Races & Games at Sports Day!
The children had such a good time at their sports day this week, joining in with many activities including running races, toss the bean bag, balancing games even challenging each other to a game of tennis! Sadie collected all of her friends together along the start line and explained to them all, “First you need to pick up a bean bag and then you need to choose a hoop, when I say go, you have to throw and aim for a hoop”. Checking that all of her friends understood the rules of the game, she counted down, “3, 2, 1, Go!”. Once the children were satisfied with their throwing skills, Alfie instigated a new game of “balance the bean bag on our heads race”. Alfie guided his friends with balancing a bean bag on top of their heads and then guided them to where the race would start. He went on to instruct his friends, “On your marks, get set, GO!”. The children found this race very amusing, Oliver, Tilly and Ollie went straight in for the run, finding it even more amusing that their bean bag fell straight off, whilst Olivia and Tom went in with a careful approach, taking small, slow steps, ensuring they made it to the finish line with the bean bag still on their heads. Well done all!
Whilst the races were going ahead, Isaac and Max challenged each other to a game of tennis at the makeshift tennis courts. They each picked up a bat and stood either side of the net. Isaac gave Max the go ahead for him to hit the ball first and laughed, telling him, “I bet I can get to the ball first”. Max giggled and challenged him back, “I bet you can’t”. Ada loved a game of football with her friends, insisting that she would save all of the balls from going in to the goal. After running side to side to save the balls, Ada sat on the mat with a big smile on her face and a drink of water in hand and said, “That was so much fun but now I need a drink!”.
To finish of the sports day activities, the children took part in races including skipping, running, side stepping and crawling races and all received their very own medal for taking part in all of the activities throughout the morning. The little ones couldn’t wait to show them to their families and even brought them back to nursery the following day to show each other again as they were still so proud of themselves!
Bushy Park & foam clouds!
On a sunny morning we all had a lovely idea to go for a long walk to bushy park! An invitation was extended to the preschoolers who decided to join the trip with some of their children. When it was time to set off and the children had suncream applied and hats on, they waved goodbye to the nursery and started chants of “Let’s go”. The excitement was palpable which only continued to grow as there were sightings of trucks, lorries and police cars along the way. As the buggies were nearing Hampton Court the children paused to wave hello to the police standing guard and had a quick look at the palace but hunger quickly took over as chatter upon seeing a food stand filled each buggy. This set them up perfectly for snack time and as soon we arrived at the park a few minutes later and set up camp with picnic mats the children indulged in their snack of fresh fruit and breadsticks. As soon as they were finished they were up and moving, some going in small groups to visit the play ground and others exploring the field and nature around. With the explorer bags at the picnic blanket Arlo and Henrietta quickly retrieved some binoculars and made their way to a large tree. While standing at the bottom they both looked up into the branches and Arlo stated, “Oh I can see a bird up there, it so high up in the tree…. Hello birdie” which made Henrietta react with a big “Oh!” as she quickly corrected her binoculars and echoed what Arlo had said in an excited shout “It’s a bird! Look! Bird!”. They followed it as it flew to another nearby tree with lots of excited squeals.
Whilst sat doing drawings of the differnt things they could see Harry paused and said “What’s that over there behind that wall?” While pointing to a short wall along the side of a stream. When the group went over to investigate Matilde said “Ducks ducks” and pointed as she ran closer to the wall. They watched the ducks for a short while before bursting into laughter as one duck put his head under the water with Harry explaining, “He showed his bottom to us”. Meanwhile a few children were exploring the playground where George was able to climb up the steps of a large slide and exclaimed “I did it!” once he reached the top, sliding down in celebration. Hugo was attracted to the large hammock like swing and once settled in took this as a time to relax and fully reclined whilst closing his eyes. When it was time for lunch the children reconvened at the picnic blanket and tucked into some delicious tuna pasta and peaches before back into the buggies and heading back to nursery…having a quick nap along the way. Heaven!
Over the last couple of weeks, the under two’s have been have been busy learning all about the weather and exploring their senses during sensory and malleable play week! Inside, they were very eager to get stuck into our ‘Walking on clouds’ activity and could not contain their excitement. Charlotte clapped her hands and giggled as the foam was sprayed into the builders tray, whilst Margaux gasped and said, “Oh wow!” As soon as all was ready the children approached and their hands went in first. Next, with their shoes and socks off, they could have a real sensory experience by stepping into the foam clouds, with many of the children curious to know what it felt like on their feet. Zachary was the first to be lifted into the clouds, as he kicked around and laughed at the feeling he enjoyed so much. Shortly after his friends followed suit and had a great time playing with the foam in this whole new way.
Outside the sensory adventure continued with activities such as crunchy sensory trays using a variety of pasta shapes and gloopy slime with scoops. One activity the children thoroughly enjoyed was the ice painting. They used various coloured paints and then chose an ice shape to investigate how the colours mixed in with the ice. Cora picked up her paintbrush and couldn’t quite work out what colour she wanted. She pointed out every colour and finally selected red, whilst encouraging her friends to join in. Sebastian picked up the blue paintbrush and decided to give himself a great, blue moustache, making his friend burst out with laughter.
Graduation!
It was graduation day for our school leavers last week and what an amazing show the little ones put on for their parents and siblings! The children have been very busy over the last couple of weeks, rehearsing their lines and learning some new songs to sing as a part of their play and their efforts certainly paid off. We know the little ones have been practicing their words at home too with their families. The count down started on Monday with Rowan, Lana and Luna reminding all of their friends, “It’s 3 days until our graduation!”. Sadie gave the 2 day reminder on Tuesday and when it came to graduation day, the children couldn’t wait to show each other their costumes. Olivia was mostly excited about her ears and tail and Zack just couldn’t wait for a face paint. What a fantastic job the children did with their words and lyrics before getting up and receiving their leavers certificate and starting school book. Thank you to all the parents who provided the animal outfits and came to support the children. Fabulous fun!
This week, the shows have continued with the children making their own stages in the garden using the wooden platforms to be able to put on their own performance. With the new tall wooden rulers in hand, Sophie and Luna placed the benches next to each other and then checked that there was enough space. Sophie reassured her friends, “It’s ok guys, don’t worry, there’s 100 space for everyone”. Once all the children had taken their seats and Sadie letting them know, “I’m Joe, I need to read the first words!” which made her friends laugh, the show took off.
We are very sad to see the children go and wish all them all the very best of luck at their new schools!
