EYFS
Autumn Term Focus - Observation
Looking at nature in detail, investigating the natural world
Nursery on an autumn scavenger hunt
Reception looking for mini-beasts around the garden
Making fairy homes - Will the fairies come to live in the garden? Can we spot them amongst the plants?
Spring Term Focus - Participation
Being involved in caring for the environment and looking after the natural world
Nursery - Planting cress seeds to investigate how plants grow.
Nursery - Looking after our environment by collecting litter from around the garden and school grounds
Reception - Exploring the winter weather, making snow bees.
Reception - Identifying the signs of winter, thinking about what they can see, hear, smell and feel.
Development Matters Links:-
Age 3-4
Communication and Language -
Use a wider range of vocabulary.
Understand ‘why’ questions, like: “Why do you think the caterpillar got so fat?”
Physical Development :-
Use one-handed tools and equipment, for example trowels and hand forks
Understanding the World:-
Use all their senses in hands-on exploration of natural materials.
Talk about what they see, using a wide vocabulary.
Plant seeds and care for growing plants.
Understand the key features of the life cycle of a plant and an animal.
Begin to understand the need to respect and care for the natural environment and all living things.
Reception children
Communication & Language
Learn new vocabulary.
Use new vocabulary through the day.
Ask questions to find out more and to check they understand what has been said to them.
Articulate their ideas and thoughts in well-formed sentences.
Physical Development
Develop their small motor skills so that they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently.
Understanding the World
Explore the natural world around them.
Describe what they see, hear and feel whilst outside.
Understand the effect of changing seasons on the natural world around them.