Our project for the Summer term is ‘At the ……..!’
Each term at Chrysalis we choose a project that we can loosely base our learning on during the weeks ahead. We like the children to feel really involved with their project, and choose topics that they are interested in, and want to know more about.
This term, our teacher Elaine has suggested a really excellent project for including children’s choices. It can be extremely broad ranging, and we will ask the children each week where they might like to learn about next. It gives ample opportunities for children to widen their knowledge of the world, and share the experiences they have already, called cultural capital, with their friends and teachers.
Some examples of topics we might cover this term are…..
At the…. Supermarket!
Already familiar to most of our children, supermarkets are excellent for discussions about the different types of foods we eat, food groups, and where in the world things are grown.
Healthy eating is an important part of Chrysalis education and this ties in very well with this topic. Discussions about reducing sugar in our diet, and dental care can also be incorporated.
Maths concepts can easily be introduced with role play selling and buying items, counting money and giving change. Labelling and pricing are great for practicing mark making.
Scavenger hunts are always popular at Chrysalis, and lend themselves very well to the supermarket theme.
At the…. Beach!
As the warmer weather approaches some of our children may visit the beach. We are so lucky to live in area close to the coastline, and this topic will allow us to look at the nature and wildlife we find there. We can incorporate sand dunes, tidal areas, rock pools and of course creatures that live in the sea itself.
Sand and water play would tie in nicely with this topic, and provide a wide range of different learning opportunities including maths and science, extending creativity and working co-operatively with others.
Sand also provides a great medium for the children to practice their mark making.
Discussions about beach safety and the role of lifeguards can be included. As can sun safety, and keeping ourselves well hydrated.
And of course…. there’s building sand castles!
At the…. Doctors!
Role playing situations that can sometimes seem quite scary to young children, helps to familiarise them with the sights and sounds, people who work there and special equipment that they might find there.
Nearly every child will pay a visit to the doctors at some point, and knowing what they might expect beforehand can help to avoid any nerves.
Talking about ourselves and our bodies can be included in this topic. The children can measure their height, and weigh themselves, to compare with their friends. Labelling of body parts on a body map, extends vocabulary.
Listening to our hearts beating with stethoscopes can lead to discussions about the importance of exercise and keeping our hearts healthy and muscles strong.
At the…. School!
In preparation for starting school when they reach school age, we talk to the children about what to expect when they leave nursery and start on their exciting adventures at their chosen primary school.
School uniforms can seem strange at first, but we aim to familiarise our children with these and give them opportunities to practice changing into PE kit. Self-care with toileting, hand washing and putting on coats and shoes are practiced as we lead our children toward independence.
Listening skills, turn-taking and sharing are encouraged from the very outset when children join us. Number and letter recognition, counting and mark making all form a solid basis for our children when transferring to school.
The poster below gives parents excellent advice about preparing your child for school.
http://montessorinurseries.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ReadyForSchool.png
There really are no limits as to where this project may take us. We’re excited to see what the children choose, and where we might explore! ……..Maybe even…
‘At the…. Moon!’
