Head of School's message
This half term, we are focusing on developing children’s social communication and collaborative play skills. Adults are modelling positive interactions and language, using clear expectations and visual supports to help children understand routines and what is expected of them.
We are supporting the children to practise sharing and turn-taking, which can sometimes be challenging at this age, and encouraging them to communicate with their peers during play. Through these interactions, children are developing their vocabulary and learning how to express their ideas, needs, and feelings.
We are also rehearsing daily expectations and routines, such as putting pen lids back on, tidying resources away, and hanging coats up independently. Parents and carers can support this learning by reinforcing independence skills, clear routines, and positive communication at home.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build confidence, cooperation, and independence.
Dates coming up:
February Half Term - week commencing 16th February to 20th February.
Nursery back open Monday 23rd February.
Reminders:
Please check that your child/ren have the correct coat and that all items of clothing are clearly marked with your child/ren's name. We have a child's coat that has gone missing and are still trying to locate it.
Can we please remind parents/carers that use of the disabled bays is strictly limited to those displaying the appropriate badge.
Join our nursery's social media pages to stay connected.
Book & Rhyme of the week
The Structured Stories Book is "Three Little Pigs" by Mara Alperin and Ag Jatkowska.
Next week the story will move into the imitation phase of Structured Stories, where children will focus on the story structure identifying the beginning, middle and end. This will involve activities such as retelling the story with actions, creating story maps and performing the text aloud. This phase is to provide a solid foundation through understanding and practising the language patterns and structure of the text.
Our key vocabulary of the text is "teeny-tiny", "cottage", "beware", "bricks", "boiling" and "chimney".
Please see below link to story;
THE THREE LITTLE PIGS 🐷🐷 🐷 Mara Alperin | Read aloud #storyoftheweek #traditionaltales
The Rhyme of the week for next week is "Hey Diddle, Diddle".
Which has a focus on rhythm and rhyme, as part of Phase 1 phonics.
Language of the week
We are lucky to have a rich and diverse community with lots of different languages. Our language of the week is Malayalam which is spoken by some of our children and their families.
Please find below links of how to say "Hello" and "Goodbye" in Malayalam. You can practise with your child/ren at home.
Learn to Speak Malayalam Through English | Step-by-Step Malayalam Lessons for Beginners. Hello, how.
How to say “goodbye” in Malayalam | How to speak “goodbye” in Malayalam
Learning at home
As we have been looking at different types of homes, you might like to go for a walk around your neighbourhood (or look out of the window) to spot different types of homes and talk about what they are made of – bricks, wood, glass, tiles.
You could also see if your child/ren can spot any chimneys and chat about what they are used for, helping them to notice and talk about the world around them.
Healthy me, Healthy world
You will know from our previous newsletter that we are focusing on oral health this half term. To support children’s understanding and make learning fun, we’ve included some child-friendly videos that you might find helpful to watch together at home. These are great for reinforcing tooth-brushing routines and talking about dental care in a playful way:
• Brush, Brush, Brush! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8xuAJM2S8&t=16s
• Tooth Brushing Song for Kids – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQE4xxk1r5g&t=2s
• Healthy Teeth for Kids – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oStaJTHgHMU
Watching and singing along with these videos can make brushing time more engaging for children and help reinforce the idea of brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Sharing these routines at home also supports vocabulary development and encourages positive conversations around health
Success story of the week
This week, the children have loved exploring our new mud kitchen in the bottom garden. In their nursery wellies and waterproofs they have been working together in their groups to mix, pour , scoop, stir and “cook” with mud, water and natural materials.
Through this rich, sensory play they have been developing their communication and language skills as they share ideas and stories, building friendships and turn-taking.
It is as equally enjoyable for the adults to not only observe, but join the children in investigating textures, changes and the natural environment in a hands-on, playful way!
