This week in Meadows we have been so excited about the change in weather and the promise that winter is coming. The children have loved playing outdoors, exploring the frosty grass and crisp leaves in our playground. We have also discovered some dinosaurs and other creatures trapped in ice in our water trays that we have had lots of fun trying to help them escape! Indoors the fun has continued with white snow playdough, as well as mixing and whisking our own cornflour gloop, (find a recipe here: https://www.under5s.co.nz/shop/Hot+Topics+Articles/Toys+Books+Play/Homemade+slime/Make+your+own+gloop.html).
Our story this week has been ‘The Big Umbrella’ by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates.
The story is all about a big umbrella that provides shelter for everyone. Meadows have loved acting this out during carpet time, with lots of characters (including ballerinas and dogs) coming to fit underneath the big umbrella. We have continued this weather theme with lots of songs about the weather and using the parachute to show how the wind or the thunder might move. During playful learning we have also seen our very own weather men/ ladies in the weather station telling us what to expect from the weather and the temperatures outside! During our group times this week we have been learning to use the words ‘Stop’ and ‘No, not yet’ when other people might do something we do not like.
The second story we have introduced this week is ‘Little Rabbit Foo Foo’ by Michael Rosen. This comedic story involves a cheeky rabbit that doesn’t listen to the fairy about being unkind to others. It’s a wonderful repetitive, rhyming story that children enjoy joining in and acting out.
We will continue to look at this story next week, with more opportunities for the children to show us their amazing acting!
Next week we will be looking at the story ‘Counting on Community’ by Innosanto Nagara. We will also be introducing some Christmas themed provision to mark the start of advent and the countdown to Christmas. Any contributions of Christmas cards, paper, ribbon, stickers, tags, (and other shiny items!), are welcome.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Nursery Team.