It’s been a wonderful start to the year in Beech and Chestnut, and it has been lovely to welcome all the children and their families to Hartcliffe Nursery School. The children have been busy exploring their new environments, getting to know new friends and building positive relationships with the adults who support them each day.
This term, the children have been enjoying the Core Story Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. The story has helped children to think about their families, talk about their feelings and develop their language through storytelling and discussion. As part of their learning, they have been making connections between the story and the changing season by collecting leaves, sticks and other natural treasures during their outdoor adventures. Families who would like to share the story at home can watch it below.
The children have also been learning the poems Falling Apples and Autumn, helping them to develop their listening skills, vocabulary and enjoyment of rhyme and rhythm.
In Chestnut Room, children have been visiting the allotment, where they have been picking vegetables and using them to make delicious pizzas. These experiences have encouraged curiosity about where food comes from and provided opportunities for children to work together, follow instructions and try new things.
In Beech Room, children have been enjoying music sessions with Rich on Thursdays and Fridays. Through singing, movement and playing instruments, they have been developing their confidence, creativity and love of music.
Across both rooms, the children’s interests have inspired a wide range of learning opportunities. They have been making volcanoes with clay, using cutting and sticking skills to create pictures of themselves, their families and scenes from Owl Babies. Outdoors, children have been enjoying exploring the MUGA and the Forest area, as well as using loose parts to design and build imaginative cars and aeroplanes. It has been fantastic to see their creativity, problem-solving and teamwork developing through play.