A warm welcome to the new parents and children who join us this term.

We shall be using the theme Shape and Pattern as a way of introducing the various concepts and learning experiences we would like your child to enjoy. Please take a look at the Planning Web in the lobby and on our website https://littlepippins.org.uk/wp/

Each term there will be a core selection of story and information books chosen primarily for pleasure but also to support the ideas we are trying to develop in all areas of the revised EYFS curriculum. There is a list below in case you want to follow these up with trips to the library.

We will continue with our focus on the Prime Areas of Learning – developing social and emotional skills, communication and language and physical skills. Without these skills it is almost impossible for a child to access the wider curriculum successfully.

The theme Shape and Pattern provides rich opportunities for children to look at patterns all around us – particularly in language, mathematics and in our environment. We will also introduce the concept of Celebrations as a mini-theme during this half term.

Personal, social and emotional development We will continue with our theme ‘What makes our pre-school a happy place?’ There will also be discussions about personal safety, taking care of our environment and giving and receiving.

Communication and language & Literacy We will be making and mark-making cards, invitations, signs, labels and lists. We will be looking at information books about Time and The Weather. Fiction books include Don’t Forget the Bacon to support the concept of shopping lists, My Mum and Dad make me Laugh for pattern and Oliver’s Vegetables for time.

Physical development The focus will be on taking care of our bodies and looking at how they respond to physical activity.

Knowledge of the world Each nurture group has two puppets (ask your child what their names are) and each pair of puppets will all be celebrating  birthdays during this half term! Pre-school will be buzzing with gift and card making activities and each nurture group will be involved in preparing a mini party. If you have any unwanted party left-overs – paper tablecloths, paper cups, straws etc. please could we have them?

We will also be looking at Diwali, Bonfire Night and Christmas. As food is very much a part of celebrating, we will take the opportunity to touch, taste and talk about various food items and the effect they have on our health.

We shall be using the digital camera to photograph patterns around the pre-school and plan to make these into a book.

Mathematical development

• Counting and setting places for a party table
• Weighing and using money in our role-play supermarket
• Going on a Shape Trail in the garden
• Making Christmas cards, calendars and gifts using shape and pattern
• Exploring the concept of Time

Expressive arts and design The children will be learning songs for our Christmas production. There will also be opportunities for role-play in our pre-school supermarket and for creative dance both during the Active Kids sessions and spontaneously. We will also be making lots of Top Secret Christmas items!

Just some reminders...

• If your child comes into pre-school in wellington boots they will need a pair of indoor shoes.
• Please remember to take your child’s water bottle home each day and refill it with fresh water.

Recycling Christmas leftovers…

If you would like to re-cycle wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, cards and other Christmas paraphernalia we would be glad if you could bring them into pre-school in the new year.

We look forward to another term working with you and your children.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Linda and the team