STEM – Tracie's Treasures

The builders have gone home for the weekend, so we have been able to go down and have a look at the garden classroom, which is still in the process of being finished. It’s quite exciting to see the space taking shape, with fresh wood framing, vibrant paint colors selected for the walls, and large windows that will allow plenty of natural light to flood in. As we stroll around, we can almost envision the children engaging with nature in this unique environment, fostering their creativity and curiosity while learning about the flora and fauna right at their doorstep. The potential for outdoor lessons and hands-on activities is endless, making this classroom not just a place of learning, but also a sanctuary where children can connect with the world around them.

We looked at the wood carefully, appreciating its unique textures and colors, and used real tools to practice our skills while taking care to prioritize safety first. We examined the different types of wood, learning about their various properties and how they contribute to different projects. Each tool had its purpose, and we discussed how STEM concepts intertwined with our hands-on experience in this learning adventure, all while engaging the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Through this process, we fostered creativity and problem-solving abilities, encouraging an appreciation for craftsmanship and the natural materials around us.

The walls have been insulated and covered in recycled wood, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while also highlighting sustainable resources. The mosaic textures of the walls add a unique aesthetic appeal, each piece telling its own story of reclaimed craftsmanship. They even made a stunning table out of reclaimed decking, showcasing the beauty of upcycled materials, inviting friends and family to gather around for memorable meals and conversations. This commitment to environmental responsibility not only enhances the living space but also serves as a testament to creative design that respects our planet.

This week we have been talking sustainability goal 1 No Poverty. NCFE (pg 17) I provided the children with photographs to provoke but not distress them of a homeless man, dog and cat. We talked about how all living things need a healthy environment and food to survive. I gave them another three photographs and asked them to choose which home would be suitable for each of them.

They chose a kennel for the dog, a cat house for the cat and a house for the human.

I asked the children what they think they would feel like if they didn’t have a lovely home. Lottie said she would get wet in the rain and Cristian said he would feel sad.

This provoked Jack to talk about the man outside ASDA whom we buy a bottle of water and fruit for when we go shopping. He said the man always looks sad and cold, I said what could we get him to make him feel warm? The children sid a coat, hat or socks. I said I thought the socks were a fabulous idea and the next time we go we can buy him some. When we went to give the man the socks the children asked me to hand them to the man as they felt a bit scared.

The man said thank you very much and Cristian asked him what his name was? The man replied ‘Geof’ Jack asked what his dogs name was the man replied ‘Bruno’ everyone said ‘have a nice day Geof and Bruno’ and we all went home feeling good about our kindness.

When we got back I asked the children what Geof could use as a shelter as he hasn’t got a lot of money? Lottie said he could live in a tent, Jack went on to say he had stayed in a tent with mummy and daddy on holiday and it was fun. I asked them what it might be like living in the tent in the winter, Lottie said it would be cold and sad as Geof has not got his mummy.

The children thought it would be good to make a tent for Geof. I provided the children with a massive box, jack asked if they could decorate it to make it pretty.

They all had fun for hours, once the tent was dry, I asked them what would make the tent comfortable for Geof. I asked them to go and find items to put in the tent for him. Lottie came back with a blanket, Jack found a ‘a fire to keep him warm, Elliott went and got him a tea pot for a cuppa and Cristian brought over some food.

Later Jack coloured a lovely picture of a dog and asked if he could stick it on the tent and call him Bruno. I said it was a fabulous Idea and asked him what would a dog need? Jack went and got him a bowl for food, a bowl for water and a cushion for him to lye on like his dog Cooper.

In the afternoon while the babies were sleeping, the older children asked to take the tent outside to play with. This extended their play and we talked about being in the tent through the seasons, at first they thought it would be fun to be in the tent when it was snowing. I asked them how would they keep themselves warm? They all said they would wear coats, hats and scarfs. I said they would have to wear them all the time so they thought it might not be so fun after all.

This provoked a conversation about Inuits who are people who use igloos for shelters in the Artic when they go on fishing trips. We looked on the internet and found out they are made out of compacted snow, which is a natural insulator and helps them to keep warmer than being outside.

To extend our experience of Tent living I put a tent up in the play room and the children ended up roll playing including having snack and nap time in there.

I took the theme of Poverty to our Childminder Drop in where I read everyone the story of ‘The Three Little Pigs’ we talked about different materials houses can be made off and how strong we think they would be. Development Matters (2021, pg90) The children talked about our tent activity with the other children, they all went back to their Childminders settings to make dens and have fun.

NCFE, UNESCO https://www.ncfe.org.uk/all-articles/supporting-practitioners-embed-sustainability-early-years/

https://www.evertonnurseryschoolandfamilycentre.org/early-years-sustainable-hub

Tag: STEM

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