Train Trip

One of the brilliant aspects of childminding is that ,with our relatively small numbers, we are able to access areas of the community that are not so easy for larger settings. Today was no exception to this. We decided to go on a train trip. The timing was perfect as many of the children enjoy the small world train track within the setting and two of our gang had been on a steam train recently so it was good to show them the modern day alternative. 

We identified the signs within the local area that gave directions to the local station and the children took great excitement from following these and telling us which way to go. Once on the platform there was great excitement about having to climb over the bridge. All children followed instructions to stand behind the yellow line for safety. We watched several trains pass through the station before ours stopped. 

We boarded the train and the conductor sold us some tickets. He was generous enough to give each of the children their own special ticket. As the train moved the children pointed out aspects of the local area they recognised before we reached Plymouth Central Station. 

While waiting for the train home we looked at train timetables and platform numbers that we recognised. The older children initiated a role play amongst themselves where they pretended to be conductors, holding out their hands for the tickets and stamping them! As we arrived back at our starting point the train driver kindly waved goodbye to all the children and tooted the horn! 

Whilst this was a simple morning outing within the nearby community we covered all aspects of learning:-

PSED: The children all chatted on the train and took it in turns as they got on and off the vehicle

PD: We walked to the station and climbed the large bridge to cross the tracks safely

C&L: Instructions were followed and many questions were asked by the older children 

L: The children looked for the letters they could identify within the station and followed signs

N: We talked about the shapes of the fronts of the trains and looked at the numbers of the platforms

UTW: The children enjoyed being out in the community and learnt how the computer screens conveyed information. 

EA&D: The children initiated role play about being a train conductor 

Plymouth Synagogue Visit

An important aspect of working with early years children is ensuring they have a good knowledge and understanding of the community within which they live. For this reason I try and provide the children with as many opportunities to interact with the local community as possible. Today we were lucky enough to be invited on a trip to Plymouth Synagogue.

The children (and me!) learnt some simple facts about Judaism. For example we talked about the Sabbath being a Saturday and a rest day and discussed how the women sit up in the gallery with the children while the men sit on the ground floor to worship. 

The tour was very hands on for the children and they enjoyed a variety of dressing up, handling items from within the synagogue such as bells and bowls and, their favourite part, trying some Kosher snacks.

Post Office Trip

A big part of the early years curriculum is enabling children to engage with an understand with community within which they reside. The children get very excited about seeing the postman when we are out and about and always comment on the post that has been delivered when we get home. 

In order to help their understanding of this process all of the children drew some pictures that they were particularly proud of! We then placed them in an envelope and the children looked as I wrote the address, picking out the letter sounds that they recognised.

Our eldest two children both picked out the number 2 on the 2nd class stamp and stuck it on the envelope ready for posting. There was much excitement about posting the letter and even more excitement a few days later when our pictures finally reappeared on our doorstep courtesy of the postman. 

Finally we arranged a short visit to our Local Sorting Office so that the children could see where the post from all the post boxes is sorted. The staff were brilliant with the children and gave them lots of cards to colour on as well as giving a great demonstration of the sorting machines.   

Fun with Autumn Leaves

Autumn creates so many learning opportunities and we love being out and about at this time of year. The leaves falling off the trees provide opportunity to talk about changing seasons whilst the leaves themselves provide opportunity to talk about colour. 

The children enjoyed several mornings at both Saltram and the wildlife area at Devonport Park playing in the leaves, on the play equipment and looking for the various insects that live in such habitats. 

After collecting a variety of leaves (the children love the responsibility of carrying their own bag too collect leaves) we took some home to create some Autumn art through a range of sticking and glitter shaking.