Dear Parents,
Our news from the rooms;
Oaks 1
We have welcomed Becca our new practitioner and all the children who have transitioned to Oaks 1 and took the opportunity to talk about our ‘Golden Rules.’ We began the week by ensuring the children were introduced to their new routine. To support the children’s learning further we discussed with the children what their preferences were, how they would like to make their new room more personal to them and what their interests were so that we could all get to know each other better.
We have been involved in a range of activities. Firstly, because a lot of the children showed an interest in the tale about Elmer the Elephant, we decided to make a giant Elmer! As the departing children had been learning about 2D and 3D shapes, we continued this theme in a joint effort by designing an elephant that the group could help stuff, thus achieving a 3D image.
They also used their fine motor skills to cut out colourful squares to decorate the giant elephant as a reflection of the ‘real’ character. The practitioners have initiated plenty of adult led activities to begin to help forge strong bonds with the children.
We experimented with milk, food colouring and washing up liquid! The children were mesmerised as the swirly mixture moved and coiled guessing what might happen next and discussing the results with comments such as “It looks like a firework” and “It’s like a potion”. Oaks have enjoyed having parties with the children who are leaving to go to big school! This involved dancing, balloons and chocolatey snacks! We thank all parents who have bought in yummy treats for the children and staff and we wish the children all the very best for the future!
Star of the week:
Reece – for settling back so fantastically after his holiday and making all the children feel happy and secure with his hilarious humour!
Oaks 2:
Learning has centred around our All About Me concept this week.
We’ve been singing our ‘Good Morning’ song each day and it’s been a great way of helping the group learn the names of their peers. Circle time games have focussed on the formation of bonds too. We played Sandy Boy/Girl and an energetic game that saw the children jump up and down. The former is fabulous for fostering friendships as the children have to choose someone to dance with. Both helped the youngsters feel secure in their new room.
While working on our new display board, the children had fun painting each other’s feet. We then explained what a ruler is and worked out who had the biggest and smallest feet in the class. We also asked the group to take a look in the mirror and note their own features. Using fine motor skills, their next task was to sketch a self-portrait.
Oaks 2 got really creative when crafting an aircraft from junk modelling resources. Conversations concerning different modes of transport flowed as they got to work on their unique masterpieces.
We finished the week by decorating biscuits. Oaks 2 really impressed us as they iced interpretations of their own faces on to the baked treats.
Star of The Week:
Rafe – For sitting longer during circle time and for sharing excellently.
Saplings:
We welcomed former Seedings into our room this week and we prioritised familiarising them with their new environment. We spent time showing them everything in the classroom and taking them through their new routine. Everyone has settled in so well and all of the youngsters appear to be comfortable with the resources around them.
Our introductory ‘Good Morning’ ditty proved to be invaluable when it came to learning new names. It also enhanced the children’s personal, social and emotional development.
Zaynah and Zoe encouraged the class to start becoming independent by teaching them different life skills. They began by nominating a child to hand out cutlery – a task the Saplings looked forward to and found very rewarding.
The Saplings demonstrated excellent communication skills on numerous occasions and really relished having the opportunity to take turns in choosing what activities to do. We believe this also helped the children bond and begin to form friendships.
The practitioners created a new welcome display board too to give the group visual outlook on what they’ll be doing each day. The board also reveals the daily weather forecast, who they’ll be able to play with and what teachers are in.
Star of The Week:
Stanley – for his enthusiasm during circle time.
Seedlings:
We’d like to wish a warm welcome to the children who’ve transitioned into our room from Acorns. We’re so looking forward to being part of their next chapter.
Our transport theme continued this week and the group loved spotting aeroplanes flying over Broughton Cottage. They were also excited to see different vehicles on their way to and from nursery – with Theo telling us he saw a tractor. While out in the garden, we made sure to show them all the tractor that works the fields next door.
The new Seedlings have enjoyed discovering all of the toys on offer. Our Tuff Trays with cars had everyone captivated, while the transport puzzles we completed boosted hand-eye co-ordination.
We’ve also been demonstrating different holding techniques, such as the palmar grasp and pincer grip. The children had a go at these while mark-making with chunky coloured pens as they drew some lovely pictures.
Star of The Week:
All of the Seedlings – For settling in so well.
Messages:
We’ll be starting a new theme on animals next week so feel free to send in any pictures of pets or creatures you’ve seen while out and about.
Acorns:
Jaime joined Acorns this week and we hope he’s very happy during his time with us. We’ve had a number of other children move into our room too so we’ve been busy helping everyone get acquainted.
We set up a small world garage scene for the Acorns and it was very popular. Ottie and Sebastian giggled as they raced their cars along the carpet. To extend the activity, we created a road complete with markings and parking bays using tape.
The Acorns enjoyed a number of sensory activities too, including lavender water play. This saw us use water, essential oils and flowers to create a scented potion. Oscar loved splashing in the water! And while making shapes from modelling clay, George expertly squashed the Play-Doh and used cutters with precision.
As many of the children are currently learning to feed themselves using a spoon at mealtimes, we devised a pasta play game that strengthened fine motor skills. The Acorns were soon confidently picking up and balancing pieces of pasta on a spoon.
Star of The Week:
Ottie – For her ever-developing vocabulary. We were so pleased to hear her say ‘blueberry’ this week.
Messages:
To help the children settle, we’d be grateful if you could send in some family pictures. They’ll enable our new starters to gain a sense of belonging while give them the chance to show peers photos of their loved-ones.
Have a really lovely weekend.
The team at Broughton