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Currents of Curiosity: How Beach School Engages Young Minds

  • Writer: Nursery Days
    Nursery Days
  • Apr 23
  • 4 min read


Our Seaside Stories: Exploring the Wonders of Leysdown and Beyond!

Welcome to our little corner of the internet where we share our exciting adventures and discoveries from our local beach school sessions! Nestled on the Isle of Sheppey, we regularly visit the diverse shores of Leysdown, Minster, and Sheerness. These aren't just any beaches; they're ever-changing landscapes of sand, pebbles, and shells, offering a treasure trove of natural wonders for curious young minds (and enthusiastic adults!).


While these familiar stretches of coastline are our go-to destinations, we're always open to venturing further afield if a specific learning goal calls for a different environment. The beauty of beach school is its adaptability and the endless possibilities for exploration!



What Treasures Do Our Beaches Hold?

Every visit to the beach is a journey of discovery. Our keen-eyed explorers are constantly spotting fascinating things, including:

• A Kaleidoscope of Seaweed: From vibrant greens to deep reds and browns, the variety of seaweed is always a point of interest.

• Shell Stories: We find countless cockle, oyster, and mussel shells, each with its own unique shape and story. We also encounter the tiny wonders of barnacles clinging to rocks and debris.

• Nature's Sculptures: Weathered driftwood pieces often spark imaginations, taking on the forms of animals or fantastical creatures. We've even stumbled upon the occasional abandoned anchor, a silent testament to the sea's history.

• The Unsung Heroes: Amongst the rocks, stones, and pebbles, we find evidence of human activity, like bolts and boat debris, prompting discussions about the impact of the sea and our responsibility to it.

• Small Wonders: Keep your eyes peeled for scurrying insects, the ever-present gulls soaring overhead, and the fascinating movements of crabs in their rocky homes.



Embracing the Coastal Climate

Our local beaches are known for being generally windy, but that doesn't deter us! We believe in embracing all safe weather conditions, each bringing its own unique charm and learning opportunities.


More Than Just Sandcastles: Our Beach Activities

Our beach school sessions are far more than just playtime. We engage in a range of activities that foster creativity, physical development, and a deep connection with nature:

• Transient Art: Using the natural materials around us – shells, pebbles, seaweed – we create temporary artworks on the sand, celebrating the beauty of impermanence.

• Physical Games: Running, jumping, and exploring the varied terrain keeps us active and builds coordination.

• Story Times: The rhythmic sound of the waves provides a magical backdrop for storytelling and imaginative journeys.

• Ribbon Kite Making and Flying: Harnessing the power of the wind, we create and fly colourful ribbon kites, learning about aerodynamics in a fun and engaging way.

• Natural Art: We get creative with natural homemade paints derived from seaweed, using them to decorate the shells we find.

• Rock Pool Dipping: Exploring the miniature ecosystems within rock pools reveals a hidden world of marine life.

• Litter Picking: Instilling a sense of responsibility, we actively participate in keeping our beaches clean.

• Digging and Building: From elaborate sandcastles to intricate channels, digging and building encourages teamwork and problem-solving.

• Rock Cleaning: Gently scrubbing algae from rocks allows us to observe the textures and colours beneath.

• Surveying: We practice observation and recording skills by surveying different aspects of the beach environment.

• Treasure Hunts: Engaging our inner pirates, we follow clues and search for hidden natural treasures.



The Wisdom of Little Explorers

The children constantly surprise and delight us with their unique perspectives. One child beautifully described the shells as "beach toys," perfectly capturing their playful potential. But perhaps the most heartwarming moment was when a child discovered a piece of driftwood shaped like a hammer/pick axe and exclaimed with pure excitement, "I can fix the whole world with this!" It's these moments of pure, unadulterated wonder that make beach school so special.


What the Children Love Most

For our young adventurers, the simple joys of the beach are often the most captivating:

• Feeling sand in their toes: The tactile experience of the soft sand is always a favourite.

• Puddle jumping: Embracing the messy fun of splashing in puddles.

• Paddling their feet: Enjoying the cool touch of the water.

• Finding natural treasures: The thrill of discovering a unique shell, a smooth stone, or an interesting piece of driftwood.

• Seeing different boats: Observing the variety of vessels passing by sparks curiosity about the wider world.

• Seeing lugworm poos: Yes, even the less glamorous aspects of nature fascinate them! It's all part of the rich tapestry of the beach ecosystem.

Why Beach School Holds a Special Place for Staff

For us, the benefits of beach school are numerous and deeply rewarding:

• Fresh air: The invigorating sea breeze is a welcome change of scenery.

• Children’s well-being levels raised: We witness firsthand the positive impact of the natural environment on the children's mood and overall well-being.

• Fun: It's simply a joy to learn and explore in such a dynamic and engaging setting.

• Exciting things to show the children: The beach constantly offers new and fascinating discoveries to share.

• New experiences: Every visit brings something new, keeping the learning fresh and exciting for everyone involved.


About Us:


We are vastly experienced and knowledgeable after years of early years practice as a team. We know that choosing a nursery is a big decision and understand what is important to parents and children. We are aware of the demands and pressures parents have in their lives and so offer many different flexible sessions to suit our individual parents needs. From funded or self funding places to vouchers from work, we will always try to work out what will work best with you.


Visit Our Website at: www.nurserydays-upchurch.co.uk



 
 
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