Already we’ve reached April and the end of the term, as we’ve missed a couple of blogs get ready for a big one….
This term we’ve celebrated lots of themes and traditions including… National story telling week where we welcomed many special visitors in to read to us, some coming in their uniforms and talking about the work they do! Lunar new year, with a tasting session, dancing, writing Chinese numbers and more! Pancake day, with of course pancakes for snack, playdough and counting activities! Mother’s Day, St David’s day, and St Patrick’s day.
Something new this year we tried out some activities “just for fun” (even though we do this all the time anyway) it is so important to look after your wellbeing and just have fun. We jumped in muddy puddles, grew sea dragons, painted biscuits, sang into microphones, played with a SPACESHIP, practised hammer and nails, had a spa day and more!! The children have talked about these activities ever since, we’ve revisited some, enhancing them by adding resources relating to our planning and next steps. So much learning is done even through these fun activities, more importantly we experienced sheer joy, including staff.
A MASSIVE theme this term has been “the show” lots of conversation about the cinema, theatre shows, circus etc. We created our own stage with lights, and even bought a karaoke machine. The children could take turns to put on a show for their friends either a dance, song or using puppets. This is a great opportunity to build on confidence and social skills, also sharing kindness to others by supporting them during their turn.
We’ve been practising using our motor skills this term, with obstacle courses, playdough disco, building using the construction resources, balance during music and movement and yoga sessions and more.
Also this term we enjoyed our first “St Helens outing” by going to the cinema to watch “The snail and the whale.” We all really enjoyed this and we’ve had many conversations since. Having the cinema to ourselves was a great opportunity for those who have never experienced a cinema before.
As you already know each morning we have a sensory circuit, which helps the children regulate and organise their senses so they are ready for their day. We have now introduced attention autism into our daily routine. Attention autism works in stages, teaching children how to listen to a leading adult, shift focus, share and wait their turn, work in a group and build on focussing skills slowly over time. If you would like to know more please speak to us.
Most exciting announcement of all…. You may have noticed some work being carried out on our garden. We are so lucky to have been granted a garden upgrade from Kier with a Norfolk broads theme. We can reveal it is finished and will be ready for us to enjoy during the summer term.
That’s all for this term… we hope you enjoy our blogs, reading about all the wonderful things your children have experienced and achieved.
Wishing you all an amazing Easter and a relaxing week off.
When we return in April it will be our SUMMER TERM!!! We can’t wait to get out in our new beautiful garden.
St Helen's Pre-School 