The Den:

After spotting some trains in the baby garden, we have been looking at trains this week in The Den! We have also been getting into the Spring spirit as we explore paint with spring colours! 

Characteristics of effective learning

This week’s focus has been on trains! After demonstrating how to click the wooden pieces of track together, the children showed good focus and fine motor skills as they connected the track pieces. By placing our hands over the children’s and guiding them, this allowed the children to visually see how the pieces were connected and gave them confidence in having a go themselves! This was a great opportunity to add some new words to the children’s vocabulary like “train, choo-choo” and “click”. 

We have been looking at ‘at the station’ book this week that contains pop up pages and places for children to place their fingers and pop up animals. They have really enjoyed looking at this book during group time.

Physical development 

With Spring finally here, we have been making the most of the gorgeous weather. The children show amazing listening and understanding skills as they follow instructions to the garden. This week, they have been developing gross motor movements as they navigate the climbing frame. It has been lovely to observe the children’s risk-taking skills as they build their confidence in navigating new equipment. 

The children have enjoyed playing with balls in the garden, showcasing their fantastic kicking skills! This has been a good opportunity to develop turn-taking skills as the children pass the ball to each other.

We have been painting again this week using brushes and a variety of rollers. I offered the children a choice of coloured paper and some spring coloured paints. Messy opportunities like these always go down well with the children, as they sensorily explore new textures and materials!

Parents as partners:

We welcome some new faces this week from The Nest! It has been amazing to see how well the children have settled into their new space and follow new aspects of the routine like group time and hand washing.

Our oldest children have transitioned into The Discovery Hub! It has been a pleasure to care for these children (some from 9 months old! ) and see them flourish in their new room!

Staff updates:

On Monday, staff attended training lead by the area SENcO around attachment and inclusive practice within early years.