This week we continued exploring our “We All Go Travelling By” book. The children really enjoyed learning the colours in Makaton signs and are becoming very confident using them during group activities and daily routines. It has been lovely to see the children enthusiastically joining in and recognising the different signs independently.

We also carried out a fun science experiment using chia seeds. The children observed how the chia seeds absorbed the water and expanded over time. We talked together about how the seeds developed a jelly-like layer around them and encouraged the children to describe what they could see and feel. During the activity, we introduced new vocabulary such as slimy and sticky, helping the children to build their language and communication skills.

Throughout the experiment, we used sustained shared thinking by asking open-ended questions such as:

• “What do you think will happen to the seeds?”
• “Why do you think the seeds got bigger?”
• “How does it feel when you touch them?”
• “What does it look like?”

The children were engaged, curious, and eager to share their ideas and predictions. It was wonderful to see them exploring, questioning, and learning together through hands-on experiences.