Bonkers for conkers
As the leaves on the trees change colour and fall to the ground it’s clear that Autumn has well and truly arrived. We have all enjoyed observing the seasonal changes at nursery and on our country walks. A few children brought in large bags of acorns and conkers which were spread around the nursery gardens. They have been used to make potions at our sand kitchen and as currency in the home corner.
At Kinder Lodge we received a delivery of large outdoor building blocks from community playthings. In the garden the groups have loved playing with this new equipment, inside they transformed the used cardboard boxes from the delivery into the Three Little Pig’s houses. The children in the Bluebell group spent an afternoon painting and decorating the boxes and then had help to cut doors, windows and skylights. It has been lovely to see the children acting out the story and taking up the parts of the pigs and the big bad wolf.
Our preschool children have been getting in touch with their emotions and thinking about feelings. We have been reading ‘The Colour Monster’ by Anna Llenas in which the main character’s emotions are all messed up. The monster’s friend helps unravel the different emotions and puts them into different coloured jars. The book encourages children to open up and discuss how they feel, even when their thoughts are confusing. In circle time we have been asking the children to talk about what makes them feel happy, scared, calm, angry, loved and sad. Their responses were very insightful and illustrates how much they understand about their own emotions. We made a note of their responses and these have formed part of a display in the Classrooms at both Kinder Lodge and Sandpit House.
We are always impressed (and often jealous) with the delicious lunches that the children bring into nursery each day. On visits we are sometimes asked why we do not offer cooked lunches and we believe that parents are better placed to provide their child's lunch. Parents can ensure that their child's dietary requirements are met, particularly with regards to those who have allergies, intolerances and religious or dietary needs. We have also found that home made lunches are of a higher quality than those prepared in commercial kitchens, taking into account the foods and flavours that the child is used to at home, meaning that they are much more likely to eat it. When preparing lunches please be realistic of how much your child will eat. You should only put in the amount of food that your child is likely to eat as too much can be overwhelming and put them off entirely. It also helps us as we know what you expect your child should be able to finish at lunchtime.
There is an expectation when a child joins nursery that they are able to eat independently and not be fed. We support and encourage them at lunchtime, particularly with opening packets etc, however, we do not feed them. We rely on the same consistency at home in supporting your children to eat independently. Mealtimes are an important part of a child’s social development. It is imperative that good practice is followed from the outset and that mealtimes are a social occasion free from distraction. This means eating together with your child and allowing them enough time to finish their food. We appreciate the time pressures on modern families but do not be tempted to use shortcuts by using TV or iPads to distract your child whilst eating as this will have long lasting negative consequences later on. Instead, teach them about the pleasure of eating in a social group, which means making sure an adult is sitting down and eating with them. If you are struggling at home and need advice then we are always on hand to support you and your child.
Our school photographer, Brett Lenman, visited Kinder Lodge on Wednesday and Sandpit House on Thursday. He took portrait photos of the children in their uniform and did an amazing job at capturing their happiness and personality. We are certain that your hearts will melt when you see them. Photo order forms will be sent out to parents in about a weeks time.
Finally, next Saturday 12th October we will be holding an open day at Sandpit House. If you have any friends or family who are looking for a nursery school from September 2020 onwards please tell them about this event and invite them along.
See you in the next blog!
Roberto & Gabriella