General Information
Greenacre Nursery School, Bootle: Curriculum
Play
Play has always been the most important part of life in Nursery School. It is the enjoyment and pleasure of play that sets the stage for learning; through play the child can explore and find out about the world around him, indoors and outside. Children are naturally active and curious – we want to encourage this “yearning for learning”, and gradually develop the skills needed in primary school. At Greenacre we provide opportunities for the main aspects of play - sand, water, clay, dough, paints, collage, model making, home corner, block play, cookery, music, library and active outdoor play. Using the computer and interactive whiteboard increases children’s experience of technology.
Play, in the nursery situation, encourages children to make use of language. As children learn through their senses of taste, touch, sight, hearing and smell, they are encouraged and helped to find the words to describe their experiences. The child can then remember these words and build upon them. This is a process which is vital to all later learning at school.
Children need a vast number of first hand experiences, so that learning is thorough and long lasting, laying a sound foundation for later development. The Nursery, with its specially equipped environment and support from trained, skilled teachers and nursery nurses, provides these opportunities. Play outdoors in our beautiful, natural grounds is seen as particularly important – activities are carefully planned to suit children who learn more successfully when they are physically active and involved.
Together with the parents’ love, support and interest children will grow and develop into confident and successful learners.