Guest Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 We had the dreaded ofsted call today Its been 'on the cards' for a while so it will be nice to get it over and done with! I am in the middle of my planning and am having trouble thinking what to put on my investigation table. We are learning about toys at the moment and I am planning on reading 'Where's my teddy?' next week. This week we had a 'wheels' display as we were talking about toys that move. Does anyone have any ideas? Do you think it is okay to put something out that is not linked? i.e magnets or should I try and link it to the topic? thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 dosnt have to be linked if you cannot think of anything good to relate too. good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Wolfie Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I don't know if you can get your hands on any quickly but something that our children always liked investigating was a collection of MacDonalds moving toys - things like toys from one of the Disney films that you wither have to wind up, pull back and let go, etc. etc. - lots of exploring the different mechanisms that make them move. You might be able to pick up some cheap at charity shops over the wweekend, I always see them in there. There's always loads for sale really cheap on Ebay as well but you might not get them in time! Good luck - I'm sure it'll be fine whatever you choose! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 Good luck, hope all goes well. We are expecting our visit anytime soon too! Don't think it has to be linked. Can you think of anything the children have been showing an interest in? Have you seen the topic on discovery bottles on the forum, particularly liked the idea of paper clips in a bottle, using magnets to move them from the outside? Or toy in a sock, to see if the children can guess what toy it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 If you have the resources, it's good to show some toys from the past i.e. spinning tops, hoops, old teddy bears and dolls - with labels explaining that grandad/grandma used to play with these. Also comparing old with new, photos/pictures etc. Photos of children with their favourite toy - annotated with their own words for them to reflect and revisit (Maybe more of a display idea though!) I Also think that an investigation table does not have to be specifically topic linked, especially if you annotate why something is on your table, "Tom loves exploring magnets" with photos nearby showing Tom using the magnets, "Shreya found a snail shell today" etc. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Good advice already just wanted to wish you best of luck with your Ofsted Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Just wanted to wish you luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Thanks everyone for your help and kind wishes. Have been reading up on discovery bottles- love the magnetic idea, will go with that I think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2007 Share Posted January 13, 2007 Hope it goes well let us know how you get on Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 15, 2007 Share Posted January 15, 2007 Hi im an NQT and i have also set up an investgation table in my reception class. When i first set it up i did the wheels and toys etc but trying to think of something new each day to keep the interest going has been a real struggle. i have now started setting the area out only three days a week but putting out messy things some days such as poridge oats. (tied in with 'oa' digraph) used them dry, wet in cold water and wet in warm water in bowls and on a builder spot. children loved them. very messy but lots of fun. also thinks such as soil, leaves and bark, conkers and acorns, shells from a beach holiday etc all with magnifying glasses. i have noticed that the stranger and messier the items i put out the more interest they attract. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Its all over! The inspector was only in my class for 5mins and we got a 'good' overall. Very pleased, can relax for another 3 years! The kids LOVE the magnetic discovery bottles, I will post a photo on the gallery this week Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Great news on your 'Good' outcome, Congratulations. more's the point the children love the magnetc bottles. enjoy. Peggy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 well done congratulations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyuhu Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Congrats on your successful big O visit! We're expecting them any day now...look forward to seeing your photo of the kids with their discovery bottles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Glad to hear it went so well, well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Well done, 5 minutes doesnt sound too unbearable either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deb Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Glad it went well, wish our imminent Ofsted inspection could be that quick! Glad the magnetic discovery bottles went well. I'm never sure whether to mention things incase I'm in danger of 'teaching my grandmother to suck eggs'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Thats fantastic well done on your 'Good' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Well done! And now relax ........................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Heres the photo http://www.foundation-stage.info/forums/in...=si&img=321 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hali Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 lovely table well done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathyuhu Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Loving the magnetic discovery bottles! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Thanks for sharing the photo and well done for your Ofsted result! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marion Posted January 22, 2007 Share Posted January 22, 2007 Congratulations on your OFSTED Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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