Redcliffe Nursery School has had an action-packed Term 2, with children in both Blackbirds and Seagulls rooms engaging in forest adventures, creative activities, music sessions and developing important friendships.
Forest trips to Leigh Woods have been a real highlight across both rooms. Children have been challenging themselves by climbing and leaping from logs, looking closely at patterns on leaves, and excitedly recognising numbers on trail markers. These moments of calm and connection to nature have been precious, with each trip offering unique and unexpected discoveries.
Music has been very popular this term. Blackbirds children are anticipating their daily singing time routine, taking turns to choose songs from the choice board using props and Makaton signs. Seagulls children have been singing during group times and joining together on Wednesdays, whilst in the garden music blasts from the speaker as children move their bodies, following patterns and dancing to the beat with Afrobeats, drum ‘n’ bass, electronica and nursery rhymes particularly popular.
Creative activities have flourished. Blackbirds children made decorations for a Christmas tree in Wapping Wharf, using glitter, pipe cleaners, feathers and lollipop sticks. They used a drill for the first time to make ornaments with jam jar lids, and some children went to Wapping Wharf to decorate the tree. Blackbirds has also started another ‘gluestravaganza’, with children painting a huge canvas and adding to it weekly. Seagulls welcomed Helen, their Artist in Residence who is conducting research and will return at different points over the year.
Food exploration sessions have provided rich learning opportunities, with children juicing oranges, exploring vegetables through chopping, peeling and tasting, and using simple kitchen tools safely. Small groups have also been making bread and gingerbread biscuits.
Both rooms have seen stronger friendships forming, with children showing more confidence in their play and learning skills of negotiation, turn-taking and collaboration. Block play has been increasingly popular, and both rooms are promoting independence through encouraging children to look after their belongings, dress themselves and pour their own drinks.
Redcliffe Nursery School thanks families for a great term and looks forward to seeing everyone again after the Christmas break.