Cocoon

 

Cocoon Staff 2008/2009

 

CLASSROOMS:

There are 6 spacious classrooms allowing many different activities to run simultaneously. 

 

OUTSIDE PLAYGROUNDS:

There are 3 large outdoor covered play areas equipped with safe, solid play equipment and cars.

 

GYM ROOM:

 A large vibrant room, filled with exciting equipment designed to stimulate the children's gross motor skill development.  The children balance, throw, catch, crawl, dance and perform in this multi purpose room.  You might even see us doing some yoga exercises together!  We also conduct a weekly Creative Movement session in the Gym Room. 

 

MOVEMENT & LEARNING:

These songs include dances and exercises that are a blend of movements designed to promote better communication between the different parts of the brain, particularly the right and left hemispheres, and better integration between the brain and body.

We are able to accomplish this using equipment such as soft mattresses, various kinds of balls, colourful beanbags, specific CD’s and song books.

 

CREATIVE SINGING

We have a musician who comes to the nursery with her musical instruments to teach the children singing and music. This boosts the children’s confidence and speech as they learn the actions and words of the songs as a group.

 

LIBRARY ROOM:

BOOK and AUDIO LIBRARY

When children are read to regularly and encouraged to look through books on their own, to listen to story tapes, and to make up their own stories, they develop the motivation and skills to read and write. On library day the children get to choose a book that they are able to take home in their library bag, enjoy it with mum and dad, take good care of it and return it the next week on time to be able to borrow another one.

 

STORYSACKS:

Is a large bag containing a good quality story book with supporting materials to stimulate pre-reading activities. To bring the book to life, soft toys of the main character, props relating to items in the story and   non fiction books are available.

 

PLAYROOM:

Creative play and dressing up.  We encourage children to use their imaginations and role play in this area...maybe they can visit the shops, be a doctor or a policeman. 

 

PROJECT ROOM:

Simple Science:

This consists of simple experiments which will enable the children to experience new ideas and how things work in a fun way.

 

Junior Chef:

Cooking enables children to experience the world of food firsthand. They learn not only how food is prepared hygienically, but also how it contributes to their health and wellbeing.  Cooking offers children opportunities to experiment with food and to be creative.  One of the most appealing aspects of cooking for children is that it is one of the few activities in which they are allowed to do the same things that adults do, a rare treat for children. Whatever is not eaten in class will be taken home for parents to sample.

 

DISCOVERY ROOM:

Creative water & Sand Play:

Children’s exploration with sand and water naturally helps build various skills. By sifting sand and scooping water, children improve their physical dexterity. By joining others in blowing bubbles or making a sandcastle, they develop social skills.  At the same time, they enhance their cognitive skills as they explore why certain objects sink in water and others float with the various items, such as sponges, spades, sieves etc, at their disposal.

   

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES:

ART AND CRAFT

Working with art materials is a wonderful way for children to experiment with colour, shape, design and texture. Through all the free painting, drawing, gluing, sticking and other related activities, it enables the children to learn many skills, express themselves, appreciate beauty, and have lots of fun all at the same time.

 

Educational Brain Gym®

Brain Gym® is a system of quick, enjoyable and energizing movements designed to directly enhance brain function, allowing access to full learning potential. The consistent use of Brain Gym® movements wakes up neural connections in the whole body to make it feel safe and emotionally centered. The movements also integrate the distinctive functions of the right and left hemispheres of the brain.

 

SHOW & TELL:

Show and Tell encourages the children to talk to a group, it will help develop their social skills and boost their self-esteem as they get to talk about something that’s special to them, in front of their friends. Each child will receive a special Show and Tell Bag, in which the children can put in their object that is related to a chosen topic or to any other theme the teacher has selected.  A Show and Tell note will be sent to the parents advising them of the weekly theme. The selected item should fit in your child’s Show and Tell bag.