Our current topic, “Amazing Me”, is a wonderful theme that helps children learn more about themselves and the world around them. It encourages them to think about their bodies, their emotions, their families, and their communities. At this age, children are beginning to develop a stronger sense of identity and understanding of their feelings, so this topic gives them the language and tools to express themselves in positive ways.
In Nursery, we introduced the story The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas. This beautifully illustrated book follows a confused little monster whose emotions are all mixed up and tangled. With the help of a friend, the monster learns to sort each feeling into a jar, giving every emotion - such as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm - its own colour. The story provides a gentle and relatable way for children to recognise and name their own emotions, while also understanding that all feelings are normal and important.
In Butterfly Fish class, we extended the story into a hands-on STEM activity. The children became little scientists, using pipettes to carefully add a mixture of food colouring and vinegar into a bottle filled with cooking oil and baking soda. Their faces lit up as they watched the fizzy, bubbling reaction bring their “colour monsters” to life. This experiment not only deepened their connection to the story, but also introduced them to early science concepts such as cause and effect, chemical reactions, and observation skills.
Through this blend of storytelling and STEM, the children experienced the joy of learning in multiple ways - developing emotional literacy, practising fine motor skills, and fostering curiosity about how the world works.
At home, you might like to continue this learning by:
These shared experiences help children understand that emotions can be expressed, explored, and managed in fun and creative ways.
By Delisa McPherson
Nursery Butterfly Fish Class Teacher
