Preparation: Exploring natural materials with a digital microscope
Preparation
The activity begins with pupils choosing what they want to do. This could be playing with sand or water or using a programmable toy or the computer. The idea is for the pupils to develop their own knowledge and skills through investigative play with staff available to answer any questions and offer support and ideas to extend the pupils skills.
Before the activities begin the teacher makes sure that all the equipment is set up and working properly. The two most popular pieces of equipment used during investigative play are the digital microscope and the interactive whiteboard which requires orientation in case it has been moved during the last activity.
Ms Valiris has good ICT skills which she has acquired mainly through her own interest in computers. She has a PC and a digital video camera at home and learns to use them in her own time. Therefore she is able to set up and check the equipment herself.
Top tip
My top tip is a money saving one. It's a really good idea to invest in re-chargeable batteries and charger units. It may seem a big outlay initially, but it saves a fortune in the long run.
What you need
- Digital microscope
- Interactive whiteboard
- Teddy Bears' Picnic
- Leaves, twigs and flowers
| Lesson preparation: setting up equipment | |
|---|---|
| Description | Elaine Valiris, early years officer at St Andrew's Nursery, talks about setting up all the ICT equipment in advance of nursery sessions |
| Duration | 2 minutes 8 seconds |
| Windows version |  Windows Media video: Lesson preparation: setting up equipment |
| Mac version |  QuickTime movie: Lesson preparation: setting up equipment |
| Transcript | Read a transcript of the St Andrew's Nursery preparation video. |