Weekly Roundup 1 December 2023

This week we have begun our festive celebrations with both Honeys and Bumbles putting up their Christmas trees and making our own baubles to hang on the branches. We've also enjoyed some festive crafts such as making cards to share with our families and friends, decorating stockings and measuring our height with a pieces of string for some special baubles. We look forward to sharing these with you and your child will bring home a festive folder in a few weeks' time. Bumbles have also made a winter grotto - this is an area where the children have been sharing festive stories such as our story of the week, The Elves and the Shoemaker. 

This story has been popular with the children and we have been matching shoes, ordering footwear by size and also trying them on during our sessions. We've have had discussions during circle time around sizing, including the Elves sizes - in the book they are described as “Tiny” and we've been thinking of different words to describe them “Small and Little” were suggested during our discussion. In the story the shoemaker described the money he made from the newly made shoes as “a lot” . We spoke about what this means and used it in different contexts - the children described what they have a lot of “Toys, Books and Spidermans" seemed to be popular!.

This half term our featured artist is Vincent Van Gogh and the children have been looking at some of the painter's famous works. They had a go at making their own versions of the wonderful “Starry Nights”. Each half term we'll be exploring the work of a well known artist which will allow the children to experiment with a range of techniques and mediums. This will encourage their creativity and allow them to attempt their own artistic interpretations of famous masterpieces!

It’s been a chilly week which has given us a taste for the Winter season. We have spoken about the changes in the weather and how we need to dress differently to keep our bodies warm. Thank you for helping your children put their hats in their sleeves and gloves in the children’s pockets upon entering the pre-school. Do remember to provide them with a winter coat to wear as we do go outside every day which helps children develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. The children also become aware of their own limits, boundaries and challenges in their play. If you do not have a coat for your child, please speak to a senior member of staff who may be able to help.

During Moo music we wore reindeer ears and used claves and bells in time with the music. This activity involved following instructions - “to listen with increased attention to sounds.” (Expressive Arts and Design, EYFS - Development Matters) .

During our Superstar Sport session this week we have been dancing and moving to the Bear Hunt song, stretching our bodies up high and down low. The children are very familiar with this interactive story and dancing along made it more fun.

Next week our book of the week is Father Christmas Needs a Wee, by Nicholas Allen - great for those who are learning to use the toilet! We'll also be reading the Hanukkah story and of course, be enjoying more festive activities. Our Show and Tell topic for both rooms next week is 'something special' - this could be a special teddy, photo or item that your child loves - we look forward to sharing these during our circle time.

We'll be having our end of term children's Christmas Party on Tuesday 19th December from midday. We'll send out more details about this next week and all children that attend Pre-School will be invited to come along for some festive fun. 

Just a reminder about the post boxes which are in the reception area - we have name lists for both the Honeys and Bumbles classes so please request one if wanted. We'll also be announcing the winners of the Activity Tracker competition next week so all forms should have brought back to be in with a chance of getting a prize.

A special mention for Sophie who was crowned as Early Years and Foundation Stage Practitioner Of The Year at the Essex Teaching Awards!!!! The ceremony took place at Hylands House in Chelmsford on Wednesday where Sophie enjoyed a glittering ceremony with the rest of the nominees. We're so proud of her and the work she does every day to make Springfield Bees a wonderful place for children and staff. What a fabulous achievement.

We wish you all a wonderful weekend filled with festive cheer! Please share special photos and events with us via Tapestry. See you next week.