The search for Blackbeard and the lost treasure continued all week in nursery. On Tuesday morning a trail of green glitter led the children to discover Tinkerbell hiding in the treasure chest with some of the lost gems and some books all about pirates. Tinkerbell told the children that she wanted to help them locate Blackbeard and has taken the pledge to learn all about pirate jobs and the names of the different parts of the ship before it sets sail for faraway lands. The children welcomed her onboard as part of the crew and got busy showing her the ropes.

In the writing area they made WANTED pictures which will be placed strategically throughout the nursery and school to widen the search for the scallywag. They also played treasure games on the SMARTBoard and the singing of old sea shanties continued.

The sail the children made last week has now been hoisted and is ready for use. Pirate Pete has taken up residence in the crow’s nest along with Pearl the parrot whom the children made and named on Tuesday.

In the art area the children created their very own pirate Pete with beard, scars, gold buckles on his shoes and an earring. They decided to put him next to the pirate display and then made another parrot to keep him company. They started making pirate ships from recycled boxes and will continue with this over the next few days. They put a plank in the water tray and have made the pirates walk the plank.

In the maths area they continued making treasure maps and they also completed directional mazes in the hunt to find the treasure. They made pirates and ships from the mobilo in the construction area.

In the snack area they made ships with melon and other fruit, fruit kebabs and tropical smoothies. They roleplayed the ship leaking and came up with their own ideas of how to prevent it from sinking. Lots of good imaginative ideas and new language came out of this.

Outside they have been busy transforming the HMS Cathedral into a pirate ship, they have been making a plank and a flag for the ship as well as roleplaying scrubbing the decks and lifting the anchor. The transformation of the ship will continue into next week.

On Friday Nathan’s mum visited the nursery and told the children all about how Welsh children celebrate St David’s day. She showed them a short story and taught them a song in Welsh on the SMARTBoard. She explained all about the colours in the Welsh flag, dressed some of the children in traditional dress and explained the significance of the daffodil and leek being the Welsh emblems. Nathan got a chance to show off his rugby shirt and his rugby ball skills. She showed them beautiful wooden spoons that are carved from a single piece of wood which you receive on your wedding day. Nathan and Ryan made Welsh cakes and the children took them home to have with their tea. The children and staff found it all very informative and we would like to thank Mrs Baxter again for her excellent input on Friday morning and afternoon.

THE HUNT FOR BLACKBEARD CONTINUES! If anyone knows the whereabouts of this nasty scallywag please do not hesitate to let the children know. Ideas from parents/carers are always welcomed by the children and staff for this theme and any other. How would you like to take this forward? Suggestions in the suggestion box in the cloakroom please.

As always, thanks for reading, look forward to reading your comments.

Mrs Shields