We are learning about the impact living things have on each other.  We are continuing to show an interest in watching the birds in the nursery garden.  We decided to make some bird cakes to help the birds get food during the winter months.  You will see them hanging in the nursery garden.

We are developing the use of an outdoor drawing/writing area to encourage the development of pre-writing skills.  The children have enjoyed drawing pictures using a variety of materials that they can choose from the outdoor box.  They are all becoming more confident controlling a pen/pencil and are enjoying having the choice to draw/write outside.

Please add any of your own suggestions for the outdoor drawing box to the interactive planning wall.

We made delicious home-made pizzas for snack last week.  We used 50:50 wraps, passata, mozzarella cheese, sweetcorn, pineapple, chicken and ham.  The children enjoyed working in pairs to create one pizza to share.  In addition to developing turn-taking and organisational skills, the children were learning how to make compromises, share their ideas and about how food looks, feels and tastes.  The pizzas were very popular and we had lots of empty plates after snack!  Click here to see the little chefs at work!

Please ensure you return your nursery child profile to nursery this week if you have not already done so.  Thank you

The children wanted to turn the role-play area into a castle.  They made a plan of some of the things that the castle would need.  The nursery staff have been observing very expressive and entertaining play! 🙂

The children have also chosen to draw flags for the castle. Materials were provided at the drawing table to help them achieve this.  They have also requested to make crowns and tiaras.

During free-flow play many children showed an interest in mark making. The staff provided chalks to develop these skills further.  Many of the children chose to write numbers.  With a little help this soon developed into a game where children enjoyed walking and moving over the numbers.

The nursery staff have observed the children showing a strong interest in making birthday cards.  With the children’s help they adapted the drawing table to allow for this new interest to develop.  The children continue to enjoy exploring a variety of materials at the drawing table.

The children have been given free opportunities to explore ribbons and different styles of music in the dining room.  They have enjoyed trying to make their ribbons move fast or slow.  At their request, they have also been exploring music in the recently developed instrument/music area in nursery.

Please click here to  watch the video of the red/blue nursery children creating different movements in dance.  

Please click here to watch the video of the green/yellow children creating different movements in dance.

Please click on the link below to see the rotational snack menu for this term.  The children suggested a variety of very tasty snacks that we have included.  Parents were also asked for their ideas and they have been combined with the ideas of the children and the staff to create the menu.  The sweet potatoes were a huge hit on the first day of our new menu!

Term 2 rotational cycle

Please note that the snack menu may change depending on the food that is delivered/available  – we are occasionally given substitutions for items that may be out of stock.  Any changes will be displayed in nursery.  Thank you.

We strongly value making links between nursery and home and seeking parental feedback.  Here are some ways you can become involved:

• Interactive Planning Wall.  This is situated inside nursery.  Please add any comments that you or your child may have about current nursery topics.  You may wish to write about a nursery topic/learning experience that your child has spoken about, a possible future context for learning that your child is interested in or any skills that you feel your child has developed due to the current context.  Please ask staff to explain this to you further if you are unsure.
• Suggestion box.  This is situated in the nursery corridor.  Please add any suggestions or compliments for the nursery in the box.
• Development plan.  This is situated in the folder within the nursery corridor.  Please have a look and add your comments.
• ‘Look at me Learning at home’ wall.  This is also in the nursery corridor.  The children have really enjoyed sharing their home experiences with their nursery friends.  Please send in any photographs, drawings, models, medals etc of learning that has taken place at home.
• Fill in and return any questionnaires that are displayed or sent home.  We recently asked for your views on induction and for snack suggestions.  We hope to ask your views in an area of nursery development each term.
• Leave a comment on this Blog.  Please note email addresses do not appear on the Blog.  Please do not use full names of the children.
• looking at the big book.  This is always displayed in nursery.  Please look at it with your child.

Most importantly, please speak to the nursery staff if you wish to discuss any aspect of nursery.  Thank you.