At Rachel Keeling we work hard to develop children's independence and ability to master skills: climbing, cycling, writing, designing and building and sculpting with clay. We recognise being able to do something without adult help builds confidence and empowers children to develop a positive self-image. The team have worked hard, using a variety of techniques, recipes and tools to enable children to bake with peers, completing as much of the process without adult direction. Children worked over two weeks in groups making a variety of sweet and savoury muffins to share with the rest of the Nursery. The levels of independence in reading recipes, measuring with accuracy, taking turns and collaborating were astounding. The muffins tasted delicious too!
Children have been given time to build upon our recent shape, space and tessellation work and trip to St Paul's Cathedral by using transient artefacts to create patterns. This has culminated in some beautiful mosaics which the children have created. Many children sustained concentration for long periods of time and revisited to alter and improve on their creations. Children understood the process and were happy to leave them in school to return to over the week. The tricky skill of using the glue gun to fix tiny pieces needed support at times to avoid frustration! The next decision the children and team need to make is where to display their beautiful creations.
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