Mini Builders Construct Wishing Well

At Daisykins Day Nursery in Rugby the children often show a keen interest in risky play. The children in Pre-School took turns in helping our fantastic practitioner, Matthew, to build a wishing well to go in the reception area as part of Daisykins' new 'DaiDreams' scheme.

They began by discussing the names and use of each tool that they were going to use. Some of the children learnt new topic related vocabulary like 'nut', 'washer' and 'bolt'. Matthew talked to the children about what they needed to do to stay safe, inviting the children to make suggestions. One child recommended that they wear their Daisykins' Hi Vis jackets whilst handling tools, to make sure that other people could see them. Another child told their friends that they would need to sit still whilst someone else was using the screwdriver to make sure they didn't get hurt. Our favourite answer had to be one child's request to wear a torch in case the lights went out!

Matthew then demonstrated how to use each tool, quizzing the children by asking questions afterwards. They demonstrated excellent listening skills, explaining in great detail about what they needed to do. It was then time for the children to put the pieces together, but which piece went where?

That's when one of the children asked for the "structions", giving Matthew the idea of looking at the literature that came in the box. Matthew asked if anyone would be able to help him and quickly had a group full of children with their hands in the air, keen to help. The instructions were placed on the floor for all of the children to see and were asked which piece was needed first. Matthew was incredibly impressed by the children's ability to look at, understand and follow the diagram.

Soon, there was only one piece left to add to the wishing well before it was complete and the children's faces lit up with joy. They showed pride in their achievement, welcoming praise from the practitioner, smiling and giggling. We love the finished product and are so pleased to see the children filled with excitement to show their parents/carers the wishing well upon drop off and pick up.

We are really looking forward to finding out what the wishing well is going to be used for! Be sure to keep looking on our website over the next few days to find out more!