Page 15 - link magazine

IT MIGHT seem strange but children
can learn a great deal from making preschool
mud pies and at St Francis Primary
School in Taw Hill they have their
own mud kitchen. gymnastics
Built by Year 2 teacher Andrew
Farmer from pallets donated by where an early
Optimise, who have constructed
Thames Water flood storage tanks start makes a world
in the area, children now dress up in
wellies and outdoor gear for regular of difference!
outdoor learning sessions.
Andrew said: “Our school is really
committed to providing practical
learning opportunities in the
environment. Mud pies on the curriculum
“The mud kitchen allows
children to estimate and measure
volume and capacity without the a class can be involved at the same
restrictions of a classroom. time.
“They can get muddy and splash Apart from three outdoor sessions
water about without anybody per term, children can use the mud
worrying. kitchen during playtime, so long as
“There’s science involved in they wear wet weather clothing.
learning about mud, wood and Andrew is hoping there will be
leaves in our outdoor woodland. snow before Spring arrives.
Improved verbal skills and team “The weather has been wet
work are also an outcome.” and mild since the kitchen was
Andrew added that parents have completed in November. Our
been keen to support the project intention is to use it in every kind of
and have donated pots, pans and weather so teaching the science of daily classes for the under 5’s
colanders to ensure every child in snow will be fun for all of us.
01793 822262
www.esprit-gymnastics.co.uk

Please call us at
Windmill Hill to
n FORMER Westlea Primary School headteacher Neil Griffiths has released arrange a nursery
his latest children’s book The Jolly Dodgers which is full of puny pirates tour just for
who pretend to be nasty. It’s packed with nutty characters who will have you and we will
both children and parents chuckling at their crazy antics. Order a copy look forward to
from cornertolearn.co.uk and follow Neil on Facebook at Red Robin Books. welcoming you to
our Outstanding
Nursery

swindonlink.com n February 2015 15