Exploring Wild Animals at Monkey Puzzle Marleigh Nursery in Cambridge
At Monkey Puzzle Marleigh, one of Cambridge’s warmest and most welcoming day nurseries, every week brings a new adventure. Over the past week, children across all our rooms have been exploring the exciting world of wild animals, discovering where they live, how they move, and the sounds they make. From preschool to our baby room, each activity was carefully planned to spark curiosity while supporting every child’s early years development.
Preschool: Habitats, Diets and Animal Sounds
Our preschool children began the theme by looking closely at the physical characteristics of wild animals, along with their habitats and what they eat. They matched animal sounds to the right creatures, a fun challenge that built listening and recall skills, before exploring a world map to discover where different animals live around the globe. It was a wonderful way to introduce early geography and a sense of the wider world.
Toddlers: Moving Like the Animals
In the toddler room, learning got active. During their yoga session, the children acted out how different animals move, stomping like elephants, slithering like snakes, and hopping like kangaroos, all while developing their gross motor skills and coordination. They also took part in animal races, which sparked lively discussions about which creatures are the fastest of all.
Babies: Sensory Play and First Words
Our youngest explorers discovered wild animals through sensory play and plenty of communication. They began to recognise some animal names and imitate sounds such as a great big “roar”. Hands-on activities brought each habitat to life, with leaves to represent the jungle and sand for the desert, encouraging early language and a love of discovery from the very start.
Why Themed Learning Matters for Your Child
A theme like wild animals is about far more than a fun week. As children explore new ideas through movement, sensory play, and conversation, they are building vocabulary, confidence, curiosity, and an understanding of the world around them. For your child, that means an early years experience where every activity has purpose, helping them grow, discover, and develop the skills that set them up for a lifelong love of learning. It is just one of the many ways we nurture every child during their time with us.