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.