The Nativity

It's hard to believe that the final week of term is upon us already !

All of the children have been busy making Xmas crafts and we'll be putting the final touches to these this week.

At story and song time we've enjoyed some enthusiastic Xmas song singing accompanied by musical instruments ( EAD and C&L ).

During this week the children will be learning about the Nativity with the help of books, role play and props.

Please don't forget that it's our Year One Xmas party on Thurs am, the details of which are on the letters you've received, and also on the parent noticeboard. Thank you to those of you who have already filled in the party food list. As ever, we'll be taking lots of photos which you can see in your child's learning journey.

All that remains is to thank you for all your support and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ! Remember to tell us all about your Xmas by filling in a wow slip ! Term will recommence on Tuesday 3rd January.
                               
                                                                                                         Helen.

                                                 

Xmas is coming !!

Yes, it's that time of year again !

For the following two weeks we'll be immersing ourselves in Xmas crafts and activities.

The children will be making deer hand prints, decorating Santa boots, baubles and stars with sparkle and glitter, and sponge and marble painting Xmas trees and scenes for display.

We'll be looking at Xmas themed books and singing Xmas songs accompanied by bell shakers.

In addition to this we'll be writing on speech bubbles the children's thoughts about what happens at Xmas, and be visiting the kitchen to make Xmas themed shortbread.

If any of you would like to bring in photos of your child with their Xmas tree that would be lovely.

Finally we would all like to wish Kathryn all the very best in her new venture and thank her for all her hard work.
                 
Helen.


                                                     

The Five Senses

This week we're learning and talking about The Five Senses, touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste.

We'll be making yummy pizzas in the kitchen, and using our noses to sniff various foodstuffs.

We'll take turns feeling different bags with various textures and shapes within them, and describe what can be felt ( EAD ).

Using an assortment of musical instruments the children will cover their eyes and use their ears to guess what instrument we're playing ( C&L ).

Using our sight we'll continue playing the missing object game, as well as looking at our reflections in the mirror.
                                        Helen.

                                                         

Games and Activities

This week we'll be playing games and activities which encourage turn taking, sharing, listening and attention and the ability to follow directions ( C & L ).

We'll be playing observational and memory games ( missing objects ), as well as more traditional games such as Hide and Seek, Musical Statues and so on.

Each child will be making their own number jigsaw to take home and put together with your support.

I know by now that I will have met up with most of you to discuss your child's progress. In addition to this we will  meet up again during the Summer term to inform you about the transition to Pre School Year 2 and give any other information.

Obviously, in the meantime, do not hesitate to ask if you would like to meet and discuss any aspect of your child's learning whilst here.

Please do take the time to help yourself and look through your child's learning journey at any time. The children also really love sharing their photos and achievements with you.

With regard to the recent School photographs, just a reminder that all orders must be returned to Pre School by tomorrow, Monday 14th November. Returns after this date will not guarantee delivery before the end of term, Thank You, Helen.



                                                         

The Blue Balloon

We hope you all enjoyed Bonfire night and some fireworks. We look forward to hearing all about it on a wow slip.

As we did last week, discuss the sound and colours of the fireworks with your child ( UW ).

This week we're looking at the book The Blue Balloon by Mick Inkpen, which the children always enjoy.

This is great book which encompasses size, shape, colour and positional language ( M ).

We'll be having fun with some real balloons as I blow them up bigger and bigger, and then let go, listening  to the noise they make ( C and L ) .

In addition every child will be taking part in a marble painting activity ( EAD ).

As there's been a dip in temperature please can you ensure that your child has a named hat and gloves, to continue to enjoy outside play, Many Thanks Helen.



                                                       

All years - Christmas Cards - 2nd November 2016

Christmas card orders
We received communication today that the online ordering for the xmas cards has now failed completely. The company are reverting to paper orders and a pack is being sent to school. As far as we are aware any successful online orders are still valid but all others will need to complete paper order forms and bring money to school. This is not an ideal situation however POWSA are at hand to help you solve any issues and can take cash or cheques.

So, on Friday 4 th November and Monday 7 th November before and after school POWSA will be manning a table in the foyer where you can fill in the order forms and hand over cash or cheques.  We apologise for this inconvenience, however this is out of our control and are working hard to make the process successful!

Fireworks

Welcome back ! Hope you had a nice week with maybe some Halloween fun included!

As Bonfire night approaches, we're concentrating on fireworks.

We'll be talking about colours and describing the noises that they make and patterns they  create.

Using brushes, glitter etc we'll be making our own firework pictures, whilst we also look at shapes of rockets ( EAD and PD ).

The importance of keeping ourselves and our pets safe will also be discussed.

Do let us know about any firework displays you and your child enjoy, we love to hear about them ( UW ). Helen.


                                                             

                                                                             
                                                           

Autumn and Pumpkins

During this last week of term we will be continuing with our Autumn activities.

The children all enjoyed our nature walk around the school grounds, and  joined in enthusiastically collecting leaves etc Thank you to those of you who brought in things you'd also found when out and about. Keep them coming !

We were lucky enough to have a visit from three real hedgehogs that one of our colleagues brought in one morning. Look out for the photos in the learning journeys.

Do also take time to look at some of our leaf stamping and pumpkin threading on display.

Continuing on the subject of pumpkins we'll be looking at real ones talking about  texture, colour and shape. We'll then be doing a pumpkin sticking activity.

Individual child progress meetings continue and hopefully I will have met with everybody before half term. Please do approach us though if you you have any other queries or concerns in the meantime.

Enjoy the half term break and let us know what you get up to on a wow slip!
Term will recommence on Tuesday 1st November ( 31st Training Day )    Helen.
   

                                                           
                                             


                                                           

Whole School Monday 10th October 2016

Whole school Monday 10th October 2016

Yippee! The Book Fair arrives this week - perfect timing for some christmas shopping!!!!!!The children will all be visiting the book fair with their class, and I am sure they will come home full of excitement about books they have seen, so do pop along and buy a book or two!!!

We really appreciate the support you show us each year at the book fair, not only encouraging your child's love of reading but, every time you buy a book, we earn commission in vouchers to buy new books for the school library and the guided reading library. Great isn't it?

We rely heavily on this source to maintain a high quality, up to date library full of the latest reads and best sellers! This ensures that ALL children in the school have access to a well stocked library to explore and foster a love for books!


Thank you in advance for your support and generosity!

Mrs. Johnson 

Autumn

As Autumn is well and truly upon us, we'll be looking at the changes we see all around us.

We'll be going on a nature walk, collecting different types of leaves, conkers, discussing colours and textures.  (UW and EAD ).We would love it if you could bring in any you find, when out and about, to add to our display.

Using these conkers we'll be practicing counting in sequence ( M ).

Other activities will include pumpkin threading and leaf pattern stamping ( PD ).

At story time we'll be looking at the book Ferdie and The Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson.

                                                                                                    Helen.
                                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               


                                                     
                                                   

Harvest

This week we're talking and taking part in Harvest activities.

We'll be creating a vegetable counting artwork to be put on display in the main school.

Outside the children will be helping to plant onions, garlic and daffodils.

We'll talk about the growing process, where food comes from, and the important role of a farmer.

We'll be doing tractor wheel track paintings and play with small world tractors.

Perhaps you grow your own vegetables ? Please do write about it on a wow slip to display.

In the kitchen we'll be making blueberry muffins to take home !

Just a reminder that I'll be arranging dates to discuss, individually, your child's progress after their first four weeks at pre- school, how that time has flown !
                                                                                             Helen.


                                                         

Sunday 25th September 2016 literacy links for all!

Sunday 25th September 2016 Literacy links for all!

If you would like some literacy based activities or ideas that you can do together with your child at home why not try this website.
Either google the National Literacy Trust and access the parents/families section or search
http://www.wordsforlife.org.uk

Have fun exploring!

Mrs. Johnson

Kind Hands

An important part of school life, particularly at this early stage, is learning to share, taking turns and being  kind to others.

With this in mind we'll be discussing ways in which we can achieve this by thinking about what makes us happy or sad, and the importance of saying sorry, please and thank you.

We'll be playing board games which encourage turn taking, and demonstrate , using Jenie Jigsaw,  sharing and listening at story time. The books we'll be reading all week will be Be Gentle by Virginia Miller and Sharing A Shell by Julia Donaldson.

Individually the children will be making hand prints to put on display.

Maybe you can tell us about an example of your child's kindness and write it down on a Wow slip.We have already witnessed some lovely moments eg assisting other children or helping to tidy away. Please do discuss this topic at home as well.


                                                               

Teddy Bears

This week we'll be sponge painting and decorating teddy bear outlines. ( PD, EAD )

On completion they'll go on display and we'll be encouraging the children to count up how many they can see. ( M )

We'll be looking at toy teddy bears and discussing textures and sizes. ( M )

Stories and songs will also reflect this theme.

Whilst on the subject of bears, every child will be taking home our own Charlie Bear at some stage during the term. He comes with his own backpack, accessories and guidance notes, and usually stays with you for a week. Within the provided book you can record whatever you have done with Charlie, and include drawings or photos but please, no pressure! We fully understand that you are busy people.
If you are happy for us to share details of Charlie's stay, we'll then read it out to the other children at story time.
This is a lovely way for children to share and take responsibility for something special, often enjoying telling us all about what they got up to ! ( UW )

In a similar vein I'd also like to tell you about our Jenie Jigsaw soft toy who we've been introducing to the children. Jigsaw is a whole school approach encompassing Personal, Social and Emotional Development. If you have time, please do look at our display in our second classroom to find out more.

On a final note it's Scoot to School day throughout the school on Friday 23rd, so feel free to use those scooters if you like !
                                                                                                             Helen

                                                                                                   

                                                          

My Favourite Things

It's been so nice welcoming our new children, who have settled in so well.

This week, as a way of getting to know each other better, we'll be discussing our favourite things, including  toys, activities, colours, food etc. Thank you to those of you who have already returned the All About Me sheets, which give us more information about these things, and helps planning.

The children will then be colouring in, sticking, drawing and having their photos taken to put on a display of their favourite things.

We'll also be looking through books and asking the children to point out what they like.

Just for information we always encourage a set routine which helps the children to settle and know what to expect. For example we always start with child led free play with an adult led one to one activity running alongside. This activity usually ties in with our theme for the week. We then tidy up as a team, wash hands in preparation for snack time and then let the children decide if they'd like to go outside to play. The morning session always ends with a story and singing songs. It's always great to see how quickly the children learn these new routines, which in turn helps their confidence.

As the warm weather is apparently reappearing early next week, please may we ask that your child has a named sun hat and suncream if you'd prefer your child not to use ours  ( Nivea Factor 50. ) Many Thanks, Helen.

                                                       

                                                           
                         
                                                   
                                                              

Welcome

Hello and a warm welcome to Pre- School Year one !
We understand that this is an exciting time as your child starts their school journey, and we are here to make this transition as smooth as possible, encouraging your child to have fun, whilst learning, in a safe environment.
With that in mind, here are a few pointers to help with settling in :
During the first week or two look out for a welcome pack in the pigeon holes. Contained within this is a host of information including paying fees, ordering uniforms if required, lunch club details and so on. Particularly helpful to us is a booklet titled All About Me, within which you can detail your child's likes, dislikes and so on.
Your child will have their own learning journey containing observations, photos and details of activities. After the initial four weeks of settling in, I will then arrange to see individual parents to go through these journeys and discuss progress made. We also like to hear about what your child's been doing outside pre- school, and these comments can be outlined on Wow slips which can be found on the parents noticeboard, with guidance notes by the entrance door. See attached guidance notes next to them. These are then put on display and then go into the learning journeys.
We try to discourage children bringing in their own toys etc from home to avoid loss or sharing issues. We would, however, make exceptions if these are needed as a source of comfort in the early days. They can always also be kept in the backpack and be taken out if required.
As messy play is part of pre-school life we would ask that you provide spare clothes in a backpack or similar, which can be hung on their peg.
Drinks and snacks are provided so there is no need to bring in any.
If your child is staying for lunch please put their lunch box and drink in the blue box by the pegs, which we later transfer to the fridge.
During this first week we'll be talking about what we did in the holidays and introducing our new routines, which are so important at this early stage.
We are really looking forward to getting to know you and your child but, in the meantime, please do not hesitate to approach us with any queries or concerns.
                                                                            Helen.

                                                             

Moving On !

It's hard to believe that we're now in the final 3 days of term, time has flown by.

During last week all of the children had an opportunity to play next door in the Year 2 rooms, in preparation for September. Everyone had a fun time exploring them and we talked about what would be happening.

As it's such a short week, we'll be encouraging the children to choose activities and games that they enjoy most.

Finally, we'd like to say that it's been an absolute privilege getting to know and guiding your precious children through pre-school. A big thank you also for being such lovely parents !

We all wish Amanda Godfrey, our Pre School manager, a happy and relaxing retirement, and say a huge thank you to her for the many years she's devoted to our setting. We shall all miss you Amanda.

Have a lovely Summer break and just a reminder that term starts again on September 5th.
                                                                                                                                Helen.


                                                         

Going On Holiday

As we approach the last full week of term we'll be talking about going on holiday.

Using small cases we'll think about things we might need to take eg sunhats and suncream if hot, warmer clothing if colder.

Using books as visual aids we'll discuss different modes of transport that can be used to get there, trains, boats, planes and so on.

We'll be asking the children to recall their past or planned holidays and what they like doing best when there.

Throughout the week we'll be looking at the books Spot Goes On Holiday and Postman Pat's Holiday Packing.

Just a reminder again that transfer mornings into Year 2  pre -school will be taking place this coming week on the 11th, 12th and 15th. Drop off and pick up will remain unchanged in our class rooms.

Term ends on Wednesday 20th July.


                                                       

                                                 

Seaside continued and shapes

This is a short blog as we continue with our seaside theme, as outlined last week.

Thank you to those of you who brought in shells etc which we enjoyed looking at within group time.

In addition to this theme, we'll also be taking a look at, and learning about different types of shapes, using a variety of books and activities ( M ).

Please do continue this learning at home by talking about, and identifying shapes, of every day objects that your child sees all around them.


                                                           

At The Seaside

During the next two weeks we'll be talking about being at the seaside.

We'll be discovering what the children like doing there and also discussing safety in the sun.

Every child will be individually  pattern stamping a bucket for display, as well as participating in the creation of a seaside scene including crabs, seagulls, sandcastles etc.

If any of you have collected any shells etc please do bring them in for us to look at together (EAD, UW ).

We'll also be talking and learning about different types of sea creatures and rock pools.

Books we'll read at story time include Grandma's Beach and The Bears Who Went To The Seaside.

On a different subject completely, in preparation for September, just a note to say that children will be spending the mornings of 11th, 12th and 15th of July in Year 2 Pre School next door. This always proves to be popular, with the introduction of new rooms to explore and play in !

Drop off and pick up will remain unchanged in Year 1 but I will, of course, remind you about this nearer the time.



                                                               

Boats

Last week was a busy one so we'll be starting Letters and Sounds this week.

In addition to this, our theme will be boats. 

We'll be learning about different types of boats ranging from rescue, police, sailing, tugboats etc.

We'll be naming the shapes of sails, and experimenting with floating and sinking at the water tray.

The book we'll be looking at is called Brilliant Boats by Tony Mitton.

Perhaps you and your child have been on or watched boats, which you could tell us about on a wow slip.

                                                                    

Letters and Sounds

This is a busy week as we have several activities to explore and enjoy.

Firstly we'll be focusing on Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds ( aspects 1-4 ).
This covers various aspects such as listening and identifying sounds to playing instruments, repeating rhythms  copying sounds etc.  Please do ask if you'd like to see the format we follow.

In addition to this, throughout the week, we'll be making observations of the children as they play shops, engaging in role play and being imaginative ( EAD ).

In the kitchen everybody will be making honey biscuits to take home. This is based on the book Honey Biscuits by Meredith Hooper which we'll be looking at at story time. This book talks about where the ingredients used are originally derived from.

Finally we'll be creating something for Father's Day on Sunday!


                                                         

The Queens Birthday

Welcome back, hope you enjoyed the half term break. Hard to believe that we're now in the final weeks of the Summer term!

To celebrate the Queens official 90th birthday on Saturday 11th June, this week will all about her!

We will be joining up with Year 2 pre school to have  a " street party " outside, enjoying food with lots of flag waving! Look out for photos in the learning journeys in the next few weeks.

Indeed throughout the week we'll be making flags and decorating crowns to wear and take home.

We'll be looking at the book The Queen's Hat by Steve Antony and finding out from the children what they know about the Queen.

If the sun should reappear please can we remind you to tick the list, on wall by entrance, informing us if you've already applied suncream to your child.  Sun hats should also be named, Many Thanks.

                                                              

                                                           

Textures and Numbers

Sorry that there wasn't a blog last week due to my absence, but I hear the children were as busy as ever.

This week all  of the children will be talking about and exploring textures.
We'll be using " feely bags" and noting down descriptive words used.

Every day we'll be doing a different craft involving an assortment of textures eg  pasta, wool, fabric collages etc ( EAD ).

Running alongside this we'll be reading number stories and rhymes, and playing number puzzles and games, as part of numeracy development ( M ).

As we always say, please do look through your child's learning journeys if you so wish , to see what they've been up to. Similarly, if you require any other information please do let me know.

I will be arranging dates for parent meetings this week for those children who have been with us over four weeks, to update you on their progress.

Finally, enjoy the half term break and see you all again week beginning June 6th,
                                                                                                                 Helen.

                         
                                                 

Transport

This week we'll be discussing and looking at different types of transport including boats, trains,buses, cars, bikes etc ( UW )

Children always enjoy this topic as it's part of their everyday lives, so do please fill in a wow slip telling us about their experience on a bus, train or likewise.

As we identify what transport needs wheels, we'll explore sizes and shape as we do different track sized wheel paintings ( EAD ).

There will be lots of small world opportunities to play with different types of transport, as well as using ramps and racing each other.

We'll be identifying transport  toys and then pretending to move like one, accompanied by the sound it makes! ( UW and EAD )

In keeping with this theme, all of the Pre school, Yrs 1 and 2, will be taking part in the Scootathon this week. This is an annual event run by POWSA to raise funds for the school.Hopefully you will all have picked up your sponsor forms by now, which also indicates what day your child will be taking part. As outlined please do bring in their scooter, bikes etc and  helmets ( all named to avoid confusion )! We have some bikes and scooters which children can use if getting them in proves a problem. Similarly this is an optional activity if some children would prefer to watch.
Year 2 children usually cycle around the big grass area opposite, whilst Year 1 can go up and down our outside play area.
Regrettably parents are unable to watch as timings vary, according to other activities, and security is paramount.



                                                         

Sharing and taking turns

During this short week we will be playing games and activities which encourage sharing and taking turns, following directions and focusing attention (  PSED and Cand L).

We will carry this out in small adult led groups, choosing activities such as block building, ICT and musical games as well as board and sorting games.

The book we have chosen to look at this week is Sharing  A Shell by Julia Donaldson.

Just a reminder, as outlined in our recent newsletter, the staff car park is for the use solely of pre-school and Opportunity Group members of staff, with the exception of our children with disabilities. Spaces are needed for visiting child professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and so on.On a regular basis there are meetings requiring their attendance. Thank you for your continuing co-operation with this matter.


                                                         

Birds

We will be looking at and learning about different types of birds this week.

This an opportunity to discuss texture of feathers, differing sizes of birds, sounds they make and how they fly ( EAD and UW ).

We will use the children's handprints as wings as we make our own birds and stick on  feathers.

To then link in with this topic we will then set up some bird feed balls outside, where we can watch the birds from our classroom.

At song time we'll be enjoying Two Little Dickie Birds, Five Little Ducks and Sing A Song of Sixpence.

Just a few points to say :- Please can you tell us if your child is staying for after school club, as bookings are now made directly with the main school and we need to be aware, to avoid any confusion at the end of the day.
If your child is having a packed lunch please can you leave it in blue box next to pegs, where we can then transfer them to the fridge.
Whilst mentioning pegs, you'll see that name places will change position as our numbers grow and we change them daily. Do encourage your child to find their name each morning! Many Thanks.

Our Thomas Hardye student this term is Charlotte White who will be with us on Thursdays and Fridays.

Finally a reminder to say that pre school will be closed on Monday 2nd May as it's a Bank Holiday.


                                                         

Growing Seeds

This week we turn our attention to the process of how a seed grows and what it needs to do so.

We'll be reading and exploring the book  The Small, Small Seed by Judith Nicholls.

All of the children will be planting sunflower seeds and following their progress .

In addition to this we'll also be planting grass seeds in a large tray, within which the children can play with small figures, once it has grown.

Perhaps at home you have grown flowers or vegetables, if so do let us know on a wow slip.

As the weather turned quite warm last week, and we hope it continues, please do ensure your child has a named sun hat and suncream ( if you chose to bring in your own ). In this way we can have all the suncreams ready to use as and when. Thank You.


                                               

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

A big welcome back! We hope you had a good Easter break involving the consumption of
one or two chocolate eggs!

We look forward to, as always,  hearing the children's accounts of what they've been up to.

It's hard to believe that we're already in the first half of the Summer term, time flies!

During this first week back we're going to be looking at the much loved book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

This book prompts plenty of discussion about the process of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly (UW), favourite and healthy  foods, counting fun and  colour recognition. Also, as with all the books we look at, we'll be looking at focus and recall of the story ( L ).


During the week we'll be doing two activities. Firstly we'll be painting folded butterfly outlines, and then all of the children will be creating a caterpillar food trail involving a threading activity.

In addition we will be loaning out the book to children and parents to enjoy at home ( we have several copies ), please do fill in the accompanying feedback form . Thank you.


                                                         

Easter continues!

During this last short week of term we will be continuing with our Easter themed activities.

Last week most of the children were involved in making Easter chicks in pattern printed shells outlines.

Other children made a start on their bunny hats.

As we hope we'll have a few more bright days, all of the children will be taking part in an Easter egg hunt within the grounds.

On our return to pre- school we'll use these eggs to play a counting activity.

Just a reminder that we break up this Thursday the 24th and term recommences on Monday 11th April.

Enjoy your Easter break and, if you have time, tell us what you got up to, on a wow slip on your return.



                                                             

Easter

As this term is a short one and we only have two weeks remaining, we'll be commencing our Easter activities.

These fun activities will include decorating Easter chicks and stamp printing shells, whilst looking at textures of  feathers etc (EAD)

We will also start making and decorating our bunny hats.

These activities will continue into next week

We'll be reading the book The Easter Bunnies throughout the week.

Just a reminder that if your child is off sick please could you ring at 8.30am or just after. If we receive calls at 9am staff are often busy welcoming children, as is Caroline dealing with any queries on a one to one basis.

Please also don't forget to bring in your child's birth certificate for us to verify, as outlined in memo, Many Thanks.
 

                                                     
                                                             

                                                                   

Spring

As Spring time is at last upon us, we'll focus on all the changes which occur all around us (UW).

Everybody will be participating in creating Spring related crafts to make one big display.

This will include painting, sticking and sponge painting bunnies, lambs, daffodils,
blossom and so on (PD and EAD).

Please bring in any Spring related wow slips or photos for us to share with the other children.

Alongside this we'll be doing a daffodil counting activity (PD), plus making pizzas to enjoy at snack time, so a busy week all round!

For your information our Thomas Hardye student this term is Annie, who'll be with us on Thursdays and Fridays.


                                                           

HELP - a desparate plea!!!!!!!

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does anyone have any compost that I could use tomorrow, pretty please - rather than spending a fortune on new bags, I would rather see if there are any half bags that need using up first!?

Also, if anyone has any part used BRIGHT gloss paint that they could donate for the tyre planters, that would be great too!

Thank you!

Mrs. Johnson Year 4

Our Bodies

During this week we'll be naming parts of our bodies,and discussing what we use them for.

Reinforcing this theme song time will include action songs such as  Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and Hokey Cokey, which we always have fun doing!

We will then look at what makes us similar and different from each other (UW).

Using mirrors we'll be looking at our reflections and then choosing matching eye and hair colours to complete a face outline.

Every child will have a full length photo stick "mini me, and see how many cubes they can stack alongside it  (M and EAD ).

We will also be doing a  sticking craft activity for the children to take home.



                                                                   

 

                                                         

                                                               

People Who Help Us

Welcome back, we hope you had a good week.

We start off this week by talking about people who help us eg police, paramedics, doctors, nurses, firemen, lifeguards, lollipop men and women etc. The list goes on!!

Role play and dressing up will play a big part in exploring this subject, as well as the use of small world figures and books. We'll be looking at the books Emergency, Meet The Police, Rescue At Sea and Fireman Sam of course!

As a means of practicing fine motor skills (PD) all of the children will be threading cards depicting emergency vehicles, and letting us know what sounds they make!


                                                                     

                                                         
                                                               

Goldilocks and The Three Bears

We turn our attention to Goldilocks and The Three Bears this week, always a popular choice for the children.

As the number three reoccurs throughout the story, we'll be focusing on this numeral. Activities on a one to one basis will include looking at the numeral and counting out the matching amount of small bears. To extend learning we'll also have a number chart 1-5, whereby the right number of bears are put in the matching amount of squares next to them.

As sizes also feature throughout the book, we'll be looking at, naming and comparing the three sizes of our toy bears. We will then be playing a matching game, deciding which size bowl, chair and bed cut outs go with which size bear (M).

Throughout this shorter week all of the children will be taking part in sponge painting the three bears to put on display, including sticking real porridge oats into their bowls!

Just a reminder that pre- school is shut this Friday as we break up for half term. Enjoy your week and we look forward to seeing you all again on Monday 22nd February.


                                                         

Year 4 need your help!

ECO week!!!!!!

A weird request..................................I am looking for about 8 car tyres!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If any of you out there happen to have any that we can reuse or know where I could get some, to make colourful planters, then please could you let Mrs. Johnson Year 4 know.

Thank you!

Construction

This week is all about construction and encouraging the children to use their imagination to join pieces together to build and balance (EAD).

There will be a plenty of opportunities to build with a variety of differing construction pieces, big and small.

We'll be looking at fine motor skills with smaller pieces (PD) and observing the children using tools for a purpose at the workbenches (EAD). Hard hats will be provided!

Every child will take part in junk modelling this week, creating whatever they like, on an individual basis, with lots of different discarded resources. On completion they'll be taken home to show off!

Book we'll be enjoying are I Can Build a House, Toolbox Trouble and Move It Builders.


                                                     

Rainbows

This week is all about looking and identifying  the colours we see in rainbows.

All the children will be making their own rainbows doing sticking and colouring in activities.

We'll be discussing when you might see a rainbow using a lovely book, What Makes A Rainbow by Betty Schwartz, as a visual guide, it includes real different coloured ribbons on each page to make a perfect rainbow.

As always we'll be recording your children's comments or recollections of rainbows, which you can do too on a wow slip.

Other activities will include colour matching and sorting games, in addition to fun games such as finding certain coloured items all around the room.

Just a reminder to please feel free to look through your child's learning journeys to see what they've been up to. We can always free up a room for you to sit and look at them in quiet!
As our newer children reach the end of their first four weeks with us, I'll be arranging dates to look through your child's learning journey with you and discuss their progress, Thank-You,
                                                                                                                         Helen.

                                                     

                                                                     
                                                             

Kipper's Birthday

Continuing our Kipper theme, we'll be reading the book Kipper's Birthday throughout the week.

This book is  always one of the favourites from the series, as birthdays are always a much talked about subject at pre-school !

We'll be asking what we need to get for a party like Kippers eg banners, ballons, invites etc and then we'll set about collecting them too (UW).

We'll also be making invitations, setting up and acting out a party in the role play room (EAD).

At the playdough table the children will be making their own cakes, and be asked to put the right amount of candles in them to match their age (M). Following this we'll be having real fairy cakes to enjoy at snacktime!

Finally we'll be asking the children to recall or talk about their individual birthday experiences or plans, to record in their learning journeys. On that note, we always love hearing about birthdays on the wow slips, which are also put in their books.

As the weather has become so cold recently, please do remember to provide your child with named hats and gloves. Thank you.


                                                   

                                                         

                                                       

Kipper's Little Friends

The Kipper series of books are always popular with children, so this week we'll be concentrating on one entitled Kippers Little Friends.

This book gives a super introduction to the names of baby animals. It also encourages discussion about size, retrieving information from computers and relations.

Using soft toys we'll look at animals and their babies ie sheep and lambs etc. At the drawing table children will be encouraged to copy the toys or draw a picture of themselves as Kipper does.( PD and UW )

As Kipper also uses a computer to search for baby animal names, we'll also discuss their use and take turns having a go on ours.( Understanding The World ).

We will focus on recall and anticipate what might happen next as well ( Literacy ).

Just a small reminder to all parents to ask that all your children's items are clearly labelled including lunchboxes, school t-shirts and jumpers, to avoid confusion. Beakers are provided for children at snack time so drink bottles are not required, unless needed at lunch club. Many Thanks!


                                                               

Happy New Year !

Welcome back everyone and Happy New Year ! Here's hoping that you had a wonderful Xmas surrounded by food and wrapping paper!

We always love hearing the children telling us about what Santa brought them, and please also let us know what you did on a wow slip, to put in your child's learning journeys.

During this, and forthcoming weeks, we'll be welcoming new children and parents to pre -school, so do feel free to approach us if you have any unanswered questions. It's always amazing how quickly the children settle into the new routines.

This term we'll be joined by two students from Weymouth College and Thomas Hardye on differing days.

We'll start this term by talking about Winter, the weather,  how to keep warm and what to wear, including where wool comes from.

As ever we'll be doing arts and crafts to back this topic up ie sponge painting, hand and stamp printing. We always like to fill the walls again after all the Xmas decs and arts are taken down!

Finally, a big thank you for the lovely Xmas cards and presents we received, we really did appreciate it.