Nursery World - Duckling Way

A simple walk to see some ducklings by the Sunbeams Pre-school on the Isle of Wight covered the whole of the early years curriculum, says supervisor Melanie Lacey I was contacted recently by a mother enquiring about our playgroup. 'And what will my daughter learn?' she asked. I took a deep breath and talked about how young children learn by playing and through everyday experiences. The conversation drew to a close and we said goodbye. 'I've blown that chance,' I thought. But by the end of the week I was once again convinced of our group's ethos. Let me tell you how.

I was contacted recently by a mother enquiring about our playgroup. 'And what will my daughter learn?' she asked. I took a deep breath and talked about how young children learn by playing and through everyday experiences. The conversation drew to a close and we said goodbye. 'I've blown that chance,' I thought. But by the end of the week I was once again convinced of our group's ethos. Let me tell you how.

It was a fine morning and I had noticed the previous day that some ducklings had just hatched on Priory pond. When we were sitting around the table having our snack I asked the children if they would like to go and see them, and explained which route we would take. We decided to draw a map, 'so we know which way to go', and discussed how we would cross the road to the supermarket and turn left past the fencing yard on our right. We'd go past the little old houses with steps up to the front doors, through the churchyard and along the stony path to the duck pond.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included