A Special Day at the Allotment with Parents and Preschoolers
On Monday, some of our Frogs were joined by their parents for a wonderful morning at the allotment - the very same space where our preschoolers enjoy regular outdoor learning sessions. It was a fantastic opportunity for families to experience firsthand the hands-on, nature-based learning that forms such an important part of our curriculum.
Getting Their Hands Dirty with Planting
Our talented chef, Sam, brought along baby tomato plants for the children to plant, and everyone jumped straight into action! With help from the teachers and their parents, the children carefully layered clay and rocks at the bottom of their pots to help with drainage. This step not only supports healthy plant growth but also gave the children a deeper understanding of how we care for living things.
The children showed great focus and excitement as they patted down the soil and gently placed the plants in their new homes. It was a lovely moment of shared learning between children and their grown-ups.
They also had the chance to decorate their very own plant pots, adding personal flair and creativity to their gardening projects.
Once decorated, the children carefully filled their pots with soil and planted chive seeds inside. These little green shoots will soon begin to sprout at home, giving the children a chance to care for and observe their plants as they grow.
Did you know? When chives begin to grow, they sprout thin, green shoots that look just like hair, making them a fun and visual way for little ones to learn about plant growth! Many children were delighted by the idea that their chives would soon have "green hair" poking out of the soil.
Creativity in the Outdoors
Beyond planting, the day was filled with creative activities that encouraged imagination and self-expression. Using natural materials and loose parts found around the allotment, the children explored transient art - creating unique designs with leaves, sticks, cones, and more.
A Glimpse into Outdoor Learning
The visit was not just a fun outing, it offered parents a genuine look into the kind of experiences their children enjoy during our regular outdoor learning sessions. From sensory exploration to environmental awareness, our time at the allotment helps children develop a deep connection with nature while building important life skills.
We look forward to more family involvement in our outdoor sessions in the future. These shared experiences are incredibly valuable, not only for the children but also for building a stronger connection between home and nursery life.
Thank you to everyone who made the day so special!
