We have been exploring growing in the Nursery classes this term. We started with our core story, Jack and the Beanstalk, where Jack plants magic beans, grows an enormous beanstalk and climbs to the top. He finds a giant’s castle and enters courageously! We planted our beans, learning how to plant a seed, what seeds need to grow, and the process from bean to beanstalk! We also explored all the materials in self-directed learning during Exploring Time in the classrooms and outside in our amazing grounds. We found so many different things growing and while weeding our vegetable beds, we learned much more about roots, shoots, stems and leaves!
Growing things is a fantastic way for children to learn about lifecycles, growth and change over time, and care and concern for living things. It teaches them to be careful and gentle and respect the world around them. It is also a great way to learn new language, explore our understanding of measure (tiny, taller! Biggest! More!), and experience new things.
The children’s mark-making skills developed beautifully during this study, and the shapes they used—circles, ovals, and lines—will contribute to their developing writing as they transition to school. We have loved getting outside more, too. Fresh air and leg stretching help when trying to be still, listen, and focus at group time.
