Nursery activities. Our bright idea

The four Pre-school Learning Centres run by Great Aycliffe Town Council work closely with parents and the community. The annual Great Aycliffe Show is an opportunity for children and staff from all of the centres to work together to create a group display, explaining the learning opportunities that they regularly enjoy.

Why not approach some of the committees that organise local community events to see if this is a possibility in your area?

Planned learning intentions

To show a strong sense of self as a member of different communities, such as their family or setting

To interact with others, negotiating plans and activities and taking turns in conversation

To work creatively on a large or small scale

Resources

A portable display board for each group ,frieze paper ,examples of children's drawings, paintings and collage 3digital camera, computer and printer

Step by step

* Staff from each group began by talking to the children about the forthcoming show and encouraging them to recall past experiences of this event.

* They then suggested that the children might like to create a display showing their families and friends what they enjoy doing at pre-school.

They made a list of photographs to take, and collected together work that the children felt they would like to display.

* Each board was backed in brightly coloured paper and photographs, artwork and captions arranged on it, with the children choosing what to include.

* Once the main four boards were completed, staff created two boards displaying key facts about the centres and comments about the Foundation Stage.

* The children enjoyed visiting 'their display', pointing out their photographs and creative work, and telling their families about their contributions. Staff were on hand to answer any questions from parents.

* As a result of their efforts, staff hope that families are now more aware of the learning opportunities created for their children.

Activities

* Make similar displays for open days, for example, outlining the different stages of planning.

* Set up displays in different play areas explaining how children learn by pursuing their own ideas.

Jackie Swainston is the early years officer for Great Aycliffe Town Council, Co Durham. She spoke to Jean Evans. The pre-schools involved in the display were St Mary's, St Oswald's, Moore Lane and Woodham Burn Pre-school Learning Centres.