Information and Reminders
Late Autumn leading up to Christmas!
In the remaining weeks this year, we will be continuing our topic on Autumn. One of the ways we have been exploring this is through our Forest school sessions outdoors. The children have collected a number of different natural materials for displays in the Nursery and for discussion about how the seasons change, and how the trees in particular change. We have been looking at the different clothes we wear in the autumn compared to in the summer. The collecting of more natural resources will continue with a view to use these creatively. This includes counting conkers and rolling them in paint, creating animal pictures using leaves etc. The children are encouraged to inquire about the world around them and we will ensure to provide stimulating activities that will pique the children’s interests and motivate their curiosity.
The children will be able to immerse themselves into many mark making activities that will aid with their literary development. These activities include a tree effect activity where the children will be able to trace the different marks and patterns found on the trunks of many trees, as well as, forming letters with natural found objects and materials, observational drawings of the natural environment, natural object threading and more. The children will also be able to use their outdoor environments to explore and observe natural animal habitats and begin learning about hibernation whilst out on our woodlands walks. The children will then have the opportunity to recreate what they have observed by creating their own habitats using modelling with recycled and natural materials. They will also be creating clay hedgehogs, and will continue to plant in our growing area e.g. onions, garlic, peas and salads. The children will be encouraged to have an active learning approach where they will be challenged within their learning and inspired to think critically and creatively.
Nursery waterproofs
Our nursery waterproof (and windproof) clothing sets from Sweden which are provided to all the children are very popular! They enable the children to take part in the forest school sessions for periods during the day. We want to connect the children with nature, inspiring them to live a naturally healthy lifestyle that builds resilience, confidence, independence and self-motivation – all the tools they need for a happy and successful life. The outdoor play activities are designed to foster a love for learning through exploration. Numbers and counting are encouraged by looking at trees and birds, whilst shapes and colours are aided by leaves and feathers. Nature is explored using water, air and earth. The brightly coloured waterproofs make the children highly visible at all times. Children are always kept within line of sight of two or more adults. Our adult to child ratio is maintained, allowing many eyes to be kept on the children. Headcounts take place regularly.
What will you all do if its raining or cold?
Play outside! Remaining warm and dry is the most important element to create happiness and creative play regardless of the weather. Whilst the trees and woods afford shelter, we also have large, lightweight tarps that we rig up to provide wind-breaks and extra protection when we don’t want to let a sudden downpour disrupt our games. We find that as long as children have good outdoor clothing, are out of any biting wind and that their hands are warm, they are happy to play outdoors regardless of the weather. We think that if nurseries and primary schools in Scandinavia can spend the majority of their time playing in the woods in their challenging climate, we are sure we can manage it too! Please supply a named pair of wellies and gloves for your child to be kept at nursery.
Christmas!
This is a lovely time in the Nursery, with lots of activities and excitement. During this delightful time, the children will be able to make presents for their parents, calendars, and enjoy singing Christmas songs. They will also be making their own Christmas food, such as mince pies. We will soon have our very own nursery postbox located in the garden. The postbox will be used all year round to promote literacy and maths outdoors, and at Christmas the children are welcome to bring cards in for their friends and have the opportunity to write letters to post to Father Christmas ! They will have walks around the area as usual and the children will count how many Christmas stars they can see. There will be Christmas pyjama days, a Christmas dinner, parties and lots of lovely decorations to make.
Book of the month
The nursery has a wide range of books for the children to choose from. In addition to this, the children all have the opportunity to look and listen to the text of the book of the month, and engage in learning, thinking, and responding to that shared text. This will lead to extension activities in the nursery. We hope you will enjoy sharing the story at home! Please click on the link below to share the video.
November - The Gruffalo’s Child
Upcoming Events and Celebrations
Firework Night 5th November
In the week leading up to this event, the children will be making firework & sparkler pictures and 3D rockets using a variety of materials to create wonderful decorations to be brought home to their parents.
Christmas Library visits
The children will visit the library in small groups to select Christmas books and to have a story time with the librarian with a festive theme.
Preschool Christmas Concert Wednesday 11th December at 4.15pm - 5.45pm
The children will have a singalong with you all. This event is open to all children regardless of whether or not they attend Wednesdays. The event will last half an hour or so, and we hope you are able to come along and join in the singing (song sheets will be provided!) The children will act out and dress up as characters from one of their favourite books ’Stick Man’. After the concert, everyone is welcome to stay for a chat and a bite to eat. This is an opportunity to get to know each other a little better! The team will notify you soon which character your child will be playing on the day.
Christmas Jumper Days 16th - 20th December
Christmas Jumper Day is a fundraising initiative by Save the Children to help children in the UK and around the world who are facing issues like war, hunger, and poverty. The team will be wearing theirs throughout this week, and we would like to invite your children to join in should they wish on any ( or every) day during our last week. You can donate here for this very worthy cause. Thank you.
Christmas Tea Parties, Christmas jumpers and Christmas roast dinners for all ages week commencing 16th December
A busy week! All the children will be able to take part in parties and have a roast Christmas lunch during this week. The staff team will be wearing their Christmas jumpers this week and hope the children will join them!
The Christmas tea parties will be during this week also with dancing and lots of party games to enjoy! Of course the fun wouldn’t be complete without some lovely food for the children to feast on, which the Nursery will be providing.
Messy activities will not be out over this week and so the children are quite safe to wear their best party clothes! Also in the run up to the parties the children will be making some Christmas hats to get them in the festive spirit. Each child will receive a gift of a book from Father Christmas, which we hope they will enjoy!
Family Christmas Party at Imber Court Friday 20th December 6-10pm
Full details will be provided to you regarding all above events nearer the time.
Christmas Holiday Dates 2024-2025
Last day of the year: Friday 20th December
Closed: Monday 23rd December 2024 - 1st January 2025
Reopening: Thursday 2nd January 2025