Nursery World - Cognitive development

This feature can be photocopied for early years practitioners and parents of under-threes

Relaxed observation of toddlers and very young children soon shows you that they are fascinated by the natural world. They are intrigued by the small-scale universe of little insects, of clover among the grass or the feel of different twigs. But they are also excited by what they can see on a grander scale - the contrasting light and dark provided by winter afternoons, and views of the moon and stars, even in an urban area.

Talk with parents
The outdoors experience of under-threes will be a partnership between early years practitioners and parents. It is important to exchange news of what has delighted a young child in the different parts of his or her life. My son's childminder told us about his enthusiasm for her rabbits and growing tomatoes. In turn we shared his awe when, aged 18 months, we took him to the shingle beach at Dungeness in Kent. He kept saying, 'Stone, stone' as he gazed at the landscape and tried to decide which he would choose for his own.

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