We started the week with a trip to the Old Hall to collect our weekly shopping. The children were very helpful and they all helped to pack our groceries inside the shopping bags. This is a great experience for the children and they are learning lots of new words. Perhaps, you could ask your child if they could name some of your groceries when you go shopping together.

Another fabulous week, exploring and having lots of fun together. The Robins have enjoyed learning about Chinese New Year and they liked watching Jo Jo and Gran Gran as part of our topic. The children were able to make connections between the content and this week’s topic activities.

Lots of fun was had putting chocolate jazzy coins inside their red envelopes. We spoke about the importance of red and how it symbolises good luck. Each child took home chopsticks, a fortune cookie and a red envelope with chocolate coins. The children were thrilled with their special treats and they were excited to take them home. Continuing with our topic, we had two Chinese feasts as this enabled each child to have a similar experience, ensuring everyone had the same opportunities. The feast consisted of rice and prawn crackers. In fact, the children ate all their food and asked for more. We asked the children which was their favourite and they all said, prawn crackers!

Our cooking activities consisted of bread rolls, red and yellow Chinese New Year soup and a Chinese dragon cake. The Robins did a great job of chopping up the vegetables and it was wonderful to see them concentrate and persevere as some vegetables were a little tricky. On Thursday, we made a yummy red dragon cake. Afterwards, the children took turns to add red and white icing and they held their spoons over the cake and drizzled the icing whilst holding the spoons up in the air. Finally, sprinkles were added to make it extra special.

We spent a lot of time exploring the school grounds in our blue all-in-one suits. It was lovely having a picnic whilst watching the sheep grazing in the field. The children enjoyed a yummy hot chocolate, fresh fruit and sandwiches. On the way back, we ventured through the woods and I encouraged the children to use their hands to navigate their way through the trees, whilst holding their hands out to move away any branches.

The children were interested in water play, so we set up a car wash in the front garden. Paint brushes were used to clean the cars and motorbikes, along with the fence and wall. We are certainly very lucky to have two gardens and both gardens offer different experiences. Lots of fun was had in the Long Garden and the children climbed independently on the climbing frame and bounced on the trampoline. Lots of sand castles were made and there was also lots of good sharing. Well done, Robins.

In music, we learnt some new songs and the Robins enjoyed using a variety of instruments. There were lots of happy faces when Miss Norford showed us the African drum. The children were able to identify different animals and then made the noise on the drum.

Physical activity is important for healthy growth and development. The Robins love our sensory circuits on Tuesdays and our large apparatus on Fridays. It is great for improving confidence, spatial awareness and coordination.

Next week’s topic is Mental Health and Mindfulness. We have lots of fun activities planned which include lots of cooking and arts and crafts. Perhaps your child might like to bring in something from home linked to our topic.