This week the Oaks have had some special visitors whose names are ‘Pickle’ and ‘Pants’. These special visitors were sent ahead of Santa to keep a close eye on the children, making sure they are always on their best behaviour. The elves do however have a tendency to make a lot of mess and get up to mischief whilst the nursery is closed. Upon finding the elves, the children got very excited and decided to come up with several ways they could stop ‘Pickle’ and ‘Pants’ from causing any more mischief. Belle and Evie designed a ‘house’ that could “contain” the elves. They called themselves ‘experts’ as they were sure that their plan would work. However, upon inspection, the two elves escaped and created snow angels in flour, making an awful mess in the process! The Oaks discussed which elves had come to visit them at home, the majority of whom stated that they had naughty elves; Belle explained that her elf was very lazy. Could parents please either email in or upload to Babysdays some pictures of what these cheeky elves get up to at home, the children would all love to share this with their peers.
The children have also been decorating their room getting into the festive spirit. As an extension of our “When Santa Got Stuck Up the Chimney” song, the children decided they needed to create their own ‘Santa’ to depict the character within it. The children put their thinking caps on and decided they could draw around Yannick’s legs to achieve a realistic interpretation. They then painted a ‘chimney’ using accurate movements and testing their fine motor skills as they held a paintbrush in a tripod grip. The children decided that the chimney needed to be brown so discussed how this might be achieved as we don’t possess this shade! After much thought and an exchange of ideas they deduced that ANY two colours blended together produces brown finally settling on green and red.
Some of the children pointed out some key phrases Santa might have used in such a situation, these included “Help!”, “I’m Stuck”, “Get me out”. Other decorations included a post box for Christmas cards that the children would like to give to their peers, as well as a ‘Merry Christmas’ sign in which the children concentrated intently to ensure they kept within in the lines; mostly succeeding.
As the weather has become colder and wetter, the children have spent periods of time in the Active room. The Oaks have been very vocal in their desire to dance to music this week and particularly enjoyed musical statues. Using big and small movements, the children have been learning to move in new and different ways, some jumping and leaping, others rolling and curling in positions on the floor. Concentrating on when the music stops, some of the children have been so cautious as to not move a muscle when becoming ‘still like a statue’. Florence has even changed the way she breathes, making her breaths shallower so that her shoulders and chest do not move.
Reflecting upon the hard work the children have put into learning about disadvantaged children, we have reiterated the importance of helping others especially with Christmas almost at our door. The children would like to create pictures and letters for others who may not receive anything this Christmas, to be added to the shoeboxes we will send to someone in need. We would welcome your own shoebox contributions incorporating long life items but also any items which might make them smile. We have spoken to the Oaks and they are all willing to offer something of their own in order to make another child happy.
This week the Saplings have been busy getting ready for Christmas. The children have participated in a range of fun creative activities. We have been discussing all things Christmas and discussing as a group, different traditions families celebrate across the globe. We have been involved in the following activities:
Advent: Every morning after breakfast the children have enjoyed a small circle time, singing our Christmas songs and listening to a Christmas story. We have also been talking about the season of Advent and what it means. We have been taking it in turns to choose a chocolate coin from the number pockets noting the date for that day. This has caused conversations amongst the children about their own advent calendars at home.
Christmas crafts: The children have been involved in various craft activities, creating cards, snow globes, snowmen and baubles. James was our template for a Father Christmas which the children really enjoyed and found very funny. Whilst making snow globes the children tested their fine motor skills, in particular their pincer grip as they attempted to squeeze pegs in an effort to lift pom poms before dipping them in paint. The children also took part in a Christmas decoration sizing activity and had to stipulate which was largest or smallest prompting discussions on the language of size.
Decorating the Christmas tree: The children decorated their own Christmas tree. The children were provided with a range of Christmas decorations such as baubles, tinsel and multi coloured lights. The children have enjoyed admiring the tree in the dark, appreciating how much clearer they appear. This has prompted conversations amongst the children about their own Christmas trees at home.
The Saplings have enjoyed a range of ring games in the garden such as ‘Here we go Round the Mulberry Bush’ and ‘Ring o’ Roses’ demonstrating good listening and following instructions when working together as a group.
This week the Seedlings have welcomed Sebastian; it’s been wonderful watching him settle so well.
We have continued our winter themed activities. The Seedlings enjoyed their winter themed small world play including polar animals from the Arctic and Antarctic regions and icy landscapes, which helped to support their communication and language development as they named the animals. The children enjoyed the different textures and the sensory experience of ice melting through the warmth of their hands which also supported their understanding/association of the cold, ice and animals who inhabit such environments. Ottie and Sophia were amazed by the popping sound of bubble wrap as they developed their manual strength. The children have also enjoyed social interaction, playing alongside each other whilst Leo, Oscar, Ava and Thomas have begun to play together as a small group.
The Seedlings enjoyed their winter afternoon snack of hot chocolate and gingerbread post garden play. The children enjoyed gathering together by the fireplace.
The children have enjoyed the ‘Can you see the Bear’ book-based activity. William, Daisy and Alex sat beautifully and actively searched for the hidden bear. All seedlings enjoyed the book and they assisted by turning the pages of the book.
They have been busy making their Christmas crafts such as land penguins. The children helped to decorate their Christmas tree, fascinated by the lights.
Meanwhile the Acorns have been focussing on winter. The children have enjoyed many textures during various messy activities. Shaving foam with ‘hidden’ animals was a firm favourite imprinting their footprints in the ‘snow’. Cotton wool added texture to the frosty scene representing snow balls which made the children giggle as it stuck to their fingers.
Exploring the cold, we enjoyed ice shaped as Father Christmas. When the children realized how cold the ice was, they voiced ‘’ooooo’’. Using single words, one child exclaimed ‘’cold’’ and then giggled.
We created our own winter wonderland on a tuff tray. Using tin foil to create a frozen lake affect, the children enjoyed ripping and tearing the foil which made a funny noise.
When playing Christmas music, the children showed off their impressive dance moves and moved their whole bodies to the rhythm. The Acorns pointed with eye gaze, enthralled by the sensory lights being projected around the room.
Messages:
As the weather is much colder now and the mornings/evenings become icy, please could parents provide children with hats, scarves, and gloves – all of which need to be named in any way possible. As well as this, please provide extra layers such as jumpers as this will allow the children to make the most of being outside without getting too cold.
As we have now gone into tier 3, we must press how important it is that parents need to wear masks when dropping or collecting from the gate. This is to not only ensure your own safety but the safety of our staff.
In the current circumstances the children will unfortunately be unable to perform a presentation to you all in person but we shall record them and send by email, later uploading to Babysdays. Please see below our final song for you to practice at home.
Christmas Pudding – to the tune of Frere Jacques
Christmas Pudding, Christmas Pudding,
Piping Hot, Piping Hot,
Sprinkle on the sugar, Pouring on the Custard,
Eat the Lot, Eat the Lot,
Christmas Jumper day is 11th December so please remember to wear your festive jumpers!
Stars of the week:
Oaks: James B – for doing superb listening this week and for excellent tidying.
Saplings: Alf – for becoming more confident and speaking freely in company.
Seedlings: Leo -for sharing toys with his friends.
Acorns: Raul -for taking his first few steps independently.
Have a fantastic week.
The Team at Broughton.