Santa’s helpers have been busy little elves in the Grotto. They have been using their fine motor skills to manipulate scissors and have been exploring size and space when perfecting their wrapping skills. Lots of mark-making has been on offer with writing letters, lists, and cards.

– Natasha

After learning about winter weather this term, we had real snow in Therfield! The children were thrilled and excited to explore it first hand. They initiated target practice by throwing snowballs at the fence. The children were also keen to discover the snow using all of their senses.

– Natasha

We have been learning about winter. The children made their own edible snowmen…but oops! they melted. The children used their fine motor skills to decorate the biscuits, but licking the icing was definitely the best part!

– Natasha

The children were surprised to find a Hot Chocolate Station in the garden on a cold winters morning. They developed their maths skills by paying with toy coins into the till.

Hugo: “I’m glad there’s Hot chocolate in there!”

Robert: “William likes Hot chocolate, but I have milk. Is it squirty water?”

James: “Can we have Hot chocolate every day? I love Hot chocolate!”

Joshua and Jack: “Cheers!”

All: “Thank you!”

Due to popular demand, the shop had to reopen the next day!

– Natasha

We thrilled our senses celebrating Diwali. The children developed their IT skills by operating a blender and making mango lassi. We had a variety of Indian snacks at our cafe during the week. We finished our activities with a celebratory snack together.  Activities included making salt dough diva lamps, mark making rangoli patterns, exploring light and sound and having mendhi patterns on our hands.

– Natasha

“Children under five should not be inactive for long periods, except when they’re asleep. Watching TV, travelling by car, bus or train, or being strapped into a buggy for long periods are not good for a child’s health and development.” – NHS Choices

We incorporate lots of creative opportunities for energising and physical development throughout our sessions.

– Natasha

Richard, the local Reverend, visited to teach the children about Harvest.  He showed the children a variety of grains, fruit and vegetables and they named them, compared size, shape and colour and then we said thank you for the Harvest.

– Tina

In support of our ‘All About Me’ theme, we asked the children for ‘cooking ideas’.  The overwhelming favourite – chocolate cake!!  We decided on chocolate fridge cake.  The children measured the chocolate, butter and golden syrup which involved lots of comparisons and the use of mathematical language including more, full and enough.  We particularly enjoyed ‘bashing’ the biscuits whilst an adult melted the chocolate mixture before we combined all of our ingredients.  The children then selected from marshmallows and raisins to complete their cake.  Although there was a little nibbling during preparation there was enough cake left to be enjoyed together at our teddy bears picnic.

– Tina

We enjoyed the autumn sunshine and open space with some parachute play. This was also a lovely opportunity to meet and make new friends.

Autumn Time

(Sung to the tune of London Bridge Is Falling Down)

Leaves turn orange, brown, and red,

Brown and red,

Brown and red,

Leaves turn orange, brown, and red,

In the Autumn,

They twirl and flutter to the ground,

To the ground,

To the ground,

They twirl and flutter to the ground,

In the Autumn

– Natasha

We explored size and sequencing when retelling Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The children loved participating and performing in front of a captivated audience.

– Natasha