This week in the Nest we have begun to look at maths, trying to achieve an awareness of ‘Space and simple changes in Numbers’.
The babies have enjoyed taking part in a range of activities such as number rhymes (singing songs based on numbers up to 3), puzzles – shape sorting, posting a variety of different sized balls down large tubes and using sensory materials (oats, sand and rice) to experience pouring and filling different sized containers.
They have particularly enjoyed the filling and pouring activity, playing independently gaining in confidence to explore. Making marks by dragging their hands through, feeling the materials slipping between their fingers and watching it scatter into the tray. During their play the babies have also liked playing alongside an adult narrating their play trying to associate words with actions to encourage speech – ‘you’re filling the green cup’ or ‘big scoop/ little scoop’ helping make sense of the world around them.
Not only did the babies love filling and pouring with the containers, but feeling the sensory materials with their hands and bodies (even climbing into the tray).
Madi, Jade and Poppy
The Nest.