Our Spring 2 Journey
Our Focus this Term
This half term in Tadpoles, we explored the exciting world of Zoo animals! The children learned about what a zoo is and the different animals that live there. Through stories, songs, and imaginative play, they discovered animals big and small - from roaring lions to tall giraffes. We enjoyed creating animal artwork, moving like animals during our play, and talking about the sounds they make. This topic helped to develop the children's language, curiosity, and understanding of the world around them all whilst having lots of fun together!
Dear Zoo and Down in the Jungle
Our focus story this half term was Dear Zoo, which the children thoroughly enjoyed listening to and joining in with it. The repetitive language and familiar structure supported the children's Communication and Language development, encouraging them to anticipate what might happen next and join in with key phrases. We used props and role play to bring the story to life, helping the children talk about the different animals and describe them.
Our nursery ryhme, Down in the Jungle, was a firm favourite and supported both Communication and Language and Expressive Arts and Design. The children loved singing along, using actions, and moving their bodies like different jungle animals. This helped to build their confidence, rhythm, and listening skills.
Listen to our Nursery Ryhme here:
We also provided a range of activities linked to both the story and rhyme, including small world play, animal-themed crafts, and sensory experiences. These opportunities encouraged the children to explore, use their imagination, and develop their understanding of animals in a fun and engaging way.
Mathematics and Understand the World
As part of our zoo topic, we explored animal patterns while supporting the children's learning within Mathematics and Understanding the World. The children looked closely at the different patterns on animals and talked about what they could see, noticing spots, stripes, and shapes. Through creative activities such as drawing spots on leopards and giraffes, the children discussed big and small spots, and added stripes to tigers.
These experiences encouraged the children to recognise and create patterns, compare sizes, and begin using mathematical language such as "big" and "small" and "same". The also developed their curiosity about the natural world, learning that animals have different patterns and features. This hands-on learning supported both their early maths development and their understanding of the world around them.