Journeys….

Journeys can take the form of walking from one place to another, e.g.. from home to the park or supermarket.  It could involve various forms of transport, including cars, bicycles, motorbikes, ships, trains and airplanes.  This week we looked at the imaginary journey of the Snowman and James, we also looked at journeys that various animals have to make during the winter. Our children were excited by the journey of the Snowman but also enthusiastic and curious about journeys that animals make during the colder seasons to warmer climates.

For us, as educators and you as parents, the most valuable journey your child is embarking on now ….. is a learning journey.  Watch them move from tearfulness when they first began a few weeks ago to confidence and greater self awareness.

The children have quite taken to the reading corner, very often following the rules of reading silently.  It is lovely to see them 'reading' to their friends.

Impressive airplane, Tunar!!!!

A detailed explanation of take-off!!!

Construction is an important part of the learning process in the early years.  Children learn to work in groups and share their ideas.  

The story "The Snowman" by Raymond Briggs enchanted the children.  They were enthralled by the magical journey embarked upon by James and the Snowman.  You can find this story on Youtube - just insert the name and author of the book.

Painting the snowman was lots of fun but also required more concentration….

Elmira ensuring that the snowman is painted perfectly white.

 

Maths was also fun this week.  We learnt to count from 1 to 20.  We also learnt how to count backwards from 10 to 0.
Counting objects and pegging them to match the number proved to be very engaging for the children.

Little hands can develop fine motor skills by learning the proper way to use a pair of scissors.  Without well-developed fine motor skills, a child may have difficulty learning to write.  We make sure that children have enough opportunities to master this skill.

The class listened to the story about "The swallows journey" - they met a sparrow, a zebra, a penguin, a gorilla, a snake,  a mountain goat and a hedgehog.  Here the children are cutting out the animal names and sequencing the order in which the sparrow met the different animals.

Gross motor skills are developed as a child learns to reach, grasp, crawl, run, climb ...

Our swimming lessons are coming along very well.  We are learning how to float.  Very soon we will no longer need the armbands to support us.

More pictures from our amazing week at school.

Perhaps the most amazing growth we have seen in the little ones, is their ability to make friends, show kindness to an unhappy friend, share and most importantly, listen to each other when they discuss ideas.  They have made much progress in their personal and social skills.