“January is the month for dreaming” ― Jean Hersey

Seedlings:

The Seedlings have continued to focus on ways to stay active this week.

It was such a joy to observe the children taking part in a fun activity where they had to keep balloons off the floor. The Seedlings giggled with delighted as they batted the balloons up into the air.

We made the most of the dry weather this week too by spending lots of time outside in the garden. As always, our slide was very popular. The Seedlings took turns to climb up the steps before whizzing down the slide. Some of the children counted as they made their way up to the top. Activities like this are great for boosting gross motor skills, while also helping to improve self-confidence.

We also spent time working on the children’s mark-making skills. The Seedlings carefully dipped fruit into paint before pressing the pieces down onto paper ever so carefully.

Star Of the Week:

Devon – For her communication skills and taking care of her friends so well.

Saplings:

The Saplings have had a brilliant week getting messy while enjoying a variety of sensory activities.

Armed with spoons, the youngsters had a blast making marks in gloop. Next, they mixed the ingredients for cloud dough with a wooden spoon. A number of the children commented that they liked the feel of it between their fingers.

Out in the garden, our sandpit was been central to imaginative play. Emilia proudly showed off the ‘chocolate cake’ she’d made, while a number of her peers built some impressive sand castles. Annabelle loved playing in the mud kitchen too, whipping up a pasta dish.

It’s safe to say that the magnetic tiles were a firm favourite with all of the children too this week. Otis expertly constructed a castle and quipped that ‘knights live with horses’. Arthur enjoyed making a tall tower out of the colourful squares.

Stars Of the Week:

Clemence, Arthur and Arlo – For settling into our room’s routine so well.

Acorns:

The Acorns have all demonstrated a great interest in mark-making this week.

The practioners set up a particularly engaging activity where the table was wrapped with cling film with a layer of paint spread across its surface. A second sheet of cling film was then carefully placed on top. The children were then asked to drive cars across the table to see what patterns might be made. The Acorns were astonished to see tyre starting appear.

Another art-based activity saw the Acorns dip a variety of different objects into paint. The children chose to work with sponges, blocks and even toy animals. Polly squealed with excitement as she dabbed her materials onto paper. The children’s colourful creations are now on display on our board of artwork in the room.

We finished off the week by getting out the sand boxes. The children drew shapes and patterns in the sand using their fingers. As they got to work, we asked the Acorns to describe what they were drawing.

Star Of the Week:

Leo – For becoming more vocal and being able to show us where different body parts are.

Forest School

Our resident robin popped in to say hello and before we trekked offsite the children thought it would be kind to leave him a morsel and counted out 10 dried mealworms which they felt would be a proper and fitting ‘banquet’ whilst others thought an oaty biscuit would fare better. Well, they discussed who might be right and when we returned, quickly discovered that ‘our’ robin rather likes BOTH!

Colby set himself a mathematical challenge as he created a jigsaw from a broken biscuit, taking time to fit the pieces back together. 

We take every opportunity to promote and support problem solving situations, so plentiful in a woodland environment and it’s a joy to watch the children as they test their critical thinking skills to work out just how they might reach this or arrive at that, what might be better if? ……… how might we? …….

Following on from our skeleton discovery we noticed plastic netting which the 

children decided would be harmful to the woodland creatures so we set about removing it to ensure no animals could be harmed. Peggy noted her findings on a clipboard and Ada made a bouquet for her mummy whilst Xander discovered that skimming sticks over an icey pond was fascinating – this led to discussions as about the depth of ice and whether we could slide across!

I wonder what next week will bring?

Upper Oaks:

This week, the children have been looking at different professions.

The Oaks were delighted when Xander’s mummy popped into Broughton Cottage to talk about being a surgeon. She came well prepared with gloves, a surgical hat and lots of interesting stories about how the body works.

All our Oaks sat beautifully to listen to a story called Amy Gets Eaten. The plot discussed how our digestive system works and explained how fruits and vegetables play a very important role.

The Oaks were thrilled to have a go at applying bandages and plasters to their friends who pretended to have broken bones.

Outside in our nursery garden, we chatted about how the temperature has increased slightly. Conversation moved on to the next season of spring and we asked the Oaks if they could tell us what signs of this they might start to see while outdoors. We discussed the different plants and flowers that we’ll soon be potting.

We continued to think about ways we can help our environment too. This week, we touched upon the amount of plastic that’s being thrown into the ocean.

Star Of the Week:

Peggy – For her excellent role-playing while pretending to be a doctor.

Lower Oaks:

This week during Circle Time, the children focussed on counting the syllables in their names. The Oaks were encouraged to make their own circle, which they did with great ease. The youngsters took turns beautifully, passing the drum to one another and beating it with enthusiasm. We pointed out how some names have one syllable, while others have two or three.

Inspired by Finneas’ love of water play, we got experimental with physics in the garden this week. We transformed two tyres and a piece of guttering into a waterway. The Oaks were encouraged to guess whether the dinosaur would be flushed away or remain where it was placed. Amelie thought it would be flushed away, while Finneas reckoned it might stay put.

Next, conversation moved on to whether the dinosaur would move quickly or slowly. Well done to Arthur for his brilliant guesstimating!

Star Of the Week:

Arthur – For settling into his new routine so seamlessly.

Yours sincerely

The Broughton Team