“Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader” – Margaret Fuller

Saplings:

This week the Saplings have enjoyed taking part in activities based around the theme of life on a farm.

This saw the children choose an animal they wanted to paint and get stuck in creating their own interpretive versions. Emilia chose to paint a farmer observing “that’s my daddy”.

The Saplings enjoyed meeting the peachick that has hatched at the nursery, some of the Saplings were brave and held the little chick while others decided to gently stoke it or let it rest on their lap.

Later on in the week we enjoyed using different farm animals dipped in paint to create footprints over sheets of paper extended later by covering the animals in paint and soil then giving them a jolly good wash in the garden the following day. Jasper showed great intent using a sponge to remove all of the green paint from the animals, showing the practitioners how clean he had made them and delighting in his efforts.

The Saplings also enjoyed using different foam shapes to create masterpieces, which are now up on the walls for them to proudly see. We used this time to help support their colour and shape recognition.

Star of the week – Teddy, for growing in confidence and communicating more with his peers and practitioners.

Seedlings:

This week we have once again engaged in some exciting science experiments, the children had pots of oil and water and some paint for a touch of colour, when they began to mix the liquids, they noticed that they did not mix well and the oil created a layer of bubbles on the top of the water which especially fascinated Finn.

Later in the week the children made ice cream, this saw them chop some strawberries, then pound them with forks to achieve a runny consistency, they then poured some cream into a bowl and whisked it up until it was thick. The final flurry was adding condensed milk after which we placed it all in the freezer and enjoyed the delicious treat after our tea.

We ended our week with a big hunt and a car wash.

Armed with pincers the children had to search for the worms in our bug scene, fashioned with pipe cleaner ‘worms’ and tissue paper ‘mud’, they found picking them up tricky at first but after much perseverance they began to gain the strength to collect worms and pop them in their cups.

They used sponges and warm water to wash some ice off the cars after their great efforts to release them from ice ‘captivity’ They made sure the cars were spotless before driving them off!

Star of the Week– James, for being so energetic and putting smiles on all our faces

Acorns:

We’ve had a wonderful time enjoying lots of puddle and paddle time in the garden and courtyard, mesmerised by the colourful stream of bubbles produced by our resident ‘frog’; the children had great fun trying desperately to pop them as they whistle by. Our outdoor transparent painting backdrop is a great success and the children have been showing off their individual artistic talents.

Star of the Week – Luca for making us all smile and helping tidy away.

Upper Oaks:

The children demonstrated their amazing creativity this week by making their very own board game! Each child drew a detailed picture on a space on the board and confidently explained to the group what their picture represented and what action each child must do when landing on it. One by one they rolled a dice before moving their playing figure, practising a number of mathematical skills in the process. The rules ranged from screaming at the monster they had drawn, pretend hugging family members or even bouncing their figure up and down on the ‘bouncing trampoline fairy land.’ The children really enjoyed the game and showed excellent turn-taking.

It’s also been an exciting week in Upper Oaks as we prepare for our Leavers’ Party.  It has been very hot and sunny so we have stayed cool dipping in and out of activities and taking a little time out to dip in the paddling pool ‘station’ to cools ourselves off. We have learnt some new songs in Spanish, a particular favourite being ‘What’s the time Mr Wolf’ translated as ‘ que hora es señor lobo’ which they had so much fun playing!

We have also been practicing our letter formation and word structure, Jessica has done such a brilliant job at being able to copy her name and words such as ‘hello’ and ‘good-bye.’ We can’t wait to see you next weekend at our special event.

Stars of the Week – the whole team for their combined efforts this week.

Lower Oaks:

Embracing the warmer weather the children excitedly whizzed up soft fruits and apple juice, (after much mulching and squashing) preparing a little smoothie for later. They helped Cindy to hull the strawberries declaring that they looked like spiders and took turns to activate the stick blender until they eventually reached a satisfactory consistency. They spooned the thick liquid into freezer trays and excitedly waited until they had frozen solid ready to be enjoyed at teatime, delicious was their cry.

With such great teamwork we feel the whole group deserve the accolade of Star of the Week.

Forest School:

With excitement building for their Leavers’ Party the children decided to use the cabin as a stage and practice their songs which they will present to their parents next week. Ada, Poppy and Amelie K decided to make microphones fashioning them from thick sticks and moss and we were given a wonderful rendition of their prepared songs; parents you are in for a treat!

Painting some beautiful placards for the party kept us all busy; the trees were the perfect ‘parking’ place too whilst they dried, Luca kept everyone busy as he led the hunt for bugs then dug a little den for them the sleep in, his team then sought out leaves and grasses to cover them providing the perfect shelter, meanwhile Amelie D and Amelie K built their own firepit and sang campfire songs to us all.

A little team rustled up a plentiful concoction for the woodland birds and animals and we finished the session with a tug of war which saw both teams in fine competitive spirit. Well done one and all.

Yours sincerely

The Broughton Team