This week at Anemoens nursery, we've been busy exploring shapes, minibeasts, nature, and growing things through a variety of fun and hands-on activities.

In maths, the children have been learning to recognise and name 2D shapes in lots of fun ways particularly square, circle, rectangle, triangle and hexagon. They matched shapes to hungry shape monsters, built pictures using shapes, made their own shapes with lollipop sticks, and went on shape hunts around the room. These activities helped the children notice shapes in everyday objects and develop early spatial awareness.

In mark making we’ve been making marks with big movements this week on a table covered table! Using crayons, felt tips, and pencil colours, the children enjoyed waving and drawing. They had the freedom to wave, swirl, and draw in large gestures, which not only encouraged creativity but also strengthened their shoulder and arm muscles – important foundations for writing later on.

Our tuff tray was set up as a mini garden with soil, pots, planting tools, and real vegetables like potatoes and onions. The children used their senses to explore natural materials and practised digging, scooping, and planting using real tools.

At the creative table, the children explored a range of seasonal crafts inspired by spring. They used forks to stamp beautiful flower shapes, designed ladybirds and bumblebees with repeating patterns, and made symmetrical butterfly paintings by folding paper in half. These activities helped the children explore texture, pattern, and symmetry, while also supporting their fine motor skills and encouraging self-expression through art.

The water tray was filled with brightly coloured rice this week. The children enjoyed pouring and scooping using different cups and tools. This activity encouraged hand-eye coordination, concentration, and the development of fine motor control through play.

Outdoors, the children helped plant cress seeds and took part in conversations about what plants need to grow – sunlight, soil, and water. They showed real care and curiosity, checking back each day to see if their seeds had sprouted. It was lovely to see their excitement build as little green shoots began to appear, helping them understand the process of growth and change over time.

NELI

Our focus story this week was Nothing Can Frighten a Bear, about a bear family who go on a monster hunt at night. In the end, the “monster” turns out to be baby bear snoring! We talked about new words like frightened, stuck, deep, and wriggle.

 We hope you have a lovely weekend.

Anemones Team.