Science in the nursery is explored through our learning daily with a more specific focus in set activities, for example the tray of items which alter visual perception. It is based in the Leopard room and within the S.T.E.M. resources. Being alongside the sand and water affords the children a change to use these to explore science concepts and do repetitive play to form schemas.  Also supported by an area of floor play for construction and wheeled toys.

A few examples of specific science activities which support observation are:

Leaf matching

Using multiples of different leaves we looked at the leaves to notice features and match. We used the factual book to identify the leaves. Following this we talked about the trees making forests and what creatures live in them. We used the leaves to make pictures, to make hedgehogs and squirrels for a forest display. Supported by a woodlands creature puppet in tree toy. We also pressed them into play dough to see the imprint clearly.

Caterpillars and tadpoles

We have the chance to see the wonder of growth and life cycles with our tadpoles outside and our caterpillars.

The nursery mud kitchen is a fantastic cross curricular resource enjoyed by all the children.

This year we have continued to consult with the children and families on how we can develop this area.  We have re-positioned the mud kitchen within the nursery garden to an area which enables the children to have easier and instant access to mud and other natural resources which appear in the garden throughout the years as the seasons change such as leaves, grass, stones, sticks, blossom, fallen apples, snow and ice.

We introduced more signage and equipment to the area to promote literacy and numeracy and the role playing that takes place in this area develops both social and emotional skills.

This year we have been developing an outdoor stage area.

Through consultation with children, parents/carers and staff we came up with a plan.

After sourcing resources and deciding where in the playground to site our stage we have been able to complete the project.

The children have enjoyed performing in this new area to an audience of their peers.

They can sing, dance and practice their nursery rhymes using our costumes, musical instruments and props.

We will continue to add further resources at the children’s request.

The children all enjoy taking part in water play. They enjoy moving the water around and watching it fall down. The children have had opportunity to decide what they would like to extend water play and we have added new resources to create a water wall.

The children helped clean the water  wall, after we cleaned the water wall with soap and water, we added some new parts.

The children have access to the water to fill up the buckets and pour the water on the water wall.

“Where does the water go if I put it here?”

Children develop their problem solving skills, explore early maths including volume and weight and expand their vocabulary.

The children have been taking part in the Music Machine programme.  They have been learning how to use percussion instruments properly and they have been learning how to read music by looking at the note family. 

Most children are now able to name the notes and also say/play the correct sound. 

Donald Drum was a favourite with the children.  They learned how to keep to the beat whilst talking about their favourite foods, toys etc.

At the end of the Music Machine programme, the children were happy to receive a certificate of completion.

Have a look at some of the fun we have had with Music Machine!

It has been another exciting and fun year at Clober Nursery and in our Eco Group we have been discovering and exploring lots of interesting things in our garden and the wider community. 

The children have been growing lots of fruit and vegetables and have helped build a green house to grow a variety of foods for the harvest.

We have had lots of keen gardeners and some great help from the parents at Clober. 

The children have also enjoy visiting with some of our older patrons at Abbotsford Care home where some of the children took time to plant some flowers in their sensory garden. 

And along with some of the older children in the school we have visited Clober farm where we have enjoyed looking around their amazing facilities and got to try out some of their hi-tech equipment. 

Our friends from the RSPB visited and we found out lots of interesting information about the wildlife around Scotland.

Play on Pedals is a 8 week course which aims to help children develop their confidence and improve their ability in riding a pedal bike by initially teaching them how to properly ride a balance bike.

With conjunction with parents staff will assess the stage the children are at and how they can be brought forward in their cycling abilities. Staff will also provide parent information sessions to outline the programme, answer any questions, recruit parent helpers and provide activities which can be mirrored at home.

The 8 week programme consists of:

Week 1: Naming the parts of the bike

Week 2: Securing the helmets

Week3: Breaking

Week 4: Gliding

Week 5: Steering

Week 6: Mounting and dismounting

Week 7: Balance, Slow speed & control

Week 8: Pedaling

At the end of the 8 week, children may or may not be able to pedal their bikes, however they will all receive a certificate for all their hard work and staff would ask that parents continue to support children in their cycling abilities.

The growing up project is a part of the children’s transition process preparing them for Primary 1.

Liaising with the Primary 1 teachers, the nursery staff plan fun and interactive activities such as transient art outdoors, parachute games, planting, number hunts and story time for the pre-school children and Primary 1 classes to participate in.

These activities happen all over the school environment from the nursery, outdoor playground, school hall and primary 1 classroom.

The Growing Up Project allows the children the opportunity to visit the school, work with different adults and teachers and also to make new friends along the way. It is great fun for all.