‘In November, the trees are standing all sticks and bones. Without their leaves, how lovely they are, spreading their arms like dancers. They know it is time to be still.’ – In November by Cynthia Rylant
This week in Seedlings, we have been focusing on poppies and their association with Remembrance Day.
At the start of the week, the children got stuck into a fun flower soup activity. They added blooms and food colouring to water before mixing the ‘soup’ together. The Seedlings adored emptying and filling different containers with the solution.
Next, the children created poppies by pressing potatoes down in red paint before stamping them onto paper. They then dipped their fingertips in black paint to create the centre of the poppy. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed getting experimental with different painting techniques.
Puzzles were popular with all of the Seedlings this week too. They loved the challenge of trying to find the correct pieces to complete each picture.
Star Of the Week:
Theo – For his communication skills.
This week, the Saplings have been learning about the significance of Remembrance Day.
Otis painted a beautiful purple poppy with the help of a practitioner. He worked really hard to perfect his design. To create the stalk, Otis dipped his thumb into green paint and gently dragged it across the paper.
We spent time talking to the children about the animals who helped the soldiers during World War One and World War Two. James was fascinated to learn that elephants helped to transport heavy items.
Later on in the week, the children had a blast making a large ice dome full of poppies. Willow remarked that it was ‘very red’.
Annabelle’s Book of The Week was Alfie Wins a Prize by Shirley Hughes. Inspired by the plot, the Saplings decorated a big box with a surprise hidden inside. Annabelle took her box home to open it up, discovering what was within.
Star Of the Week:
Alba – For settling back into nursery life so well after her big week in Spain.
Our focus has been on the events of 5th November and Remembrance Sunday this week.
While in the room, the Acorns set to work creating their own interpretations of both poppies and fireworks. They expertly dabbed sponges into red and green paint to create the poppies, and used toilet roll tubes to stamp fireworks.
We also spent time building up the children’s confidence regarding movement by putting together a soft play obstacle course. It’s safe to say everyone had a brilliant time clambering over the various shapes.
The Acorns worked collaboratively to transform paper cupcake cases into a wreath to commemorate Remembrance Sunday. The children painted the cases red before adding some hand-painted green leaves.
While out in our garden, the children have adored sand and water play. They particularly enjoyed using a paintbrush to create patterns in the sand. Cornelius was very excited about this, telling us his wiggly line was a worm.
Star Of the Week:
Polly – For sharing so well with her friends during our baby sensory sessions.
This week we took a walk to one of our favourite areas in the Weald and marvelled over the pretty filigree of webs lacing across the dewy grass. During our travels past the ‘sour’ apple tree we happened upon a ‘secret’ gate which seemed to head toward Christmas Tree Land; we voted which way to go and took a right turn wading through Christmas trees which the children decided would soon adorn their homes. Those with younger siblings found teeny tiny trees which they declared were as tall (or as short) as they were. The path was at times overgrown but with trusty ‘swords’ the children batted the brambles away and some took great pains to ensure their friends were protected, an incredible display of comradeship.
Back at basecamp the children explored a ‘log pile’ house and an ‘underground’ house, reenacting The Gruffalo story as we spotted exacting areas which brought the story to life.
Oaks:
This week we hosted a crazy hair day event for Children’s Mental Health Day. We also held a cake sale which was a huge success – thank you for supporting us.
The children brilliantly embraced their phonics activities this week. We’re delighted to say that their comprehension skills and ability to listen and pay attention have come on so much.
We’ve been working on our number recognition this week. One maths-based activity saw the children count out pegs and find the corresponding numeral on a spider. The children diligently made sure the pegs were clipped into place.
Star Of the Week:
Amelie – For being extremely sensible and very helpful.
Announcement:
Please could we remind you to bring in small shoe box for our hibernation activity – thank you!
Yours sincerely
The Broughton Team