Hundreds of pre-school children took over their local zoo as a project on growth grew to wild proportions exploring the early years curriculum in all possible areas at first hands
As chair of the Early Years Forum in Newquay, which aims to support learning among pre-school children, and having been given 500 subsistence from the early years partnership, I wanted to organise a fun but educational event,' says Sarah Karkeek.
'I spoke to Mark Norris, the education officer at Newquay Zoo, about the early years curriculum, which covers the theme of growth, and we agreed that the new trail at the zoo should be linked to both. So from 21 to 25 May I planned zoo visits for the pre-school children, teachers and parents to meet the keepers, explore the zoo and look at some of the recent births.
'Several hundred children from the area had a fabulous time. It was wonderful to see them recognise the sights and sounds from their nursery rhymes in a real context. It was also good because it took away the competition between the settings and put them on the same level. The only potential problems we could have had were being over-subscribed and losing our packed lunches to the animals!'
Mark Norris gives his side of the story. 'We wanted to do something completely different with the little people and help to develop links between the groups in the area. The highlight of many children's visit was meeting the snakes - first a snake egg, then a tiny one-year-old Children's python from Australia, and finally an adult Royal Python from Africa. It was interesting to see that the children didn't have a fear of snakes; I think that is something they pick up from adults. We also tried to get the children to find words to describe them. The first words that came to mind were 'yuk' and 'slimy', but after touching them they found that it was, in fact, very difficult to find one word. At the same time we discussed growth, colour, size and pattern.
'The children showed a real interest in all the animals they saw, constantly asking questions about where they come from, what they eat and when we feed them. They also tried to relay their own experiences with animals with us by talking about their pets.
'The week was a great success for the zoo and the Newquay Early Years Forum in supporting the zoo as a place for learning and fun for all ages. Although many of the children had bemused looks on their faces, it was reassuring to know that they were more interested in the animals than the shop and lollies! We had brilliant sunny weather, and hopefully many of the children and parents will return to see how the young animals are growing up, just like themselves.' 'The children learned so much about the animals,' says nursery teacher Sally Michael Jones from Happy Days nursery in Newquay.
'After we were greeted and given our worksheets designed for the three- and four-year-olds, we set off on the trail. Although there were restrictions on the animals we could see because of foot and mouth disease, we still had the pleasure of seeing penguins, monkeys, zebras, bats, and lions, to name a few. 'It was great for the children because it was first-hand experience. You can look at all the books in the world but it doesn't beat seeing the animals close up. The children were amazed at the size of the animals, especially the lion's paw.
'The children also enjoyed playing in the Tarzan trail. This is an activity course that is situated right next to the marmosets, which are a type of small monkey. The children loved swinging themselves from apparatus to apparatus, as the marmosets did from tree to tree.'
Sarah Karkeek, Mark Norris and Sally Michael Jones spoke to Mahrukh Choughtai