Thursday 22nd September

Continuing our shape theme we started the day by sticking various coloured cellophane shapes on to paper. The children could see how the colours mixed together when they overlapped. We also used the new turkey baster to suck up coloured water and transfer to another pot, an activity that also helps to develop our fine motor skills. We made a den in the book corner and children took it in turns to ‘read’ each other a story. Outside we used the hula hoops and the shapes. We played a game we shouted out a shape name and the children had to run to that shape.

A next step from naming the shape is to think about how many corners and sides a shape has.

Wednesday 21st September
Today we had a fire drill, this is carried out once a term. The children responded quickly to Jane’s whistle put their high-vis jackets on and we exited the building in record time. On the way back from our meeting point we decided it would be great to take the children to Finches Field to look for more shapes within our environment. We found lots including a trampoline (circle), garage doors (squares) and trees planted in a circle. We had already set up a mini beast tray (using twigs and leaves from outside) the children used magnifying glasses to look for our new plastic insects. We went on a ‘triangle hunt’ around preschool, and also sticking triangles to make robots, cats and a Mummy.

Monday 19th September

This week we are looking at shapes. Today we were looking at squares. The children went on a ‘square hunt’ looking for things around the preschool that were square shaped. During the morning some of the boys used the blackboards and chalk to ‘mark make’, the beginnings of writing. The puzzle shapes were also out helping the children develop their fine motor skills. We also celebrated Rebecca’s Birthday and sang Happy Birthday to her.

Today we were experimenting with mixing colours.  We chose an activity using ice cubes and dropping food colouring.  In pairs the children gently dropped their chosen primary colour onto ice and slowly mixed the colours together.  The children really enjoyed seeing the colours mix and a ‘new’ colour appear.  At circle time we hunted for secondary colours green, purple and orange.

Today was another lovely day and we were out in the garden first thing. The children found a worm and initiated a bug hunt. We got out the magnifying glasses and searched under rocks and ivy looking for more. All the children chose to take turns at playing with dolls. Taking them for walks, dressing and feeding them. At circle time as usual we looked at what day, month and weather it was. We also took part in a colour and animal movement exercise.

This week we are looking at the primary colours, red, yellow and blue.  At circle time we have been talking about each colour and looking for items around the hall. We also put together the trampoline and had fun bouncing outside.

This is our first morning back at pre-school. We have welcomed five new children to preschool so far.  All the children are settling in nicely and are enjoying all our activities.  Have any parents any thoughts on our new layout?

Today we were preparing our clothes for our holiday.  The children helped to wash clothes in warm soapy water.  They moved the clothes around in the water then squeezed out excess water.  We then went into the garden and hung the washing on the clothes out.  The areas of learning covered were personal, social and emotional development, physical development and understanding the world.

This week we are looking at going on holiday. On Monday the children made their own passports. Outside we played a game, the children had to collect ‘stamps’ from different countries by rolling a coloured dice and going to the correct colour to collect their stamp. This covered areas of maths, understanding the world, literacy and expressive arts.

We are enjoying using our brand new gears set on this rainy morning.  The gears help the children to develop logical thinking and also their fine motor skills.