Georgia the Planter was introduced along with other containers during a theme on growing. One morning, the children discovered that she had moved from her usual position outside. A big hunt began until she was discovered hiding in the bushes.
This was the beginning of a series of escapades in which Georgia got up to all kinds of mischief when the nursery was empty.
One morning she was discovered with a lollipop in her mouth! Where had it come from? Sophie thought the fairies had left it. Chloe said Georgia had got it from the birthday box, but Hannah pointed out that it was 'too high, she can't reach the shelf'. Callum suggested that she must have a Harry Potter wand and Connor said it was just magic.
On other occasions Georgia was found in the water tray, at the top of the slide and in one of the babies' prams.
The main intention was to encourage the children to discuss and listen to each other's ideas and to pose interesting questions to challenge their thinking.
This has been done in a relaxed and informal way at different times of the day. Meal times have become a good time to remember and reflect upon Georgia's movements and hypothesise on what she might get up to next.
There have been opportunities to discuss safety issues. On discovering her at the top of the slide, Ellie exclaimed, 'She may fall off and bump her head!'
Issues have also arisen around feelings - is Georgia lonely when staff and children aren't there? Does she get frightened of the dark on her own? Is she being naughty when she is discovered having apparently eaten some of Chloe's' marshmallows?
Georgia now has a friend, George, to keep her company. George and Georgia have gone away for a holiday in Bridlington, and the children have received a postcard. Staff have managed to superimpose the pair on to holiday pictures, so there will be lots more to discuss when they return.
It looks as if this good idea could run and run!
Nursery officers Louise Rew and Susan Evans spoke to Diana Lawton
