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The Winners

The New Baby

Early Days Montessori Playgroup

This is a wonderful story that follows the children’s play and learning as they explore the news that a number of the children will soon be welcoming new babies into their families.  They describe, discuss and act out how they think this will impact on their lives, from naming the new born babies to washing, dressing and feeding them – making sense of it all through play.  Having an opportunity to observe a real baby added to their awe, and making the comparisons with a real live great-granny enhanced the children’s experiences and learning. 

The Cow Project

Free-Range Kids Explorer Preschool

This story was initiated when a throwaway comment from an adult was picked up by a child, prompting the activities that supported the children to explore where milk comes from, what can be made from it, and how this happens.  The children experience milking the cow (glove!), separating the cow’s milk into milk and cream, and making their own bread with the milk and butter from the cream.  A wonderful culturally appropriate learning journey for this the children in this rural preschool.

Highly Commended

From Robot to Spiderman

Urlingford Pre-school for Little Learners

The timeless interest children have in robots is enhanced and supported in this story as the children are given the time, space and resources to co-construct their robot, only to discover that like all good creative projects he turned into something else… Spiderman!

Making Butter

Cheeky Cherubs Early Years School

In this story the children’s snack-time discussions about butter prompted the adult to show the children how it is made.  With some cream, a jar and the children’s energy, they made butter that they then were able to eat supporting the children’s exploring and thinking through acting on their curiosity and being open to new ideas and uncertainty.

The Paper Walk

ABC Childcare

Kate’s Dad made her a hat out of newspaper.  All of the other children wanted one too, and then the idea of creating other things, like clothes, out of newspapers was born.  Feeling confident that their ideas and thoughts would be listened to and valued, they decided they would have a fashion show, and they went about creating their own clothes!  Once completed, they strut their stuff on the ‘paper (cat) walk’!