This week we decided to give everyone a chance to explore their creative sides with a junk modelling bonanza! Exploring ways to construct using different shapes and methods is good for developing problem solving and spatial skills. One person made an amazing dog, as you can see:

The activity produced some very messy fun!

Threading is an excellent way to develop fine motor control, and we use a number of different things to provide an experience appropriate for all skill levels. A pincer grip is important for future writing skills and so we aim to practise this with the children regularly.

We played Kim’s game this week. This is the classic game where the children look at a tray of objects for a period of time before one thing is taken away. They then have to identify what is missing. Many of the children are extremely good at this, putting us adults to shame (must be an age thing!) 😂

We drew around each other this week and then compared our outlines. This led to discussion about the concepts of bigger and smaller and longer and shorter, which are important mathematical concepts.

The children like to talk about their families and love to show each other their family photos, as you can see:

Storm Callum blew in this week, but we still tried to use our outside area. Talking about changes in the weather is part of the ‘Understanding the World’ section of the curriculum, and the children are not totally averse to getting a little bit wet!

To extend this watery play, we would be very grateful if you could save any used washing up liquid bottles and hand them to us. The children love to use these for activities, so thank you in advance!

Don’t forget that next week is the last before half term. Next half term we will be sending out a brief summative report detailing your child’s progress and also holding a parents’ evening. This will be an opportunity for you to discuss the report and to look at your child’s learning journal, and will take place on Monday 12th November, 6.00-8.00 pm. A sign will appear on the door soon and you will be able to book a 15 minute appointment with your key worker. Although we do have these evenings throughout the year, please don’t forget that we have an ‘open door’ policy and you are very welcome to speak to us at any time about any matter, big or small.