29/10/2009 by James.

To follow on from the professional development session that I led at a Salisbury Nursery last week on Creative Learning in Early Years Education, I ran a hands on session for the staff and children yesterday.

We explored woodland materials using our senses and magnifying glasses, and discovered patterns, shapes, textures and stories by combining them with clay.

The responses from the group of 3 to 5 year olds was varied, with individual children touching, pressing and squeezing the clay, making cars, snowmen or eggs, or taking their clay away from the table to cook in an imaginary oven.

The idea of ‘intelligent materials’ is that they are open ended. They aren’t toys, they don’t encourage a particular reaction or response, they facilitate the children in exploring their own senses and ideas. It linked nicely with last week’s inset session where we discussed ways of supporting children to lead their own learning, through the use of appropriate materials, language and documentation.

I’m in the process of confirming permission to share the images of the children, so in the meantime, I’ve added these no-face pics.

For more information on creative learning in Early Years settings, have a look at these websites…      www.5×5x5creativity.org.uk     www.sightlines-initiative.com

Posted in Learning/Teaching, projects, me & my work | Print | No Comments »

29/10/2009 by James.

This is a little gem of a nature reserve just outside of my home town (or village…) of Pewsey.

You can wander along boardwalks through the fenland, across winding streams and past fields of flag irises, whilst the Belted Galloway cattle munch on the surrounding meadows. It has an ancient feel to it and is the perfect place to go to for some peace and quiet.

It’s between the village and the Kennet & Avon Canal, which is handy for a wander back home along the towpath and a drink in the pub.

Here’s some info from the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, with a link to the reserve’s page on their website.

From the plants, such as Yellow Iris (Iris pseudacorus) and Great Horsetail (Equisetum telmateia); through to insects and birds, such as the Snipe (Gallinago gallinago), there is much to see at Jones’s Mill. Rare plants include the Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella) and Flea Sedge (Carex pulicaris). In areas where the Belted Galloways have managed to keep the vegetation short, the tall spikes of Southern Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza praetermissa) and Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) can be seen. 

Posted in environmental issues, me & my work | Print | No Comments »