This week our learning was inspired by the interactive book Who’s Hiding at the Seaside?, which sparked curiosity and rich discussions about seaside habitats and the creatures that live there. The children were particularly excited to create their own rock pools using natural materials, small-world resources, and imaginative play.  Children explored the natural world around them, describing what they see, hear and feel while making sense of different environments.

To deepen their understanding, the children used iPads responsibly and independently to video and voice-record their explanations of rock pools. They described what lives there and why these habitats are special, demonstrating their ability to develop communication skills by using talk to organise their thinking and explain ideas. They also showed increasing independence in managing tasks, taking turns, sharing equipment, and regulating their behaviour in line with Development Matters in Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Throughout the week, the children engaged in a range of seaside crafts, including textured collages, shell rubbings, and watercolour painting. These activities supported fine motor development by strengthening hand–eye coordination and control, while also enabling children to explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects, as outlined in Expressive Arts and Design.

Our discussions about sea creatures, habitats, and caring for the environment linked closely to Understanding the World. The children asked questions to find out more, shared their own experiences, and began to understand the importance of looking after natural environments, reflecting key Development Matters knowledge and skills in exploring and making sense of the world around them.