Welcome to the penultimate day of World Nursery Rhyme Week 2020! The first version of “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” appeared in 1917 and was originally called “Old MacDougal”. A very popular and engaging nursery rhyme, each verse tells the story about a farmer and the many different animals he looks after on his farm.

When children sing nursery rhymes, they explore:
The story structure of the verse (characters, plot, etc)
The fun of alliteration and rhyming
Listening to and memorisation of short verses
Language patterns
New vocabulary
Counting

We’re at the midway point of WNRW 2020 and it’s time for Hickory Dickory Dock. A childhood favourite that we have been singing with our children since 1744 which makes ‘Hickory’ 276 years old.

There are several schools of thought as to the possible origins of this nursery rhyme. Some believe that the rhyme is based on the astronomical clock at Exeter Cathedral. The cathedral clock has a small hole in the door below the clock face for the resident cat to hunt mice. This is a wonderful nursery rhyme for very young children as its easy to learn and retain with language boosting rhyming words and opportunities to practice counting.

Day 2 of World Nursery Rhyme Week 2020 and another popular nursery rhyme from the United States. Very little is known about the origin of “Five Little Speckled Frogs” which is amazing given its popularity.

Counting songs and finger play rhymes are brilliant for encouraging early numeracy skills and fine motor control. By introducing children to the concept of counting, you encourage a familiarity with number names, patterns and values. “When children learn rhythm, they are learning ratios, fractions and proportions.” (Professor Gordon Shaw, University of California).

Other popular counting nursery rhymes:
1-2-3-4-5 Once I Caught A Fish Alive
Five Currant Buns
One Two Buckle My Shoe
Ten Fat Sausages
Hickory Dickory Dock (more about our mouse later this week!)

Welcome to the start of World Nursery Rhyme Week 2020!

We get this year underway with “Wheels On The Bus”, an incredibly popular nursery rhyme and children’s song originating from the United States. A very catchy action song and fantastic for developing memory skills, it was first published in 1939.

Action songs are brilliant for:
Strengthening memory and recall.
Supporting listening skills.
Encouraging children to take directions.
Developing their fine and gross motor skills.
Enhancing hand-eye coordination.
Language skills and word understanding are boosted.

Monday 2nd November 2020 08:41

Dear Parent/ Carer,

I hope that this communication finds you and your families well.

I wished to write to you in response to the Scottish Government Tiered Approach and the announcement on Friday that East Ayrshire Council will be in Level 3.

Further to these national announcements, additional guidance has been issued for early learning and childcare settings which can be found here:

Update:

The main changes that I would like to highlight to you are as follows, however, please be aware that should we move tiers, that I will update this information to you:-
Due to our being in level 3, face coverings should now be worn by parents and carers at drop-off and pick-up times at early childhood centres (ECCs) subject to the existing exemptions.
We have further guidance on the importance of ventilation in schools and ECCs and will need to ensure that windows remain open where possible while ensuring that heating levels are adequate. Please do encourage your child to dress warmly as we go into Winter.
Our staff have to wear face coverings when not working directly with children, for example when in office and admin areas, staff rooms and other confined communal areas. The exception to this is where a person is exempt from wearing a face covering.
The core public health measures continue to be:
enhanced hygiene and cleaning practice
limiting children’s contacts
maximising the use of outdoor spaces
physical distancing between adults in the setting including parents at drop-off and pick-up times
active engagement with Test and Protect
All parents and carers should mention early learning and childcare (ELC) arrangements if contacted by or contacting the Test and Protect service.

Existing guidance that has not changed:
It is not recommended that children aged 5 and under wear face coverings in an ELC setting. However, anyone (whether a child or adult) wishing to wear a face covering in any part of the setting should be permitted to do so.
Children are not required to physically distance from each other or from adults. It is important for children to feel secure and receive warmth and physical contact that is appropriate to their needs, in particular when they are receiving personal care, need comforting or reassurance.
Evidence suggests that outdoor environments can limit transmission, as well as more easily allowing for appropriate physical distancing between children. Given that the risks of transmission are much lower outdoors, all early learning and childcare settings should maximise opportunities for outdoor play and activities.
Where possible parents should provide the necessary clothing for outdoor play. Where this is not possible, children should not share outdoor clothes or footwear. Items belonging to the service will be allocated to one child within each session and laundered/cleaned before use by another child.

I hope that this condensed update is helpful to you at this time. Can I thank for your ongoing support and co-operation during these difficult times and I will ensure that you continue to be updated as necessary.

With best regards,

Linda McAulay-Griffiths
Head of Education

Sent To You By East Ayrshire Council

A reminder to say that Flowerbank ECC will be closed for all children for the September long weekend – Friday 18th & Monday 21st (inclusive). There has also been an additional holiday set for Thursday 17th September for Term Time children. If you are unsure if your child attends term time, please contact us.

Many Thanks

Team Flowerbank