Our toddlers at Blackbrook Nursery have had a magical week exploring all things winter through hands‑on, sensory-filled play!
We embraced the chilly season and created a variety of exciting experiences that encouraged curiosity, creativity and early learning. To begin, we wrapped up warm and headed outdoors for a sensory winter walk. The children loved noticing the different sights, sounds and textures around them — from crunching leaves and cold breezes to glistening frost on the ground. These outdoor moments helped develop their awareness of the natural world while giving them the chance to explore winter with all their senses.
Back inside, the children had so much fun feeding the penguins, using tongs and tools to pick up “fish” and place them in the penguins’ mouths. This playful activity was brilliant for developing hand‑eye coordination, strengthening fine motor skills, and building confidence as they mastered new movements.
The excitement continued as we became little rescuers, discovering frozen animals trapped in ice! The children used warm water, tools and their problem‑solving skills to help melt the ice and free the animals. This activity inspired lots of thinking, experimenting and investigating, all while sparking awe and wonder. 
We also shared the beloved story of Owl Babies, bringing the tale to life through a themed tuff tray filled with natural materials, feathers and woodland elements. The children were encouraged to retell the story, act it out, and explore the characters — supporting language development, imagination and storytelling skills. 
Overall, it has been a wonderful week of winter learning, filled with opportunities to explore, discover and have fun together.
Such a lovely way to embrace the season while learning through play at Blackbrook Nursery! 
