Familiarity and repetition is key to helping children feel secure and settled. Therefore, as part of our Monday routine, we visited the Old Hall to collect our shopping. Russell Robins supports the children’s foundations of learning and we provide the children with the tools they need to grow and become independent. This was evident during this activity as they were able to listen to instructions and then carry out the task. Then, whilst carrying out the task, they worked as a team, ensuring they helped each other and shared and took turns. 

A short while later, we ventured to the Russell Hall to take part in our sensory PE session. There was lots of climbing, jumping, balancing, throwing and running. To provide the children with an element of risk, the padded mat was positioned in front of the trampoline. Children learn through observing and copying so I demonstrated how to use the equipment safely and sensibly. Miss Ruby and I were amazed at how some of the children challenged themselves and jumped from the trampoline onto the mat in a safe manner. 

Another important skill they learn during their time with us is cleaning and clearing the table after snack. We are one big team and each member of the class has different strengths and can help their classmates or teachers. This could be clearing the table, collecting the coasters, cleaning the table, tucking in the chairs or simply taking their plate to the kitchen and putting their water bottle back at the Hydration Station. All of these skills support the children to be helpful and kind. 

Kindness was explored this week through playing a game of kind friend and unkind friend. We regularly play this game as it is a useful way to promote doing the right thing. It was great to observe the children playing it by themselves and working together to sort the pictures into kind friend and unkind friend. Good sorting, Robins!

Tuesday was a special day and we joined our Pre-Prep friends in the Music Room to remember all the service men and women that have lost their lives for our freedom. Afterwards, we watched a Remembrance video on CBeebies which supported the children’s understanding of Remembrance but in a gentle and child-friendly way. 

Continuing with our topic, I showed the children a photo of my grandad’s medals which he received during WW2. They liked the shape of the Italy Star as it resembled one of our songs (Twinkle, Twinkle). I then showed them a photograph of my great grandad during his years of service. It was also wonderful to hear a similar story from one of the children. He also shared that he shares the same middle name as the men in his family. 

Remembrance was explored in many ways through reading stories, playing Hide and Seek with the poppies in the sensory tray, making poppies with play-dough and cutting and sticking. I also showed the children a special page in the poppy book which made connections between service men and women and superheroes. 

We visited the school library and the children enjoyed looking at a variety of literature and there were many different types of books. One of the Robins was particularly interested in the comics. 

It was our turn to host the Pre-Prep assembly this week so all the children stood at the front and showed the wonderful creations as part of our previous Leafman topic. The children then watched the story on the CTouch, before closing the assembly with… Jingle Bells. 

Our Christmas songs are well underway and we are counting down the days until we are joined by our Christmas friend. In fact, he should arrive a little early this year and make an appearance next week. We received a special letter, explaining that he is currently making his way to Russell House. Of course, many elves can be cheeky. However, we like to ensure we promote doing the right thing so our festive friend will be particularly well-behaved . 

The Robins have enjoyed the new ride-on toys so much that two more arrived this week so we now have four in total! They have been taking turns and the sand timer was used to support their understanding of sharing. 

The outdoor environment provided us with lots of experiences and the children enjoyed a hot chocolate treat in the outdoor classroom. One afternoon, we visited the paddock for some nice cool milk in the autumn sunshine and we had an enjoyable time, watching the older children play hockey on the playground. A short while later, we visited The Farm and spotted some green tomatoes still growing and there were lots of minibeasts in the pond area. In fact, we spotted an interesting snail shell on the floor and we all stood together to have a closer look.

This week’s cooking activities consisted of poppy biscuits, banana cake, bread rolls, kindness cookies and star jam tarts. 

Next week’s topic is Road Safety and we have lots of activities planned. Your child is welcome to bring in something from home linked to our topic or one of their favourite things (just not too big!). Have a lovely weekend.