Summer 1 Newsletter (2021)

April - MAy 2021 Newsletter.


Welcome back, we hope that you have had a good Easter break. Wow, would you believe it, we are starting our last term of the school year, and starting to think about getting ready for the transitions ahead.


By now you should have heard which school your child has been accepted to, and we hope that it is the one you wanted. Please let us know where they have been accepted, so that the necessary transition paperwork can be completed.


We would like to take this opportunity to say a massive ‘thank you’ and ‘well done’ to all our children, who have settled back into ‘normality’ with ease. It’s been a long and uncertain road for us all, and we often forget about how things impact on our children... we have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the children back in preschool, they have settled well and have really thrived being back with their friends. And not forgetting you as parents, thank you for your continued support and understanding during the coronavirus pandemic.


Now the weather is warming up we have a few reminders.
Sun cream – please can we ask you to apply sun cream on your child before they come into preschool, we will reapply at midday.
Sun hats – please ensure your child comes into preschool with a named sunhat.
Clothing and footwear – please ensure that children wear appropriate clothing – shoulders need to be covered for sun safety, no flip flops or crocs – sandals with straps are ok... remember they need to be able to run safely in their shoes!


Coronavirus - We continue to ask that you check for symptoms regularly and follow government guidelines on social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing.
If your child or anyone in your family has a high temperature, a new continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste, you will need to stay at home and follow the current government guidelines on self-isolation and seek medical advice, please do not come to preschool. You must inform us as soon as you can (phone, text or email) so that we can seek advice and report the case to the DfE. For the most current advice and guidelines please visit: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)


Important dates:
• Last day of term: Friday 28th May
• Half term – Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June
• First day back: Monday 7th June
• Last day of the preschool year – Thursday 22nd July.


We have a fun filled half term ahead of us, our topic will be ‘Our changing World’.
This topic will explore the changes which happen in our environment, especially in the garden! We will explore different patterns, including natural and man-made patterns. Lastly, we will be looking at similarities and differences in many different forms, from each unique person to the houses we live in!


Week 1; 19th – 23rd April
• Planting flowers and seeds in the garden
• Creating a mini beast area & small world area in the garden
• Exploring the new climbing frame – talking about risks etc.
• Creating group rules together


Week 2; 26th – 30th April

• Growing a small world scene
• Hatching butterflies
• Exploring symmetrical patterns (Butterfly craft)
• Music and movement – fluttering
• Mirror play – looking at similarities and differences in us


Week 3; 4th – 7th May (Bank holiday Monday)
• Farm shop role play
• Scented playdough
• Fruit and veg printing


Week 4; 10th – 14th May
• Tadpole and frog life cycle activities, including
 pone dipping (hopefully!)
• Creating our own swamp
• Making clay frogs


Week 5; 17th – 21st May
• Creating bee bombs for the garden
• Making potions and perfumes (messy play)
• Painting our clay frogs
• Exploring repeating patterns
• Music and movement – The flight of the bumblebee


Week 6; 24th – 28th May
• Exploring similarities and differences
• Looking at the plants and seeds we have grown (exploring change)
• Creating people craft
• How can we help our planet – looking at recycling

A selection of songs and stories we will be exploring during this topic will include:
Songs:
• Hello Mr Sun, Mary Mary quite contrary, Ring a ring o’roses, I’m a little flowerpot, the little green frog, Tommy Thumb, 5 little speckled frogs and lots more!

Stories:
• The runaway pea, Somebody swallowed Stanley, Harry saves the Ocean! A seed in need, Jack and the beanstalk, Mabel’s garden, 10 little Caterpillars, Oi Frog, Farmer duck and lots more!