The boys and girls have been very busy over the past few weeks using woodwork tools, learning how to use hammers and nails. We started with the tap-a-shape, making pictures with coloured wooden shapes, small pins and hammers.

Next we moved on to using the BIG hammers and nails . We had to hammer the nails into a slice of a tree trunk. This was hard work for small hands as the hammers were heavy and the nails were proper sized.

We then moved on to making our own models with pieces of wood, plastic lids, foam shapes and buttons.  We had to choose our shapes and nail them on. Once our model was completed we could paint it if we wanted too.

By taking part in these activities we are developing our fine motor skills .We are using hand-eye coordination and exploring new materials and tools. We are also learning about safety, cooperation and taking turns.

As most of you know Miss Dewar got married last weekend. Her married name is Mrs Thomson. Also some of our  nursery children’s parents got married too. As we were talking about weddings ,we set up a church in the imagnative area. The children had the opportunity to role play by dress up as brides, grooms, ministers, wedding guests and flower girls. At the art area we made  brides and grooms, wedding guests, flower bouquets and stained glass windows. We read stories about weddings and listen to wedding music.

On a Monday and Friday the nursery boys and girls are learning lots of new songs and actions. This will be continuing for the next few week.

There are many benefits and rewards for children from taking part in musical activities.  It can cross over many areas of Curriculum for Excellence experiences and outcomes.

Parents you may be interested to learn of the many different areas of your child’s development that music can effect:

The boys and girls are enjoying learning their new songs and actions.

The nursery boys and girls have had a great time this week, enjoying using the new play equipment. Before they used the climbing frame we talked about how to be safe on it. They boys and girls can climb up using the ladder, rope climb or climbing wall and must come down using either the slide/chute (sitting down only) or the pole.

The boys and girls have also been busy helping Miss Percival plant lots of Spring bulbs in the plant pots around the garden. They had to fill the containers with soil, make a hole, put in the bulb, cover it with soil and water the pot. I’m sure the playground will be in full bloom come Springtime.

Our new climbing frame is now complete. It has a climbing wall, a ramp with a rope to climb up, a green slide, a steering wheel and a ladder.

There is red and white tape all around the climbing frame at the moment. The nursery boys and girls can not use it until the rough edges have been sanded. This will hopefully be done over the weekend.  It looks great and I hope we can use it soon.

On Tuesday 3 new workmen came to lay the new squishy surface to go around all the play equipment.