves. They have been recognising that when the weather is dull, the birds are quieter and on sunny days we can see and hear them better.
Using scientific equipment
We have been making food for the birds. This has involved mixing up the correct ratio of suet and bird seed. We have been using scales. Furthermore, we have been investigating how the binoculars helps us to see the birds better.
Fine motor skills.
As we made marks on our data collation sheet, we practised holding a pencil and making marks for a purpose.
Literacy
As we matched up the bird sounds to the pictures in the book, the children learned that print can convey meaning and that we can use print to find out information.
Being imaginative
We have been using small world props to design our own birds houses and nests. The children have been developing their ideas and discussion has centred on which nest will keep the birds warmer. In our creative area we have been designing our own birds, using a variety of craft materials. Some have been beautifully colourful, and the children have been using fantastic descriptive language as they talk about their designs.
