Reflections Nursery publishes Crocodile!

On Reflection Publishing have released their first book.  Crocodile! is a project workbook featuring children’s creative work and ideas.

Reflections Nursery in Worthing has published an exciting book featuring work by children who participated in a three-month project about crocodiles. The book, written by the artist in residence in the nursery, Angela Chick reveals a fascinating project involving fifty 3 & 4 year old children. 

The book tracks the relationship the children developed with a taxidermy crocodile skull, at first through observational drawing and later through painting, clay modelling, anatomical examination and role play.

In full colour with 60 pages of narrative, images, children’s quotes, explanation and reflections, Crocodile!, will appeal to educators, artists, parents and anyone who is connected with young children. 

The book is available through the nursery or by e-mailing martin@reflectionsnurseries.co.uk priced at £10.99 plus p+p.           

For more information go to http://www.reflectionsnurseries.co.uk

Feedback from Reflections Professional Development Day 4th June 2011

Reflections Nursery Professional Development Day - The Environment as the Third Teacher 

“All staff were very knowledgeable and you got a true feeling that they enjoyed working for Reflections. There is a true passion amongst the team to develop children in a natural way. A very enjoyable day.”

“I felt as if you invited us into your home, welcomed us with open arms and openly shared all that you had with your invited guests. Thank you! Keep up the excellent work!” 

“All staff were a real credit to the nursery – irrespective of their length of time at the nursery.”

“An inspiring day… Great to see such a confident and competent team of young practitioners – well done!”

“As always your nursery fills us with inspiration.  The course exceeded my expectations and it was a delight to visit you again”

“I really enjoyed the day.”

“Just wanted to thank you for Saturday. Reflections really is a truly remarkable place.”

“The food was fantastic.”

“[I liked the].. Openness and honesty of all the staff!!”

“It was an informative day.”

“Fantastic learning environment and experiences provided for the children.”

Edible Garden at Reflections

In 2009 one of the children in pre-school asked, “Where do chips come from?” another child replied, “From McDonalds”.  This discussion went on to prompt a project about potatoes. 

Following on from this project, a discussion amongst practitioners resulted in our decision to create part of our garden into an edible landscape where children could learn about planting, growing, harvesting and the rhythm of the seasons.

In autumn 2010 the children did some planting in tubs, enabling the children to harvest potatoes in time for Christmas lunch. We planted fruit trees with the children in the front garden and they made clay ‘wishes’ to plant with each tree and buried them under the roots. 

In winter 2010 we acquired the greenhouse, composting bins and raised beds and we planted espaliered fruits along the east flint wall. The children have filled the compost bins, planted seeds and pricked them out, and have already harvested some of the salads.   

We are looking forward to see how our edible garden progresses.