Tatties and minibeasts was a joint sciences project involving the nursery and P1 classes at Rothes Primary School in Moray.
The project encouraged working and planning together and was designed to help make learning more active and increase motivation. It brought together outdoor learning, sciences, numeracy, technologies, social studies and expressive arts.
The project brought learning to life for children by encouraging them to grow their own potatoes, onions and cress. Environmental discussions took place around planting and harvesting the vegetables and children learnt how to make a windbreaker to protect their crop.
At harvest time the children had to decide how much of their produce to keep and how much to sell. This included deciding on how much money to charge. The remaining vegetables were prepared by the children for soup which was served as a healthy snack time treat. The potatoes also formed part of a creative arts lesson as pupils made 'Mister Potato Heads' from their vegetables.
The collaboration between nursery and primary was designed to help pupils with the transition up to primary school. A trip to the local park allowed pupils to work together, building new relationships for the years ahead. The children met the park ranger to learn about the environment and the mini beasts that live in their local habitat. They watched birds through binoculars and identified beasties through magnifying glasses.
Back in the classroom, pupils were then encouraged to interpret their experience using music and movement. Paintings and giant models of mini beasts were also created by the children from recycling items such as cans and chair legs.
By taking a cross curriculum approach, teachers were able to help children make the links between learning and the real world, building the skills which help young people go on to further study, to secure work and to navigate through life.
Curriculum for Excellence was implemented in all Scottish nursery, primary and secondary schools as well as colleges in August 2010. For more information on how this will affect your child speak to your child's school or visit www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk.