The week started with an energetic PE session in the Russell Hall, exploring the sensory circuit. There were mats, stepping stones, hurdles, a bench and a springboard. Before taking part in PE, we warm up our muscles by doing a stretch routine. After this, Miss Ruby and I gather the children on the line and ask them to watch and observe, whilst modelling how to use the equipment safely. Lastly, as the session draws to a close, I gather the children together on the mats and we play a game of sleeping crocodiles but with a twist! The children have so much fun during PE and learn how to move in a variety of ways. Jumping can be particularly difficult at this young age so that’s why I incorporate this into the circuit. 

Once back in class, the Robins enjoyed exploring the Barry the Fish tray as part of this week’s topic on Our Favourite Stories. There were lots of sea animals inside and different types of materials. Dear Zoo was our next activity and the children used the open-ended resources in a variety of ways. They explored numbers, textures and animals. 

During Talk for Learning, we looked at the pictures on the A3 paper and worked together to find out which story each picture linked to. There were lots of correct answers, so well done everyone. Sharing stories has many benefits, such as enhancing language skills and expanding vocabulary. 

This week’s cooking activities consisted of a giant chocolate cake which was the children’s choice as one of the Robin’s siblings made it in Cookery Club. Savoury tarts, cheese spread sandwiches, bread rolls and no sugar banana cake (using sweet bananas to reduce waste). During these activities, children learn many skills which they can then use in everyday life. This week, we focussed on spreading and kneading. Next week, we will focus on chopping and will therefore make a variety of culinary creations. 

There was an exciting change this week in class and it will be a great addition to model and support communication and language. New stickers were introduced for good sitting and good listening and everyone enjoyed the new theme. The Robins enjoyed choosing between a variety of shapes and as an extension activity, some children were able to speak in full sentences and identify which shape and colour sticker they would like. For example, I would like a purple rectangle. Well done, Robins! 

 

It was a special week for us as it was our turn to host the Pre-Prep assembly. Our assembly was based on birds, which is a very special topic for us as it connects the children to nature and the outside world. You are never too old to learn as this week I learned how to use new software with the help of Miss Ruby. The Robins did a great job of showing everyone their creative pieces and they enjoyed sharing some of their Home/School Journal news. It was lovely to see the children’s home news link to our topics and this shows how wonderful we are at supporting home and school partnerships. As a special treat, we made bird feeders for each class to display in a tree. 

We revisited last week’s Aesop’s Fables and reshared The Tortoise and the Hare to see if the children had retained any of the information. It was great to hear them share our facts and the moral behind the story. The children are looking forward to reading The Lion and the Mouse next week as part of Kindness Week. I wonder if the mummies and daddies can think of the moral behind the story… and if you can, perhaps share this with your child as a foundation for us to build upon in class. 

There has been a HUGE amount of imaginative and creative play and the children have been playing together and resolving problems by themselves. For example, I introduced a piano to the children which was, of course, very popular. However, they worked out how to share by using the skills we have shown and modelled. The children used the 2-minute sand timer and placed it on top of the piano. Sometimes, as educators, we can be too quick to intervene and not provide children with the time and space to try and resolve their own problems.

It has been wonderful to see the crocus flowers during our many walks around the school grounds. The flowers were absolutely stunning as they opened out to absorb the sun on a lovely sunny Wednesday afternoon. The Robins also took the opportunity to smell the flowers whilst exploring the woods in their all in one suits. Lots of fun was also had, rolling around on the grass.

The Robins are always very sociable when venturing around the school and they love giving a high-five to the older children. We also watched some of the children play rugby on the field during their PE session. After watching, some of the children told us that they would like to play rugby when they are older. 

Next week's topics are Mindfulness, Nature, Kindness, and the Chinese New Year. We have lots of fun activities planned and we will also explore Aesop’s Kindness Tree. We encourage children to bring in something from home (just not too big please). This can be related to our weekly topic or anything else they would like to share or celebrate with us. The children enjoy sharing their objects from home during carpet time and it is a fantastic way to build effective communication and listening skills. 

Next Friday is also our Pre-Prep Coffee Morning and the children are looking forward to showing everyone how busy they are during their PE sessions in the Russell Hall. 

Have a lovely weekend.