Monday 29 December 2014

The importance of PLAY!

TEN QUOTES ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY

“Play is the work of the child.” – Maria Montessori

“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein

“It is a happy talent to know how to play.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers

“The playing adult steps sideward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” – Erik H. Erikson

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.” – Carl Jung

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

“Do not keep children to their studies by compulsion but by play.” – Plato

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -  Fred Rogers

Friday 26 December 2014

FROZEN!

We have enjoyed sharing what we know about the story of 'Frozen'. We have talked about he characters, what they do and say and the message throughout the story. We have used this quality 'talk' to support and develop our mark making skills for both drawing and writing.










Creating our own snowmen...

Creating a festive tree
We decided to make our own 'Frozen' biscuits

Super snowmen

Lots of focus, care and attention...counting too!















Sunday 14 December 2014

Christmas activities and party











We had a very special morning in Nursery on Friday. It was lovely to spend time with all our friends and join in with dancing, games and a party snack too! Followed by a special surprise visit...

Party hats, photos and singing
Ring songs and games

Dancing...
Musical statues
Musical bumps
Pass the parcel
I wonder what us inside...?

Taking turns and helping each other
A surprise for everyone!
More dancing... Super moves!
A little bit of time for a story... 'Dear Santa'
Party snack time!
A special surprise...
So many lovely comments and questions!
Everyone enjoyed the surprise.
Lots of laughs and giggles!
Special presents for us all too...

Such a lovely party. We hope you all enjoyed it!

















Friday 5 December 2014

Block play!


Concentrating, persevering, fixing and positioning


Creating, making, imagining, testing ideas, learning from each other, trying new things


Developing a sense of pride and self confidence

Selecting, making choices, experimenting with height and length...and lots more!

There was a story behind every one of the marvellous models!


Wednesday 26 November 2014

TOY WEEK!

This week, we have brought in toys from home to share and talk about with our friends.

It has been lots of fun, learning more about each other's likes and dislikes.

We have all taken turns to sit on the 'talking chair' and presenting our toys to others.

Grown-ups are impressed with how confident we are becoming when speaking in front of the whole group. 

We have been focusing on asking questions to find out more.



We have used all sorts of media and materials to represent our toys from memory and observation in both 2D and 3D. Take a look in the classroom and in main school where you will see our work on display!

A big "Well done!" - great turn taking and listening to each other.

It has been fun learning about different types of toys and how they work, move etc









Sunday 9 November 2014

Our Role play area is now a... Toy Shop!

We are having lots of fun in here!

As our topic will be moving onto toys over the next few weeks, the children wanted to change it into a shop. We talked about what we would need and made a list. We have already been so very busy in there and it is really helping us to develop our mark making skills. We are using writing for a purpose: making shopping lists, taking messages and writing orders.

It is great fun being the shop keeper but we do have to remember to take turns. 


Nursery rhymes week

Learn a new rhyme each day
Practise and enjoy singing familiar favourites
Develop awareness of rhyme and alliteration
Act out rhymes using props
Develop self confidence
Enjoy learning about the sounds and meanings of new words
Practise and use counting skills in context
Use media and materials to create and represent our thinking ...and use these when performing
Perform individually or as part of a group


Monday
5 currant buns








Tuesday
Hey diddle diddle








Wednesday
Old King Cole

We used art and design skills to create our very own kings. Come and take a look...

Thursday
I Hear Thunder - lots of actions and expression!

We talked about different types of weather, expressed likes and dislikes and shared how we feel when it rains..., is foggy..., snowing etc

DRESS UP DAY...




WOW!!!

Such super efforts!

Can you spot the nursery rhymes? How many did you get?

Friday
Oranges and lemons - singing and dancing!

We worked hard all week completing our little booklets and have revisited these rhymes lots and lots in our independent learning time.

Well done, everyone!