“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind
blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” – Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Saplings:

This week, the Saplings had a fabulous time celebrating St Patrick’s Day by dipping sponges into green
paint to create shamrock pictures. Rupert relished having the chance to demonstrate his artistic ability.
All the children showed a real interest while decorating boxes with crayons. While doing so, Oliver was able to tell the practitioner the names of the colours he was using.

We continued to get crafty with junk modelling and this week, the Saplings made binoculars using
cardboard rolls and masking tape. With them, they had fun observing small world animals.
We once again were able to enjoy the sunny weather in our garden. The Saplings had fun exploring the
various water trays that were set up. While doing this, they strengthened fine motor skills by scooping
and filling different-sized containers with water. The children took turns wonderfully as they played alongside one another.

Star Of the Week:

Alba – For always being so kind and caring towards her friends.

Seedlings:

This week, the Seedlings have continued their fascination of flowers. Monday saw the children make a delicious ‘soup’ by mixing roses, daisies and tulips with bubbles and water. The children loved pouring the mixture into various containers before emptying them out again.
Next, we challenged the Seedlings to free flowers from ice cubes. The youngsters giggled as they tried
to get to grips with the seriously slippery cubes. As the children got stuck into the activity, the
practitioners worked on the group’s colour recognition by naming the colours of flowers they could see. We’ve spent so much time in our garden this week too. The children have been really loving the warmer
weather and have had a brilliant time zipping about the bike track, engaging in water play and cooking in our mud kitchen.

Star Of the Week:

Theo – For aways getting involved and helping out.

Acorns:

With the weather finally getting warmer, the Acorns spent their week learning about water.
The children beamed as they got to work making a citrus soup using limes, oranges, lemons, flowers
and water. We asked the group if they could tell us how soup was invigorating their five senses.
Next, we set up a Tuff Tray with water, soap and ducks plus a variety of pouring implements. The Acorns adored having the chance to get wet! While out in the garden, the children also tried hard to improve their jumping skills on our trampoline.
The Acorns demonstrated brilliant turn-taking skills. A number of the children sweetly cheered on their friends as they bounced.

To end our week, we took a large cardboard box outside and let the Acorns’ imaginations run wild as
they turned it into a boat. To do this, the children used a variety of tools, even their hands.

Star Of the Week:
Frederick – For settling in so well.

Upper Oaks

Upper Oaks had a lovely afternoon this week in the Nature Reserve. It was fun filled with exploration, discovery, and meaningful moments that brought nature to life.

As the children set off on their walk through the reserve, we reminded ourselves of our outing rules and
practised road safety en route. The weather was absolutely perfect for a day of outdoor exploration, and
the group couldn’t wait to see what the woods had in store. Along the way, the children’s curiosity led
them to some beautiful wild garlic patches, filling the air with their distinctive aroma. It was the perfect
setting for the children to use their imaginations and recreate their own version of the “Gruffalo” story.
However, the walk took an unexpected turn when the children came across a deceased fox. While it
was a sad sight, it gave us the opportunity to have an important and reflective conversation about the
circle of life. The children were naturally curious, asking questions and processing the reality of life and
death in the animal kingdom. It was a poignant moment that allowed us to talk about respect for nature,
the interconnection of all living things, and how life continues in various forms through the ecosystem.

Star of the Week:
Isla for listening so hard to instructions.

Forest School

The children voted for a left direction so we embarked on our travels to the left. We visited the pond and
discussed how the terrain had changed from just a few weeks ago. Luca, Finneas and Joshua checked
out the landing bay and watched as the water pulsated with the movement of creatures swimming
beneath. Although not evident above water, the children guessed as to what might be lurking below with suggestions (as I am sure you can imagine) of trolls and demons!

Poppy, Emma, Ada and Heer made a little den and told us they were in hiding, hoping we couldn’t see them!

Alex wowed us with her strong core by climbing steadily upwards into trees she had not yet negotiated
and using her problem-solving skills to find her way down unaided despite at first sensing she could not… well done Alex for persevering.

Lower Oaks:

In Lower Oaks this week, we’ve embraced spring with open arms! We spent time looking at the beautiful spring flowers that have started to bloom outside at Broughton Cottage and also talked about planting seeds.

We worked hard on a special recycling project that saw them turn plastic bottles into seed
greenhouses. Feeling particularly green-fingered, we then planted seeds in pots, pans and wellies.
In the garden, the children showed excellent team-working skills while digging our vegetable patch. It
was so lovely to feel the sun on our skin as we prepared the soil. Lower Oaks have now decided what
they’d like to grow – we are hoping to be able to use the produce in some of our summer lunches. We will keep you updated with progress pictures.

Inside the classroom, the children have seamlessly adapted to room’s routines. The children have
adored listening to lots of stories and have been very diligent when it comes to keeping our room clean and tidy as well.

Star Of The Week:

Tamsin – For showing such maturity and consideration towards her friends. She listened brilliantly this week too.

Yours sincerely
The Broughton team