This week the children have been focusing on the "life cycle of a butterfly" for our Understanding the World, the children have learnt the cycle of how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. We have welcomed in the classroom our own caterpillars which we will observe over time to see the real cycle for them to turn into butterflies. This is an incredible opportunity for all the children to see their learning in real life.
In Literacy, the story book the children have focused on is "the very hungry caterpillar" by Eric Carle. The book explored the life cycle of a butterfly starting as an egg, caterpillar, cocoon then a butterfly. It was lovely way to incorporate counting the fruit and the order of the days of the week which we do daily so it was lovely to see children strive during this story.
The children were amazed watching the process of this life cycle and were very intrigued and shown a particular interest in the process of the cocoon forming. All children were able to order or/and speak about the life cycle of a butterfly!
https://youtu.be/G3VMl-EY2DM?si=1QyxYorDAoVHRM_7
In Maths, the children completed caterpillar patterns, the children were able to complete patterns that were very challenging by not giving up and listening carefully to the pattern being read aloud. The children's progress for patterns is amazing to see as it use to be a tricky topic for some. Every child is confident in ABAB patterns but some children can complete ABCABC patterns which is incredible for their age and stage! The children love a challenge and they always shine!
This weeks fine motor skills challenge the children had to circle the dot using one continuous line this supports hand- eye coordination and to support their pre writing shapes (3 years old- circle). The children also used beads to match coloured on a board, they were very fast at this and shows they can all achieve colour matching and placing beads on holes. The children were able to create their own caterpillars by adding water colours with a pipette to a packing peanuts, the children loved this activity as could experiment with patterns and colours. On the Art table to children were independently practicing their collage skills by decorating a butterfly with different paper shapes. This encouraged the children to use their name shapes and colours when describing when they have done.
Happy Hooves visit
On Monday, the children were lucky enough to have a visit from some animals such as; alpacas, sheep, goats, chicken and rabbits. This was a lovely experience for the children to see the animals in real life. The children observed how the animals act and the sounds they make. Some of the animals that we have been learning; goats, sheep, chickens and rabbits from the farm, the children used their previous learning and applied it by naming the baby animal to the animal, making the noises they make and what they eat. Lots of children made comments about eggs from the chicken. The experience was lovely to consolidate the children's learning of "on the farm" and made their learning come to life!
