We would like to make story sacks for the three-and four-year-olds in our day nursery to use both in the setting and at home. Do you have any suggestions for what themes we should have and what resources to include?
Jean Evans replies:
Children learn most when activities are based on what they already know or are interested in. Use this as a basis for choosing themes for your story sacks. Begin by asking the children about their favourite storybooks and choose the most popular. Consider how the book could relate to your nursery themes. For example, The Very Hungry Caterpillar might relate to 'Growing', 'Minibeasts', 'Food' or 'Change'. Gather appropriate resources to put in the sack, such as 'small world' models, soft toys and real items mentioned in the story. The sack should contain a copy of the book and a non-fiction book related to the theme, as well as an audio tape and game if possible. As the sacks are to be taken home, compile a parents' sheet including vocabulary to introduce, game instructions and a list of related activity ideas.
Flocking to the Kiwis
Could you give me advice on emigrating to New Zealand? I have the NNEB diploma and five years post-qualifying experience and am currently working as a day nursery deputy manager. I am looking into childcare work in New Zealand but am unsure whether my qualification and experience will be recognised.
Meg Jones replies:
Entry requirements for New Zealand are assessed through a points system, with qualifications and experience counting towards the total. To have your qualification assessed you complete an application form available from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and return it with certificates and an application fee of NZ$200 (about 60). In return you will receive a qualification assessment report stating the educational level of your qualification in comparison with a New Zealand qualification. You will need this document to qualify for the immigration points. Nursery staff in New Zealand are highly trained and work to a bi-cultural curriculum called Te Whariki. If you have worked in an area of cultural diversity you should not experience too much difficulty with this, although you must be prepared to take on additional training to cover the specific differences of the cultural approach. Further information and a NZQA application form are available via the website http://www.nzqa.govt.nz.However, I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am advised that nursery nurses are not in demand at present in New Zealand and you may not meet the points requirement unless you have other qualifications and avenues to explore.
Feeding a vegetarian
'A two-year-old is starting nursery and we've been informed that he's been vegetarian since birth. His mother has suggested alternatives to our menus, but are there any extra vitamins he should be taking, and is he more likely to be a sickly child?' Dr Pat Gilbert replies:
It is good that the boy's mother has suggested alternatives to your usual nursery menu that can be given to her vegetarian child. Vegetarians can be thought of as being divided into two main types - first, those who do not eat any meat or meat products, but do eat eggs and cheese to supply the necessary protein in their diet, and second, vegans who do not eat any animal products at all and rely on pulses and nuts for protein. This group need extra vitamins, particularly those of the B group, for healthy growth and fitness.
Children who are on a carefully planned vegetarian diet are no more likely to be sickly than any other child in the same age group. It does sound like the boy to be admitted has a well thought-out diet, and so will pose few problems, especially as his mother has gone to the trouble to suggest alternatives to the usual nursery diet.
OUR PANEL OF EXPERTS
Tricia Pritchard
Professional officer at the Professional Association of Nursery Nurses (PANN), and chair of Playpen
Dr Richard Woolfson
Regular contributor to Nursery World and child psychologist, well-known author and public speaker
Dr Pat Gilbert
Doctor and author focusing on child health issues, with community paediatric experience
Meg Jones
NVQ assessor, childcare and early years consultant following 40 years as a practitioner, manager and trainer
Jean Evans
Ofsted inspector, early years tutor and consultant, and longstanding contributor to Nursery World
Audrey Curtis
Educational consultant, CACHE external moderator and experienced early years teacher-trainer