Autumn 2 half term

Our topic this past half term was ‘Journeys’ and the children enjoyed learning what a journey is through books and out and about sessions. Our two key texts, ‘What the Ladybird Heard’ and ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ were very popular and lots of the children now know both books off by heart! The children have started to learn and use lots of new vocabulary for geographical features such as hills, rivers, fields, caves, sea and have been introduced to maps. Learning all about and playing with farm animals has been very popular too. In phonics we have been learning all about instrumental sounds and playing different instruments inside and outside, as part of developing listening and attention. The children have been introduced to one number every week, we have been practising counting and learning the names of basic 2D shapes.

We have also been learning all about the seasons and the signs of Autumn. We noticed the colours of the leaves change then fall off the trees on our out and about walks. Thank you for bringing in bulbs. The children enjoyed digging holes and planting them. We cannot wait to see them grow into beautiful flowers in the Spring.  We learnt about and celebrated American Thanksgiving with a musical parade and our very own balloon float! Art was also our focus to help us learn about Bonfire night and Remembrance Day as we painted fireworks and poppies. Finally, we have been celebrating Christmas by singing, making cards and crafts and learning about how Christians celebrate it. Thank you for joining us for the Christmas concerts. We were very proud of how well the children sang for you all. 

Overview of next half term

Term begins on 4th January. Our topic is ‘Marvellous Making’. The table above gives you an overview of the learning and activities we will be focussing on in the 3 year old Nursery. The 2yos will focus on a simplified version of this plan.  We will be making music, making dens, making a picnic, making Chinese arts and crafts and making wintery art! In addition to this all children have a Music session with Mrs Williamson every week, an Out and About session, maths, circle time and phonics session. Our phonics focus is tapping out rhythms and learning about rhyming words. We also have story time every day and learn songs, rhymes and dances every week. The children learn a new Makaton sign each week, a number of the week and we will focus on counting and understanding number. The children of course have the opportunity to choose their own learning and play inside and outside throughout the term.

Rhyme Time Challenge

Next term we also start our Rhyme Time Challenge! This is when we send home a weekly Nursery rhyme for the children to learn with their families! We also practise it in Nursery but it would be great to see videos and pictures of you singing it at home on Tapestry! At the end of term  there will be a concert in the Nursery before the Easter holidays. Our rhymes are: Open Shut Them; Polly Put the Kettle On; Old MacDonald; It’s Raining, It’s Pouring; Five Little Monkeys; Mary had Little Lamb; A Sailor went to Sea.

Dates for your Diary

Start of term - Wednesday 4th January

Science Day Friday 6th January - come and join us at 8.30am and 12.30pm for an hour for some fun Science activities with your child.

Nursery Fine motor and Writing Workshop for Parents - Wednesday 18th January (8.45am and 12.45am) - come and learn about how to help children develop strong fine motor skills, hold and control and pencil and how we teach your child to write. 

Chinese New Year celebrations - 22nd January - If you would like to come and help us celebrate or do an activity with the children  please let us know. 

Parent consultations - 8th and 9th February 3.45pm onwards

End of term - Friday 10th February

Important Information

Please remember:

To read the book your child brings home with them, write a note in the Reading record and return the book bag every Friday. We are very impressed with how well this is going and how much the children are enjoying the books at home.

If you are encouraging your child to learn to write, please help them use lowercase letters rather than capitals with the exception of the first letter in their name.

Don’t forget to look out for book recommendations from the SPARK book awards in the School Newsletter.

We go outside in all weathers so please ensure your child has warm clothes and a warm waterproof coat as well as suitable boots or shoes. Trousers, tracksuit bottoms and leggings are best for Nursery as children can climb, run and go to the toilet by themselves much more easily than in dresses and skirts and tights.

Check Tapestry regularly for updates and send us photos and videos of what you have been up to at home!

Talk to your child about what they have done or will be doing in Nursery. 

Look out for the weekly Rhyme Time Challenge!

Look out for the weekly Nursery updates on Tapestry. Essential information for the week ahead for you and your child. 

Contact us if you have any questions on Tapestry or at the door - we are here to help!

Thank you as always for all your support.   Have a lovely Christmas holiday break The Nursery Team