At this time, many of us are missing seeing family members and I bet they are missing us too. It is sad but why not take the time to learn more about these important family members. Lets make our very own family trees, these will all be very individual to each child/family and can be made in many different ways.

Some of the staff might join in too.

Here are some examples that I have found just by searching family trees made by children…

This Is something that you can take your time with and work on over a few days/weeks.

Think about;

• Name each family member who you would like to have in your family tree… Remember this is just for fun.
• Who they are to you for example gran, uncle, cousin
• Their age if you know it (if not why not give them a phone and ask them some of these questions?)
• What is your favourite thing to do with that person
• What is your favourite thing about this person for example they make you laugh, their hair, they bring you to nursery, they sing songs with me.
• You can add photographs or drawings of these and add them too.

Any other ideas?

Big ones who might be helping…

As you can see from the images there are many different ways to create these, please do not challenge yourself too much use the materials you have at home and give your children as much independence as possible. This can be a good time to help build your child’s confidence, literacy skills and numeracy skills.

• Write out names for them to copy.
• drawing pictures of family members, 2 eyes, a mouth, hair colour
• count how many family members to include, possible using a different leaf for each.
• collect sticks and leaves from outdoors.

Have fun. We are excited and cannot wait to see your family trees.

We are missing you all.

 

Our children love the story of ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’ here is the link to the story for you to enjoy with your family …

He was a very hungry tiger 🙂 we thought you would enjoy having your own Tiger Tea Party, below are a few ideas of how you could do this.

Have fun. We are looking forward to hearing about all your tea parties.

We all love a tea party. 

Do you have a tiger toy?

If not why not make your own tiger or masks. Make some yummy snacks and enjoy some party games.

• Pick a date and send out your invitations.
• Plan your menu and select your “tea”
• Setting the Tea Table.
• Tea Party Games.

Children help your adults prepare the snacks, make a list of what you want to have at your tea part, set the table and have fun. 

 

During lock down we have all had some extra time to study and research, we feel that this quote best describes children being creative and how natural it can become to them.

“There is no sense in teaching children what we think they ought to know. There is a sense in helping children to learn (teaching) what they naturally find interesting.”    (Bruce, 2012:158)

Let’s get creative and recycle using things that you may have around the home.

Children have a good knowledge of the importance of recycling, lets build on this and encourage them to use their imaginations to build and create.

Here is an idea of something you could make…

We will all have some cardboard in our houses at the minute, but if you do not you can use paper and experiment and see what will work.

Lets make some cardboard tube snakes…

Here is what you will need to make these cardboard snakes.

• cardboard tubes cut in half as many as you would like to make remember this will give opportunities of numeracy and estimations of length.
• paint or coloured pens/crayons
• hole punch
• string, ribbon, wool
• scissors
• small piece of red material or paper
• glue
• cellotape

Watch this link to see how to put it all together.

Penguins are off-limits when it comes to pets, but this DIY recycled bottle activity allows your child to create the impossible. All you need are a few basic art supplies paired with cotton balls and a recycled bottle. You can use different sized bottles and discuss sizes and how much cotton wool would be needed for each and what size needs more.

Junk modelling and being creative is a huge part of children’s active learning. They use their imaginations, problem solving skills  while developing their design skills and creativity. They develop their self-confidence as they are enabled to explore materials and how to use them.

You can then give each Penguin a name and age, possibly make up a story about your new family Penguin.

Why not research where he/she would be from?

 

Then why not dance to the Penguin song with your very own penguin pet.

 

Please share your creations with us. We can’t wait to see them all.

We are all missing you so much and wanted to share a video message with you. We hope you like it!

Can you see your lady?

Hope you all have a wee dance along with the music.

Stay safe 😊

While studying I have came across this quote which I feel best describes children being creative and how natural it can become to them.

“There is no sense in teaching children what we think they ought to know. There is a sense in helping children to learn (teaching) what they naturally find interesting.”    (Bruce, 2012:158)

Let’s get creative and recycle junk that you have in your homes.

Children have a good knowledge of the importance of recycling so let’s make use of ideas we have in our houses. We will all have some cardboard in our houses at the minute, but if you do not you can use paper experiment and see what will work. 

 

Lets make some cardboard tube snakes…

Here is what you will need to make these cardboard snakes.

• cardboard tubes cut in half as many as you would like to make remember this will give opportunities of numeracy and estimations of length.
• paint or coloured pens/crayons
• hole punch
• string, ribbon, wool
• scissors
• small piece of red material or paper
• glue
• cellotape

Watch this link to see how to put it all together.

Penguins are off-limits when it comes to pets, but this DIY recycled bottle activity allows your child to create the impossible. All you need are a few basic art supplies paired with cotton balls and a recycled bottle. You can use different sized bottles and discuss sizes and how much cotton wool would be needed for each and what size needs more.

Junk modelling and being creative is a huge part of children’s active learning. They use their imaginations, problem solving skills  while developing their design skills and creativity. They develop their self-confidence as they are enabled to explore materials and how to use them.

You can then give each Penguin a name and age, possibly make up a story about your new family Penguin.

Why not research where he/she would be from?

 

Then why not dance to the Penguin song with your very own penguin pet.

 

Please share your creations with us. We can’t wait to see them all.

 

With all this lovely sunshine we are having,  please remember to stay safe in the sun and follow these rules. This is for both adults and children.

Have fun everyone and enjoy your time outdoors.

Why don’t you let us know what you are doing outside – Leave us a comment. We would love to hear from you all!

A post from Stephanie ………

This is something Stephanie has found helpful through this difficult time, helping to keep the days as normal as they can be during these past few weeks. You could use it as a family and complete some of the tasks together.

It would be great if you could take photos and let us know how you are getting on.

Missing you all look after yourself and each other, stay safe.

Click on the link below to access a copy to print or read.

https://www.actionforhappiness.org/media/865781/april_2020.jpg

 

While working in one of the nursery hubs last week I noticed some of the children were looking for a little challenge. So we decided to make our own runway and paper aeroplanes. We marked lines on the floor using sheets of cut up paper and then made a starting line. Using measuring tapes we measured the distances and marked these on the floor, (we were inside but this can easily be taken outdoors too.)

If you are like me this diagram could come in handy as I am not the best at making these. However the children were all very good. Giving them step by step instructions to follow you can watch them become aeronautical engineers (aeroplane designers)!

This can be a good family activity.

Let’s see who can make a flying paper plane…

Which one can fly the furthest?

Discuss measure and distance as well as having fun and being active.

Enjoy and please remember to let us know how you all get on by leaving a comment.

Boys and girls we are all missing you and your families.

 

 

The Rainbow Children

The history books will talk of now,
That time the world stood still.
When every family stayed at home,
Waved out from windowsills-
At those they loved but could not hold,
Because they loved them so.
Yet, whilst they did they noticed all the flowers start to grow.

The sun came out, they can recall,
And windows, rainbows filled.
They kicked a football in their yards,
Until the night drew in.
They walked each day but not too close,
That time the world stood still.
When people walked straight down the roads,
That once the cars did fill.

They saw that people became ill,
They knew the world was scared.
But whilst the world stood still they saw,
How much the whole world cared.
They clapped on Thursdays from their doors,
They cheered for the brave.
For people who would risk their lives,
So others could be saved.

The schools closed down, they missed their friends,
They missed their teachers so.
Their Mums and Dads helped with their work,
They helped their minds to grow.
The parents used to worry that,
As schools were put on hold,
Their children wouldn’t have the tools,
They’d need as they grew old.

But history books will talk of them,
Now adults, fully grown.
Those little boys and girls back then,
The ones who stayed at home.
They’ll tell you that they fixed this world,
Of all they would fulfill.
The RAINBOW children building dreams,
They’d dreamed whilst time stood still

Someone shared this poem with me today and I thought it would be something nice to share with you all. Author of this is unknown.

This can link in with the story of the Rainbow fish. We read this story in nursery as part of our PAThS group. The Rainbow Fish is a lovely story that embodies the simple message, sharing makes us happy. When the other fish see him, they want shimmering scales too, but Rainbow Fish keeps the beautiful scales to himself. His choice not to share soon makes Rainbow Fish a lonely fish.

The other fish give the rainbow fish compliments at the beginning. You and your child could give compliments to each other, a nice way to help keep building positive thoughts and feelings. Maybe make this a daily tradition of your family.

 

Have fun and stay safe. Remember please share your experiences with us on our Facebook page or leave your comments.

 

How to grow a rainbow

You will need;

• Kitchen roll/paper roll
• felt pens
• two small bowls of water
• paper clip
• thread

1. Cut your kitchen roll into the shape of a rainbow.
2. Colour a rainbow with felt pens about 2 cm up on both sides.
3. Attach you paper clip to the top and tie a piece of thread to it. This will give you something to hold your rainbow with.
4. Fill each small container with water.
5. Hold your rainbow with the ends slightly submerged in the water then watch your rainbow grow.

 

Good Luck!!

Talk to your child about what happens during this experiment.  You could ask –

“I wonder why……..?” or “That was interesting when………”