This term we have been focusing on developing interest tables to extend the children's knowledge and understanding of the world through direct observation and exploration. When our link teacher talked enthusiastically about how one of the giant African land snails in her nursery had laid a batch of eggs, we eagerly asked for some baby snails so that we could set up an exciting interest table.
We began by talking to the children about the snails. What would they look like? Where would we keep them? What would we give them to eat? A visit to the library and pet shop, and an internet search, answered many of the questions.
We then prepared a home for our snails. We had read that they like to bury themselves, so we put a thick layer of compost at the bottom of a plastic tank. To keep the tank well ventilated we created a grid to fit over the top that could easily be removed, and to make the environment interesting we added a large rock and a shelter made from a curved piece of bark. We bought a water spray to spray our snails regularly to keep them damp, and a cuttlefish shell to provide a constant supply of calcium to keep their shells strong.
There was great excitement when the snails arrived, but the children left them in their tank until they were familiar with their new surroundings. By experimenting with different fruits and vegetables we discovered that the snails really enjoy apples, banana and melon, but that lettuce was their favourite.
Our snails are now very tame and the children know how to handle them gently. During sessions we fill a sand tray with compost so the snails can enjoy the freedom of a larger space. We provide magnifying glasses and writing materials beside the trays to encourage the children's observation skills.
Mandy Wallbanks is the pre-school session leader at Christian Life Centre Pre-school, Newton Aycliffe. She spoke to Jean Evans.
