The children were a fantastic audience for the dress rehearsals of the Russell Robins, Nursery, Form 2 and Form 3 productions. The children loved seeing the costumes, listening to all the festive songs and watching the Christmas stories being told. These traditions always make this time of year feel even more special for the children.

Of course, this week it was also Transition and Forms 1’s turn to perform their Christmas production of The Grumpy Innkeeper to their families. The children were so excited and I think they did a wonderful job. Singing the songs and remembering all their lines and cues is quite a challenge, but they all loved taking part and did a great job. As a treat for doing so well, Mrs Leigh brought in her toy cat, Mog, from the story Mog’s First Christmas. This is a story the children have very much enjoyed this week and having Mog visit was very exciting. 

The children have been writing letters to Father Christmas! They have been sure to tell him that they have been very good this year and then ask politely for whatever it is they would like to find under the tree on Christmas morning. The children's writing has come on brilliantly and, as our first term draws to a close, I couldn't be prouder of all the progress they have made. I am sure Father Christmas will be very impressed as well!

The children have also enjoyed making their Christmas cards this week. Using sponges, paint, googly eyes, cotton wool and coloured card, the children have created a lovely little penguin design. They carefully worked through each step to make each penguin and they are looking forward to writing their Christmas messages inside next week.

We have also started our Christmas decoration sewing project. Firstly, the children decided what shape they wanted their tree decoration to be. They selected the coloured felt they wanted to use and then carefully drew around the template. We then cut the shapes out and the children started to sew carefully around the ends of their design to join the two pieces together. Sequins and beads will be sewn on to add some sparkle and then the decorations will be stuffed with padding and finished with a sparkly ribbon. I am sure they will look great on your Christmas trees!

The role-play Christmas Post-Office has been really popular this week and the children have loved wrapping presents, writing letters, and posting parcels. This has generated lots of independent writing and it is lovely to see their confidence growing to apply their phonics skills through their play.

The children have, as always, loved playing in the classroom and deciding on the things they would like to do. Decorating the class Christmas tree, playing with the construction resources, colouring and making cards have all been lots of fun.

We are looking forward to class parties next week, visiting Father Christmas in his Grotto and Christmas Jumper Day on the last day of school. I hope you and the children have a very merry Christmas and well deserved rest!