Spring 2 2023 - Week 4
We have continued to explore self-care this week. We talked about the importance of hand washing, using the toilet and developing independence skills such as putting coats and shoes on and taking them off.
The children did a science experiment to learn about germs. Mrs Holland put milk and pepper in a tray. She told the children that the pepper was the germs. The children then put soap on their finger and put it in the tray. They were amazed to see the pepper move out of the way once the soap made contact with the milk and pepper. Mrs Holland explained that this is what happens when we wash our hands, the germs get washed away when the soap touches them, even though we can't see them.
The children have been making up their own stories whilst the adults have been scribing the stories in a book - 'Helicopter Stories'. At some point in the day, the stories are acted out, usually during key group time. We have some fantastic storytellers and actors in our group!
The children took part in 'Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle'. This is an early writing program created by Shonette Bason-Wood, who also created the program Dough Disco which we also do. Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle incorporates dance, music and large movements to help children develop the fine muscle control they will need for writing. They hold 'flipper flappers' (pieces of material) whilst dancing along to the music. The children then transfer these movements to floor level and swap their flappers for writing tools (crayons/pens etc) to make marks, this could be in foam, on paper, in sand etc. These sessions are great fun but most importantly help children to be confident mark makers and writers.
The children also did Scribble Club, talking about the marks they had made. This not only helps the children to understand that marks have meaning, but also helps to extend their vocabulary and develop communication skills.
We had a bubble disco at the end of the week which the children and teachers enjoyed. A good time was had by all!
