Weeks ending 1st December 2023

The past two weeks have been all about the words 'Safe' and 'Manea'. We've discussed why we follow certain rules and how they help us stay safe, both inside preschool with things like using walking feet inside or taking turns, and outside of preschool (e.g. crossing the road safely, chewing our food properly). We also used pictures of our houses to create a map of Manea to talk about how to safely get from our houses to preschool, or to the shop/park! 

In P.E. we did the bean game, and a hoop cars activity, where the children listened for instructions like "bumpy road" (jump up and down), "red light/green light", (stop/go) and "road works" (move between cones). Down at Acorn Patch the children collected leaves that we decorated back at preschool, to make Christmas decorations with. The children used red and green glitter paints to make them sparkle!

We also met two cheeky Christmas elves called 'Star' and 'Jingle' who might be getting up to mischief when we aren't watching!

Weeks ending 17th November 2023

Our words of the week this time have been Flowers/Poppy and Size. Together we have created a flower display board using the children's own drawings, and they have had fun helping the adults by pressing the photocopier button to make copies to go in their learning journeys. We also talked lots about size, and measured each other to see who is the tallest in pre-school! Meter sticks and rulers came in handy to measure other items too, or towers that we built.

We took turns to make bird food to take down to Acorn Patch, using our hands to mash seeds and raisins into lard. Back in pre-school, we did a listening circle game, matching the sounds that our instruments make. The children were amazing at telling when it was their turn to play their instrument, and we practised again in P.E. We also took turns to pass hoops and balls around (over/under us, or slowly/fast) and did an obstacle course to train our superhero strength. 

Weeks ending 3rd November 2023

The children have been enjoying our messy play activities these last few weeks. As it was Halloween, we have had pumpkins and spooky jelly out for the children to investigate. We took turns to scoop seeds out of the pumpkins and made pictures with them. We also found toy spiders and ghosts that were hidden in the jelly. We talked about our emotions (Is Halloween scary or not? Is it real or not real?) and the children were excited to tell us about their adventures trick or treating.

Our words of the week were Water and Fireworks, and we talked a lot about how important it is for us to drink water. We also learnt about what else needs water, such as the flowers that the children helped us to plant down in Acorn Patch. 
In P.E. we have played with the parachute and with some picture dice. The children worked together to lift and wiggle the parachute, and they took turns to roll the dice so we could move in different ways (like a zombie/bat/unicorn etc..).

Weeks ending 13th October 2023

These past two weeks have been all about Challenges and discussing what's the same/different between us. The children have taken on challenges such as 'can I build a tower as big as my mini me, and as big as real me'. They've also been busy decorating paper plate faces to go up on the wall. We've talked about the differences in our skin, eyes and hair as we do this, as well as the similarities ("everyone here today has a nose, don't they!").

As a group, we've been playing 'one or lots' where the children pick a card and we try to figure out if there is one item/creature on it, or lots. There has also been opportunities for the children to learn and talk about their feelings, and the feelings of others. 

In P.E. the children did balance games, including games where we balance bean bags on our heads, and a few races, and we decided to keep superhero games for another week to make room for our magical day activities. Down at acorn patch we've been going on walks to collect items that would be good for the magic potions! The children were excited to find a hole that a badger made!

Weeks ending 29th September 2023

Over these past two weeks we've been discussing and learning about Autumn and Stories-our words of the week! In the main room the children have been helping us choose what toys and activities they'd like out, and we've played our listening box game where we shake boxes and try to guess what's inside. The children have been busy colouring in their very own Elmer the Elephant pictures and they've taken pride in seeing their work displayed on the walls!

In P.E. we did an obstacle course where the children impressed us with their climbing, rolling, balancing and jumping skills. The week after we practised circle games, and the children were great at taking turns and listening well.

Down at Acorn Patch it's been all about sticks! We've collected sticks to bring back to our room so we can play music with them, perform magic (with magic stick wands) and more. We also collected stones so that we can plant our new herbs together.

Weeks ending 15th September 2023

We've been getting to know your children, and the returning children have all been helping us learn the rules and routines at preschool. :) 

For our first two weeks of the year we have been exploring and investigating. We've done water play, built sand castles, painted and more! We had some listening moments outside on the field and spoke about our words of the week -Rules and Kind. 

In P.E. we played with the parachute in the first week, taking turns to go under it and working as a team. In the second week we played the bean game, testing the children's listening and movement skills.

We've had all sorts of activities outside and on the tough spot, from dinosaurs to race cars, and the children have enjoyed being shop keepers and bus drivers! On the playground we have tried out lots of different ways to move: using scooters and balance bikes, balls and hoops.

Down in our outdoor area on the field, Acorn Patch, we have been searching for bugs and flowers. The children used nets, magnifying glasses, spades and more. 

We're looking forward to spending this year with all of your wonderful children!