2 Year Old Nursery Blog
January 2023
Happy New Year- we are looking forward to the new term and lots of new experiences with the children.
This half term we are using books from the Julia Donaldson series 'Tales from Acorn woods'
We will be exploring
Fox's socks Rabbit's Nap Hide and Seek Pig
We will be developing our skills, knowledge and understanding across the three prime areas of the EYFS
Personal social development
Communication and language
Physical development
Look out for the Tapestry posts with ideas to support your child's development at home this half term too!
Diary Dates
School closes for half term - Friday 10th February
reopens Monday 20th February
December 2022
Christmas Dates
Wednesday 7th December - Stay and play at the beginning of the morning session and the beginning of the afternoon session
Join us for some festive fun, play and learn alongside your child.
We will be exploring festive messy play, mark making and decorating our Christmas biscuits
Wednesday 7th December
School Christmas lunch - for children staying a full day today we will offer a Christmas lunch complete with crackers!
Wednesday 14th December - Big Nursery Nativity-2.30pm in Nursery
the children in 2s are welcome to join at 2.30pm in a Christmas jumper for a mini nativity singing a range of songs they have enjoyed.
Parents welcome
Friday 16th December - Christmas Party - morning session
All our two-year-olds are invited to attend the morning session today to join in the festive fun at our Christmas party - parents welcome to join us at 11oclock in Nursery when we hope to have a festive visitor
School closes for the festive break on Friday 16th December
and will reopen to pupils on Wednesday 4th January
November 2022
Nursery Rhymes
We are really enjoying our music and movement sessions in 2s. On a Monday Kimberley comes with boogie bear - they focus on developing confidence, independence, joining in and linking songs to the traditional Nursery Rhymes.
We spend lots of time in nursery revisiting and exploring favourite stories such as 'Spot', Dear Zoo, and Maisy stories. Repetition of story and rhyme supports developing phonological knowledge, develops effective listening and concentration skills and an early love of reading.
Making a mark on different surfaces.
We have had blue in the water this week, blue sand outside and lots of opportunities to explore blue in the paint. These boys are developing an interest in making a mark and developing their independence in choosing resources to use. by offering vertical and horizontal surfaces to paint in we are able to develop strong core muscles and support upper body physical development needed for effective mark making.
Exploring Red!
We have had such a great time in Nursery today exploring red in the paint with different resources and parts of our body.
By having the opportunity to exploring with all their senses the children have become more confident and interested in the marks they can make. This is the early steps in being a confident writer.
The shared experience alongside their trusted adults develops vocabulary and communication in a fun and motivating way.
We hope you have had a super half term and look forward to a busy half term ahead.
We are starting this half term with the focus text
Wow said the Owl by Tim Hopgood with a focus on colour - click the picture below to hear the story at home.
October 2022
September 2022
Wow what a super start to the new school year !!
The children are exploring the environment, trying something new alongside someone new and having a great time. This half term we have been settling to routines and getting to know each other.
We have started our first focus book 'Where's Spot'
This book allows us to develop an excitement and love of learning and introduces the children to a familiar character they can meet over again in a number of books.
The 'lift the flap' pages are a real favourite building anticipation to what is coming next.
We are focussing on developing vocabulary - the animal names and sounds, the locations - under / in / on top.
2022
Well we have a busy last few weeks of term.
Lots of opportunities for you to join us at school, be part of the fun and learn a little more about your child's development.
Wednesday 20th July Stay and play session - join us for a final play before we break for summer
Wednesday 13th July - Summer 'dress up day'
Tuesday 5th July - Shake Rattle and boogie - parents stay and play session 1.45-2.30
Wednesday 29th June - Nursery mini funday - after school - stalls, games, cakes, raffle, tombola.
June
We hope you had a super half term, we are really excited for all the adventures to come in this half term.
Reminder - please reply to the school email or text your choice of sessions for next academic year
Many thanks.
To begin this half term we are listening to and joining in with some short poems. Children from all across school are also exploring the language and rhyme in nonsense poems - take a look at the newsletter to see what the older children have been doing too.
Try this one at home together.
Any Nursery Rhymes and songs are poetry too - perhaps record you / your child singing your favourite one and add it to Tapestry to share.
May
Reminder - Nursery and school close for half term on Friday 27th May and re-opens on TUESDAY 7th June.
This week we have been celebrating the Queen's platinum jubilee by reading stories with the Queen as a character, dressing up in 'red, white, blue', decorating biscuits and having a party lunch!
Over the past two weeks we have been focusing on the story Dear Zoo. We have read the story every day at carpet time. The children joined in with the repeated refrain “ I sent it back” and they can recognise all the animals too!
After the fabulous time we had with the 'Train Ride' story we are now looking at all the animals in Dear zoo.
Click the image above to hear the story at home.
Which is your favourite animal?
April
Click the picture to hear the story at home.
We have really enjoyed reading and re-reading the story of the train ride at Nursery.
We have made our own train using big cardboard boxes, the children enjoyed making the train tickets and taking it in turns to be the driver too.
We went through a tunnel -just like the little girl did in the story and we did some baking to make animal biscuits from the story - the geese, the cows and a horse.
Repeating and revisiting the same books helps to develop children's vocabulary, prediction of events and understanding of how a story is structured. All super skills for a lifelong love of learning.
Polling day - Thursday 5th May
2 year old nursery is used as a polling station so will be closed on this day - apologies for any inconvenience
Happy Easter Nursery!
We hope you have had a super break and are ready for the
adventures and activities ahead in the Summer term.
Nursery reopens on Tuesday 19th April.
We are starting this term with the story 'The Train Ride'
I wonder what we will see as we travel through the book?
March
Reading - developing a love of books and enriching vocabulary
Within all our EYFS rooms from 2s through Nursery and into Reception we are promoting and sharing a love of stories and rhymes.
Our youngest children have been reading and revisiting versions of 'Jack and the beanstalk', they share books 1-1 with an adult, in cosy groups on the sofa or larger groups for a short group time when their listening and attention skills are more developed.
As the children begin to become familiar with the repeated refrains in stories they are supported to include this in their play...there has been lots of beanstalk climbing this week!
Sharing stories and re-reading favourite tales is so important for developing language at this early age.
The EYFS says - Reading consists of two dimensions: language comprehension and word reading. Language comprehension (necessary for both reading and writing) starts from birth. It only develops when adults talk with children about the world around them and the books (stories and non-fiction) they read with them, and enjoy rhymes, poems and songs together.
Skilled word reading, taught later, involves both the speedy working out of the pronunciation of unfamiliar printed words (decoding) and the speedy recognition of familiar printed words. Writing involves transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech, before writing)
What story will you share tonight? Let us know by posting your favourites on Tapestry!
Focus - Physical development in our 2 year old room
As 2 year olds we are changing and growing so quickly.
Lots of the activities and experiences we offer are to develop control and coordination in physical skills.
This is to develop core strength, large muscles movements and the smaller muscle coordination skills too.
Gross motor skills provide the foundation for developing healthy bodies and social and emotional well-being. Fine motor control and precision helps with hand-eye co-ordination which is later linked to early literacy
Things to consider - At around their second birthday, can the toddler run well, kick a ball, and jump with both feet off the ground at the same time?
At around their third birthday, can the child climb confidently, catch a large ball and pedal a tricycle?
Lots of physical fun both inside and out will support the children to develop their skills.
World Book day
We had a super day today celebrating all things 'books' and stories.
We hope you had a super half term with the mix of snow and sunshine too!
This half term our focus is 'Growing'. We will be sharing lots of stories about growing things and planting seeds ourselves.
We are beginning with the traditional story of 'Jack and the beanstalk'
February
This week is Children's mental health week.
The theme this year is 'Growing together'.
Each day we will focus on a different aspect.
Monday is our art with music day - we will look at ways to express our emotions through creative activities.
Tuesday we are going to talk lots about the people who care for us, look after us,
keep us well and help us grow.
Tuesday is also Safer internet day.
On Wednesday we are having a dress up day in Nursery so we can 'dress to express'. Children are encouraged to come to school in what ever choice of clothes they wish - this may be fancy dress, Pjs, bright colours....the possibilities are endless.
On Thursday we are going to look at goals and things we would like to be able to do - we will be singing an dancing to SClub7 - Reach for the stars too!
On Friday we are going to plant spring bulbs so we can see them grow.
Place2be also have a super page with lots of parenting tips and ideas.
Visit https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk/
February 1st is Lunar New year - the year of the Tiger.
Developing fine motor control through cutting and sticking for Chinese lanterns
January
Physical development
We take every opportunity to develop the children's physical skills in our provision to give the children the control and coordination they need to become an effective mark maker and writer.
2022
Welcome back and Happy New Year
We look forward to lots of adventures in 2022
We are welcoming some new families to our provision, settling back to routines and having lots of fun playing!
We are starting this half term with the book 'The three billy goats gruff'.
As we explore the story we will be developing the children's social development, physical development and communication and language development.
December
We have had a super busy December at Nursery preparing for Christmas and exploring everything that glitters and sparkles!
We enjoyed Christmas lunch, a party, a visit from Santa, singing outside for our parents.
We continued to develop our foundation skills and some of us prepared to transition to 'big nursery' too.
November
Children in need Friday 12th November
Date change!!!!!!
*********Swinnow non uniform day Friday 19th November **************
Pudsey Pirate 2p Challenge
Avast ye! Shiver me timbers! Batten down the hatches!
We will be taking part in the Pudsey Pirate 2p Challenge in aid of
Children in Need this November. Please encourage your children to
save any loose coins - 2ps or anything - and bring them into school.
We will take them up to Pudsey Leisure Centre on Friday 12th November
so they can be used to make the mosaic, which this year will be pirate themed.
As usual, we will have non-uniform day in exchange for a small donation.
If anyone wants dress up as a pirate - even better!
November is a busy month in Nursery.
We will be looking at lights and celebrations, finding out about the Hindu festival of light called
Divali and celebrated this year on 4th November
and think about the colouful fireworks we may see for Bonfire Night - 5th November. 
We will introduce the children to Remembrance and the significance of the poppy, 11th November.
We will celebrate our love of Nursery Rhymes in 'World Nursery Rhyme Week' wc 15th November.
Before talking about all the things we think of in Winter.
Keep adding photos from home to Tapestry and 'liking' posts as you read them.
We will update with details of our focus texts as the term progresses.
October
Dates for your diary - School closes for half term on Friday 22nd October
and reopens on Tuesday 2nd November
We have been so busy making a mark in nursery this half term.
Lots of the activities and experiences we offer the children are planned to develop strength and coordination in their movements.
We develop these skills inside and outdoors,
big movements
and smaller movements too
September
It is super to see the children's happy faces, they have settled to the routine of the nursery sessions really well. They are exploring the environment, inside and out and are having a super time.
This half term we are concentrating on developing personal and social skills and our use of language for communication.
We base our leaning around the children's interests and our key text.
We have been looking at the story Errol's Garden by Gillian Hibbs, giving us chance to explore the change in season as we leave Summer and enter Autumn.
Take a look at some of the fantastic things we have been doing at Nursery so far.
Water play, baking, messy play, physical skills in the garden and having fun with our friends.
This week is mental health awareness week with the focus on connecting with nature
Take a look at this 2 minute video - how can you connect with nature this week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdDioDtjkis
Week commencing 3rd May 2021
Swinnow Book Day
This year we didn’t celebrate World Book Day, as most children were learning at home due to lockdown. We are having our own celebration of books on Wednesday 5th May instead - so everyone can join in. Children can come to school dressed as a book character, as ’vocabulary’ or just in their pyjamas to celebrate bedtime stories! We do not expect anyone to spend lots of money on expensive fancy dress costumes - if you already have them, then of course they are fine to wear. There are lots of ideas on the internet of ways to dress up.
Thursday 6th May is polling day - the 2 year old room will be closed - children will access provision in 'big nursery' any problems please see Miss Haigh
Many thanks
Week commencing 19th April
We are looking forward to a busy Summer term
School reopens on Monday 19th April
We will be exploring the book Zeraffa Giraffa by Diane Hofmeyr
Week commencing 29th March 2021
We are continuing with our Easter theme this week
Things might get a little chocolatey this week
Check back for photos!
Week commencing 22nd March 2021
We are spending the next two weeks looking at Easter and the traditions we may become part of
We will use a selection of books to explore Easter and join in with baking and making activities.
Virtual baby and toddler group on Zoom
Join Jane from the Children's centre for a virtual baby and toddler group with chance to connect with other parents, time for rhymes and songs whilst group activities are not yet open
Message the centre on their facebook page or ask in Nursery for the zoom details
Next session is Thursday 25th March at 1.30pm
Information videos for parents
Below you will find the links to a number of recorded zoom workshops to support parents during lockdown and beyond
- Supporting positive behaviour at home workshop
- Sensory behaviours at home
- creating personal social stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWwhx2mtzrw&feature=youtu.be
Red Nose Day 2021
This year red nose day is on Friday 19th March
School are holding a non uniform day on this day to raise funds for the Comic relief charities.
Children in Nursery are invited to come in fancy dress or PJ's or superhero outfits on Wednesday 17th March, donations for the charity will be collected at drop off and pick up times.
In line with current coronavirus restrictions please do not go out to buy something special instead use something you already have or ask at nursery for an outfit
Many thanks
Miss Haigh
Week commencing 8th March 2021
All the children have returned to school this week and it has been fantastic to see how busy and excited they have all been. They have reconnected, laughed and shared lots of experiences within the setting.
Week commencing 1st March 2021
In 2s we are looking at the story
Mog and Me by Judith Kerr
Click on the picture to listen to the story at home.
We are looking at the sequence of events within the day,
What do you need to do when you get up in the morning?
What do you do before you go to bed?
Week commencing 22nd February
Welcome back to school to all our families this week - we are hoping the weather has made a change for the better and are looking forward to spending time outside looking for signs of spring.
Week commencing 8th Feb 2021
We are continuing with Goldilocks and the 3 Bears this week
The children are busy mixing porridge, pouring into containers, dancing alongside the continuous provisions on offer including jigsaws and outdoor play in the snow!
Reminder school closes for half term on Friday 12th February and reopens on Monday 22nd February
Keep posting and checking Tapestry for ideas for play at home.
Week commencing 1st February 2021
This week is Children's Mental health week
Each day on Tapestry we are focussing on a different aspect of health and wellbeing.
Please remember to look after yourself during these difficult times, we are at the end of the phone if you feel we can help at all and Jane is in the Children's Centre to signpost if you need information about money, access to food, signposting for debt advice or merely a chat.
Week commencing 25th Jan 2021
This week we are starting to look at the story of 'Goldilocks and the three Bears'
Click the image to hear the story and check the posts on Tapestry for ideas to play and learn at home.
Click here to go to BBC Tiny Happy People
A huge resource of ideas, support and activities for your little person
Click here to visit the health webpage
Information about common health issues / contact numbers for support
Week commencing 18th Jan 2021
Take a look at these sites to support play at home
Radio programmes from cbeebies (an alternative to screen time)
Links to books, activities and ideas for play at home
Like - Swinnow Children's Centre facebook page for ideas and signpost information to health, money and family support
Week commencing 11th January 2021
From Monday 11th January School (Reception to Year 6) remains open ONLY to children of critical workers however our Nursery provision (both 2 year olds and Nursery) are now re-open to all children
This half term we are focussing on the book 'Going on a bear hunt' by Michael Rosen. Click the image below to hear the story.
Take at look at the Tapestry posts for ideas for home activities.
Week commencing 4th January 2021
Activities to try at home this week
Catch!
This activity is for children who are at the early stages of developing their gross motor skills and are not yet able to throw and catch a ball. All you need is a ball, but you might want to think carefully about the type of ball that you use (especially if your child isn't motivated to play with a typical ball). You could use a ball with a bell in it, or one with flashing lights (especially great to play with in a darkened room!). A pair of socks rolled up is fab too!
Sit on the floor, facing your child, with your legs in a 'V' shape and try to encourage your child to do the same (might need physical prompt from another adult/sibling). Make a judgement on a realistic distance and roll the ball so that it lands in between the legs of your child. Encourage them to roll the ball back to you in the same fashion (again a physical prompt may be necessary initially). Take turns to exchange the ball, and when you are feeling more confident, reduce physical prompts and increase the distance between you.
Most of all have some fun and post a picture of Tapestry so we can see your super skills
Miss Haigh
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Wiggly fingers
As well as being a mark making and a thinking activity, writing is also a physical activity.
The muscles in the hands and fingers need to be strong and agile so your child has control over them. Then, when they are ready to hold a pencil, they will be able to manipulate it across a page.
Moving and Handling – fine motor skills (PD), Writing (L)
You will need:
Your child and their hands and fingers!
1) Make a fist, squeeze tight, then let go and repeat.
2) Put your palms together, hands facing up, elbows sticking out to each side and press your hands together as
hard as you can. Release and repeat.
3) Hands out flat and gently pat a surface e.g. tabletop.
4) Hands still flat on the table, lift each finger off one at a time. Now do it starting with the other hand back the other
way.
5) Finger walking – make your first two fingers into legs, tucking the pinkie and ring finger in with the thumb, and
take the two free fingers for a walk, forwards, then backwards. Do the same with the other hand.
6) Spiders – curve your hands up and over, palms down, so that only all the fingertips are touching the table.
Wiggle and scuttle your fingers around so your hands move like spiders.
7) Finger massage – take each of the fingers and thumb of one hand in-between the finger and thumb of the other
hand. Squeeze from the top of each finger to the bottom, giving them a little massage with your other finger and
thumb. Then swap hands.
8) Shake and stretch – shake your hands out from your wrists and stretch them out like stars.
Earlier stages of development
Think about the opportunities your child has to hold things, grasp things, shake things. Play games with them using their hands – clapping, tickling their palms, wiggling fingers.
I look forward to see all your wiggly finger activities - upload a photograph to Tapestry so we can see and have lots of fun!
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Body Counting
Our bodies are a brilliant resource for practicing counting skills.
How many ears do you have, how many eyes do you have, how many tummy buttons do you have?!
We can also count on each others bodies - how many fingers does Daddy have? Can you count Mummy's toes?
EARLIER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: Using mirrors together can be a really good way of familiarising children with their faces and bodies. You could even use face paints to add spots of colour to your child's face - do they realise that it's their face in the mirror? If they touch the paint on their face the answer is yes!
Let's see what counting fun we can have today - Don't forget to upload a photograph to Tapestry so I can see
Miss Haigh
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Happy New Year and Welcome to all our families
We hope you have had a super break and managed to enjoy the fluttering of snow last week.
This half term we are focussing on the book 'Going on a bear hunt' by Michael Rosen
Due to the national lockdown we will add activities ideas to Tapestry for you to try at home,
Remember to upload your photos to Tapestry let us know what you have tried.
If you need any further information, support or ideas please do get in touch
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School closes for Christmas on Friday 18th December
and reopens on Monday 4th January
Take a look on Tapestry to see pictures of the Christmas activities - Christmas lunch, our party and our Christmas songs too - don't forget to add pictures to your child's Tapestry so we can see all your Christmas fun at home.
We hope you have a happy and healthy Christmas and look forward to seeing you in the new year
Merry Christmas
Advice for reporting symptoms - if your child develops symptoms on Friday 18th Dec, Saturday 19th Dec or Sunday 20th Dec AND has a test that is positive please contact school by email on info@swinnowprimary.com so we can follow the guidance to inform all close contacts.
This email will be checked twice a day until and including Christmas eve
Week commencing 14th December
Christmas party for 2s is Wednesday 16th December in the morning session.
we are asking for a donation of £1 per child so we can provide some party food snacks.
If your chid attends in the afternoon we are asking you to swap sessions just on this day.
if your child doesn't usually attend on this day they are welcome to join us for the party.
Drop off anytime from 8.30 and collect between 11.15- 11.30
Week commencing 7th December
Our Christmas activity day is on Wednesday 9th December
Please take a look at these photographs to see all the fun we have had
Week commencing 30th November
Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!
Dates for your diary
Tuesday 1st December - last day for school photographs to be handed in to school
Wednesday 9th December - Christmas activity day - wear your Christmas jumper
Wednesday 16th December - Christmas party day (morning session) (party clothes)
We are asking any children who attend in the afternoon to come to the morning session instead on this day. We will party all together (drop off anytime from 8.30 collect at 11.30)
We are asking for a £1 donation to go towards party food costs
Any problems please speak to a member of staff
Friday 18th December school closes and reopens Monday 4th January
Week commencing 23rd November
This week we have been focusing on personal, social and emotional development. The children are increasingly aware of each other, their likes and dislikes and friendships are starting to develop. The children are now choosing to play with as well as alongside others and it is pleasure to observe.
What changes have you noticed at home since Nursery started in September? Pop a message to us on Tapestry - it is really quite amazing how quickly the children change!
Week commencing 16th November
Week commencing 9th November
This week we have been exploring all things physical
Children need to develop control and coordination in their large movements as well as an interest in making marks and refining smaller movements. Opportunities both inside and out held develop these skills
What have you done this week at home? Don't forget to upload some photos to Tapestry so we can see all your adventures.
Week commencing 2nd November
This half term we are looking at the book
Whose Tail? by Sam Lloyd
The children will be taking part in lots of animal inspired activities and experiences.
Week commencing 19th October
School closes for half term on Friday 23rd October
Teacher training day - school closed Monday 2nd November
Nursery reopens on Tuesday 3rd November
Have a super week and don't forget to add photographs to your child's
Tapestry learning journal , visit www.tapestryjournal.com
if you have any problems logging in please text school
on 0786 000 4869 with your email address
Week commencing 12th October
Week commencing 5th October
Week commencing 28th September
We are enjoying the story 'The gingerbread man' this half term. We repeat the story in a number of forms and encourage the children to join in with the repeated sections.
Take a listen to the story at home too by clicking the image below
Week commencing 21st September
Week commencing 14th September
September 2020
Nursery re-opens to children on
Wednesday 9th September
Morning session / half day sessions start at 8.30am to 11.30
Afternoon session 12 noon to 2.50pm
Full day sessions start at 9am collect at 2.50pm
If you would like a pre-visit on Monday 7th or Tuesday 8th September please call school or text to book a time slot with Miss Haigh
Please click the links below for further details
We look forward to seeing your children back at school, having fun, playing and learning - see you next week
Home Learning #Making memories
Each week we will give a suggestion of activities to try at home to help cover the areas of learning within the Early years foundation stage -
Every child develops at a different rate but as a guide we are working towards being secure in the outcomes within the 22-36 months age band of development matters whilst your child is in 2s.
What to expect when Parents guide
use the guide above to help you think about your child's development but most importantly play and enjoy the time together
SEND
Mrs Griffen has created a comprehensive list of SEND resources, documents and websites to help support your child's individualised learning at home. Click the picture below.
Week commencing 13th July
Week commencing 6th July
Week commencing 29th June
Week commencing 22ndJune
Bear Hunt is one of our favourites at Nursery - Click the image above to listen to the story and sing the song
Sensory play / messy play
Can you create your very own bear hunt - you may want to use a tray or plate, the floor in the garden - what items can you use to recreate each part of the story? We would love to see your trays on Tapestry
Role play
What props can you make at home to help retell the story, could you make your own bear mask from card or a paper plate?
Build a den
Can you create a den at home - with the weather set to be hot and sunny this may be an outside activity or inside to cool down - A den is a super place to read a story, have a snack
Don't forget to add photos to Tapestry too
Week commencing 8th June
5 Currant buns
Click the link above to sing along to the song
Baking challenge
Can you make your own buns to sing the song to? What type of buns could you make?
Click here for an easy'bun' recipe - don't forget to add your photos to Tapestry too
Stop, Go Games
Play games that involve starting and stopping, such as "red light, green light", these games help to develop self-control and will eventually help children negotiate, compromise, and work out conflicts.
Mark making
Can you add salt, flour or washing up liquid to a tray or plate and allow your child to use their finger to make marks, shapes and patterns, perhaps they could draw the bun from the currant bun story too
Week commencing 1st June
Puppets
Can you create a sock puppet to act out 'Hickory Dickory Dock'
Leave a pause to allow your child to say the missing rhyming word as you say the rhyme together
Counting
Collect some objects from round the house and play with them together. Line them up in different ways and model counting them accurately, support your child to touch each one as you say a number name before moving to the next object, you can also name the object to help develop the pause between numbers.
Sing and sign
Watch the video to learn the signs to the Hickory Dickory Dock Rhyme
Week commencing 25th May
It is the Half term holidays and it looks like the sun will be shining, hope you are all able to enjoy some family time - Miss Toolan Kerr has posted an activity idea on Tapestry for each day this week...don't forget to add your own photos to Tapestry so we can see what fun you have been having
Miss Haigh
Week commencing 18th May
click the image to visit the book
Can you move like a dinosaur?
Click the image below to join in with the Dinosaur dance
Dinosaur knowledge
Which dinosaurs do you like? which one has 3 horns?
Visit Andy's Dinosaur adventures to find out more about these prehistoric creatures
Can you draw your favourite dinosaur - post your pictures n Tapestry for us to see
Dinosaur craft ideas
Week commencing 11th May
Click the image above to listen to the story
Send a hug in the post
Do you have someone you have not been able to see or hug for a while, could you send them a 'virtual hug' in the post, draw round your child or their hands and allow them to mark make on their hug to send to a friend or relative - pop a picture on Tapestry too
Thankful Jar
The lockdown has been ongoing for along period of time now - can you take a few minutes to think about the good times you have had, take a look at your photos on Tapestry and make a 'thankful' picture, a thankful jar or some happy stones to take on your walk
Keep playing and smiling you are all doing a super job
Guess who!
Can you guess who these cute babies grew up to be?
Teachers are - Miss Haigh, Miss Toolan-Kerr, Miss Clayborough, Miss Dickinson, Miss Abbott, Miss Taylor,
Ms Ineson, Miss Booth, Ms Townsley - But who is who?
Add your guess to the Tapestry post with the same photo I will reveal the answers at the weekend-
Good Luck - Miss Haigh
Week commencing 4th May
Whole School History
On Friday 8th May, the UK commemorates the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Known as VE Day. This is the date that World War 2 ended in Europe. This week, leading up to that date would have been a whole school history focus week had we been together, learning at school.
There is lots of activities and information for you to take a look at as af family and lots for the adults to learn about too! Guidance is given with each activity as to whether it is most appropriate for KS1, KS2 or whole school, including Early Years. We would love to see your VE day learning. You can upload onto ClassDojo, Tapestry, or send it to info@swinnowprimary.com with a note to forward it to Mrs Wyles and your class teacher. There will be lots of programmes on TV this week related to VE Day - look out for them to support your learning. All the resources you may need can be found by clicking on the links below.
Have a Happy History Week!
Week commencing 27th April
Our song this week is' Old Macdonald had a farm'
Click the picture below to sing along
Virtual Farm visit
Click here to join 'Cannon Hall Farm tv' on a tour, you can even pick your favourite animals to visit
Animal pictures
Can you draw or look at farm animal pictures - think about what they look like, what sounds they make
We would love to see your creations on Tapestry
Week commencing 20th April
This weeks challenges are all liked to the 'Spot the Dog' series of books by Eric Hill
Click the picture to watch Spot's adventures
Hide and Seek
Use a favourite teddy or toy, hide it around the house and give clues to help find it
Is it near, on top of, next to, behind, how many steps to get to it
Colour match and sort
Can you use a teddy to help you sort and match colours from around the house? What can you find that is Blue? What is Red? Yellow? Green? Can you make your collections in to a rainbow?
Don't forget to add photos to Tapestry too
Week commencing 13th April
We hope you have had a super Easter weekend and were able to enjoy the sunshine and perhaps a little bit of chocolate!
Some activities to try this week
Roleplay challenge- Let's pretend
What can you dress up as today? Use things from round the house to create a new character - could you be a Dr, a policeman or a teacher?
Balancing challenge
Tissue Dance: Place a tissue on your child's head (and yours too!), then start some dancing music!
Everyone should start dancing and moving around the room with one goal: don’t let your tissue hit the floor!
If your tissue falls off your head, you can catch it as it drops, put it back on your head, and keep playing. How long can you dance with it on your head!
Mark making challenge
On a plate or tray put some flour, salt, hot chocolate powder or washing up liquid then allow your child to explore making marks - up and down, side to side or circles
Week commencing 6th April
If your children are struggling with the change in routine - please try this short story to try to help them understand their feelings - click on the 'virtual hug bear' below
As it is officially the Easter holidays here is a selection of ideas to keep you busy
Hope you all manage to enjoy a little spring sunshine whilst maintaining social distancing and perhaps a little bit of chocolate too !
Click on this picture
Home learning Challenge:
Can you learn this song and the Makaton signs to go along with it?
Try to learn as much of the song as you can (It doesn’t need to be the whole thing) and ask an adult to film you.
Then, upload your video to Tapestry.
Finally, keep your eyes peeled for our ‘Lockdown video montage.’
Please upload your videos by Friday 10th April 2020.
By uploading your video you are giving permission for this to be added to the montage, which will be shared with all school pupils via tapestry or class dojo online systems - if you do not wish your child's clip to be used in this way please ensure you add a comment to the uploaded video to indicate it is NOT FOR SHARING.
Thank you to George, Luke and Daisy in Year 1 for the inspiration.
Week commencing 30th March
Home learning Challenge:
Can you learn this song and the Makaton signs to go along with it?
Try to learn as much of the song as you can (It doesn’t need to be the whole thing) and ask an adult to film you.
Then, upload your video to your ClassDojo portfolio.
Please check your emails for your unique code. Email info@swinnowprimary.com if there are any problems.
Finally, keep your eyes peeled for our ‘Lockdown video montage.’
Please upload your videos by Friday 10th April 2020.
By uploading your video you are giving permission for this to be added to the montage, which will be shared with all school pupils via tapestry or class dojo online systems - if you do not wish your child's clip to be used in this way please ensure you add a comment to the uploaded video to indicate it is NOT FOR SHARING.
Thank you to George, Luke and Daisy in Year 1 for the inspiration.
Nursery Rhyme challenge
Sing nursery rhymes and songs together, add actions.
Click the picture below for an A-Z of rhymes and songs
Why not video your child singing their favourite to add to Tapestry
People who live in my house challenge
Together can you draw the people who live in your house - can you add eyes, nose, mouth
Then add your pictures to Tapestry
Bedtime story
Read your child a bedtime story
This may be the same story again and again and again but repetition is good for working memory
Take a photo of your favourite book to add to Tapestry
Week commencing 16th March 2020
Due to the continuing issues with coronavirus we are cancelling our stay and play sessions planned for this term - Wed 18th March (Mothering Sunday) and Wed 1st April (Easter)
We are also postponing new nursery home visits until after the Easter break
In nursery we are continuing with lots of fun activities to develop the children's language, personal social development, counting and name writing. The dryer weather is also allowing us to explore the garden more...especially the muddy puddles!!
Please click this link HERE to watch the
hand washing video we are using in nursery
We are continuing to support the children in developing effective hand washing skills and ask all parents to wash their child's hands on entry to nursery- we are then regularly washing hands during the session and before the children leave.
Following government guidance children or adults presenting with symptoms of a new persistent cough or a high temperature are required to stay at home and the whole family to self isolate for 14 days.
Please help us adhere to this guidance and telephone school on 3783100 to report your child's absence
These are difficult times and as parents there are a number of reputable sources of information
Week commencing 9th March 2020
The children enjoyed baking biscuits this week and chose animal shape colours as they talked about the animals in 'Brown bear Brown Bear'
We have also been celebrating 'Holi' by exploring colour and shape in the gluing area - the children have really enjoying snipping paper, sticking and celebrating their achievements.
Week commencing 2nd March 2020
This half term we are looking at the story
'Brown bear brown Bear what do you see'
Click the book below to hear the story
We are encouraging the children to join in with the repeated refrain and talk about the different animals, the different colours they can see and the patterns they notice.
Don't forget to add your posts to Tapestry to let us know what your child is enjoying at home too
Week commencing 24th February 2020
The children are settled again after the half term break
Important dates this half term - see website newsletter for further details
I
Nursery World book day - Wednesday 4th March
children are encouraged to come to school
either in 'dress up' or in their Pjs
to share their favourite books
Mothering Sunday Stay and Play - Wednesday 18th March
Join us in nursery at the beginning of either the morning or afternoon session to enable the children to say a huge 'Thank you' for everything their adults do to love and care for them, the children are preparing biscuits and a drink of juice for you to enjoy.
Writing Development focus
Wednesday April 1st - Easter activity Stay and Play
Join us for Easter fun at the beginning of either the morning or afternoon session
Maths development focus
Week commencing 10th February 2020
We have been enjoying the story
'Dear Zoo'
Click on the book above to hear and share the story at home
The children are becoming confident in joining in the repeated refrain 'so I sent it back' as we read the story together.
Can they name the animals from the story? can you use gesture to suggested how bug the boxes are? which is your child's favourite animal from the story?
Week commencing 3rd February 2020
Children's mental health week
Join us on Wednesday 5th February for our stay and play at the beginning of the session (am or pm)
Week commencing 27th January 2020
Dear Zoo is our focus book in 2's over the coming weeks
Week commencing 20th January 2020
Week commencing 13th January 2020
Friday 24th January - Denin4dementia
Wednesday 5th February - stay and play for children's mental health awareness week
Tues 11th February - Safer internet day - awareness week
Friday 14th February - school closes for half term -
reopens on Monday 24th February
Week commencing 6th January 2020
Happy New year and welcome back after the break to all our families. The children have settled really quickly and are full of exciting news of their new toys from Santa.
Week commencing 16th December 2019
Reminder school closes for the Christmas break on
Fri 20th Dec and reopens on Monday 6th January 2020
Our Early years Christmas party is on Wednesday afternoon this week,
There is no morning session in 2s but all children are invited t the afternoon session 12-3pm
we will be doing party games in Nursery from 1.00pm,
eating in the main school hall from 1.30pm
and in the upstairs hall from 2pm for our 'special visitor'
Parents are welcome to stay to help or join us at 2pm upstairs
Week commencing 9th December 2019
This week in Nursery we are putting the finishing touches to our 'Wriggly Nativity'
The children from 2s will be encouraged to join in with the other foundation stage children but please remember it is a daunting experience and for some they may prefer to sit with you than on the bench with their peers - this is just fine - they will develop confidence and experience by being part of the show in whatever way suits them best.
Tickets are on sale for £1 from the main school office for our performance on Wed 11th December (9.30am and 2.00pm - doors will open 30 mins before the performance starts)
Week commencing 2nd December 2019
The countdown to Christmas has started,
In Nursery we have been sharing the story of the first Christmas- introducing the children to
Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in preparation for our 'Wriggly Nativity'
Thank you to all the parents who were able to join us for our festive stay and play session, the children had a wonderful time and are building on their understanding of Christmas traditions.
Please add photographs to Tapestry of your Christmas activities from home - have you decorated the tree? been to see Santa? we would love to see how you celebrate at your house.
Reminder - Christmas Fayre - Main school hall
Wednesday 4th December 3-5pm
Week commencing 25th November 2019
Week commencing 18th November 2019
World Nursery Rhyme Week
We are celebrating all this 'Nursery Rhyme' this week
Singing our favourites and adding some new songs to our collection.
Singing rhymes and songs are fabulous pre-reading skills to support your child to say and hear rhyme, rhythm and repetition.
Week commencing 11th November 2019
We will be collecting donations for 'Children in Need' this week
The children are invited to come to nursery in dress up clothes
on Wednesday 13th November
Week commencing 4th November 2019
We have started our dance sessions in Nursery
Monday afternoon with Shake Rattle and Boogie and Wednesday morning with Miss Taylor
We really are boogie stars!
Music and movement are vital parts to our developing skills in personal & social development, physical development and communication and language.
Week commencing 21st October 2019
Last week we went out to explore and collected leaves from the big school field, this week we have used our Autumn treasure to paint with, and create with
Take a look at our photos here
Reminder school closes on Thursday 24th Oct at 3pm for half term and will reopen on Monday 4th November
Info from school weekly newsletter
Easy Fundraising! Take a look at the link below
Shopping doesn’t cost a penny more, but as you make purchases online, shops make a donation to school. All you do is register (it’s good to click the “Find & Remind” button) and start shopping. Please give it a go and encourage others to do so too – it’s effectively free money to benefit the children of Swinnow Primary School!
So far we only have 2 supporters! Click on the link to register.
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/swinnowprimary/
Many thanks!
Week commencing 14th October 2019T
This week in 2s we have been looking at all things Autumn.
We have also baked bat biscuits for our halloween disco
made pictures by rolling conker
Week commencing 7th October 2019
This week take a look at this short video about developing children's communication skills
https://biteable.com/watch/embed/feeding-your-little-one-with-words-2162859
Week commencing 30th September 2019
What a wet week it looks like it is going to be...please ensure your child has a coat and spare clothes and wellies if possible to enable them to enjoy the garden ....especially puddle jumping!!
Reminder - PJ story day Wednesday 9th October - the children are invited to attend nursery in their PJs - Matthew from the library will be joining us to share favourite stories and will have information about what's on offer / how to join Pudsey library at the beginning or end of the session.
Week commencing 23rd September 2019
What a busy week in Nursery - we have been enjoying the garden, painting, baking crumble and dancing with 'Boogie Bear in Shake Rattle and Boogie'!!
Join us next week for our first 'stay and play' session on Wednesday 2nd October for half an hour at the start of the session to see where your child enjoys playing at nursery.
Reminder - School photos - Tuesday 1st October - these will be taken in your child's session - if they don't usually attend on this day you are welcome to join us at 8am or 12noon
Week commencing 16th September 2019
Please find a link to the latest Potty training advice from Health visitors
Each week we will share our learning experiences with you and link to our key priorities. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to talk to Miss Haigh. The 2yo provision staff will keep you updated with 'What's on' at the Children's Centre and will support you to attend courses, activities and events. Please take a look and 'like' Swinnow Children's centre facebook page too.
Week commencing 9th September 2019
Welcome back to the 2year olds who are rejoining us this term and a big hello to all our new families, we hope you all enjoyed the summer and we look forward to a busy Autumn term of learning.
The children are all settling to the routines of school, they are busy exploring the resources and getting to know each other. Lots of learning is taking place within the prime areas of the EYFS.