This allows children to develop their aspect on the world showing care and concern for living things and the environment

The children attended the local garden centre where they decided the range of plants, vegetables and fruit they would like within nursery. The children enjoyed pushing the trolley around the aisles of beautifully displayed plants, the children found the man that was currently watering the plants where this encouraged them to extend their learning and development by jumping in the puddles that were made.

We spoke about the different plants, fruits and vegetables that engaged the children in looking at the similarities and differences. As we identified the new plants the children’s vocabulary was enhanced.
When arriving back at the nursery the children were excited to tend to the planting and vegetable area, the children found a trowel each and started to prepare the soil in preparation. They took turns each to have a go at removing the plant and carefully planting it within the soil. We explained to the children what we need for the plants to grow the children were engaged in conversation of watering, sunlight and the changes of the plants.

To engage parents we have added the parent’s challenge of sending a sunflower seed home. We have asked that parents send regular updates on the growth by measuring and dating, with photographs for us to discuss within the nursery.
When grandparents have collected the children from the setting we had them involved within the watering, which has been a delight to the children. A particular observation from this when a child was using the hose pipe alongside his nana, recognised a rainbow within the water. The child expressed this to his grandparent to which they all burst into song ‘I can see a rainbow’
If any parents would like to get involved in the garden this year please call into the office, please take some time out to take your children to the local garden centres.