The children spent a lot of time in March garden planning. Children contributed to some drawn plans about how they wanted the Dolphins’ garden area to be and the types of things that they wanted in the garden.
To get going, we have started out propagating little seedlings with the preschool group. We are now gathering resources, wood, etc. so we can make planter boxes for the outdoor area to transfer the plants into. After the Easter holidays, when all the children and regular teachers are back, we will be re-bedding the window boxes and hanging baskets, planter boxes and planting our gardens.
Beyond green plants was also a very green St Patrick’s day that was celebrated with children dressed in green, painting in green, playing in green water and even making green cupcakes.
March was also largely dominated by Easter. We made collage Easter Eggs, sang Easter songs, made Hot Crossed buns, Easter nests and Easter cards.
Starfish
Starfish had a very multicultural month, starting off with St Patrick’s Day by dressing in green, painting clover, clover collages and making salt dough shamrocks. For Iranian New Year, the Starfish made goldfish out of sand and gold paint and for Hungarian ‘Name Day’ the Starfish children celebrated all the children and staff names. For Mother’s Day, we made fridge magnets and artwork for our children to take home for their mothers.
Loads of time was spent outside in March, until the rain came down in the last week. So we had lots of opportunities to bring the indoors out, by setting up our art activities outside and cosy reading corners. But also lots of great opportunity to really practice our gross motor skills, stretch our legs and practice climbing and manoeuvring our way round obstacle courses.
We went on a walk to the local library this month too which was great fun. The children enjoyed rummaging through the library book s and borrowing some books to read at the nursery.
Seahorses
March was a very busy month for Seahorses with an increase in children settling. It was all hands on deck for getting to know new children and supporting the children in getting used to the room and the toys and different faces.
March was a very busy month for Seahorses with an increase in children settling. It was all hands on deck for getting to know new children and supporting the children in getting used to the room and the toys and different faces.
The older babies have spent a lot of time doing art work as they have become familiar with the feel and process of playing with wet, coloured and messy substances. Knowing the staff well also helps them to trust and feel good about taking risks and trying something new.
Our new babies have enjoyed playing with the different treasure baskets and exploring through them. The wooden treasure, metal treasure and plastic treasure have been well explored as have the small people and musical instruments.
The team have been doing lots of singing with the children and the children listening without contributing their voices just yet.....but it won’t take them long!
Easter Bonnet Parade
All of the groups joined in the Easter Bonnet Parade the Monday before Easter. It was very unfortunate that the rain poured down on the day meaning that we had to bring the parade into the Dolphins indoors, but none the less children enjoyed parading their hats for each other and some of the parents.
All of the groups joined in the Easter Bonnet Parade the Monday before Easter. It was very unfortunate that the rain poured down on the day meaning that we had to bring the parade into the Dolphins indoors, but none the less children enjoyed parading their hats for each other and some of the parents.
