Nursery World - On the right track - understanding the environment

It is a sunny, warm June morning and children are happily engaged in various activities throughout the nursery garden. Paul, aged three years ten months, runs across the play area and under the covered way that is shaded from the sun. He eventually emerges back into the sunshine and runs toward the path that leads around the nursery garden.

Suddenly, he stops near the climbing frame and puts one foot over the wooden surround and into the bark. He pauses, then puts his foot back on the path and runs off again along the garden path.

Eventually, Paul runs up to one of the nursery practitioners who is talking with a group of children. He says, 'Marilyn, I've been on the London Underground.' She finishes her conversation and when Paul has her full attention, he says 'Er... if you see one (train) coming, you get it over there.' (He points to the bark surround of the climbing frame.) The practitioner asks, 'Where will the train be going?' Paul explains, 'Er ... London, Derby or Peterborough.' The practitioner replies, 'I think I'll go to Peterborough, I haven't got time to go to London today.'

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