Lots of fun was had, collecting our shopping from the pop-up shop in the Old Hall. I spoke to the children about the different types of groceries and they identified which items were the biggest and smallest. 

The Robins did a great job of packing everything in our big shopping bags. Once back in class, we worked together to unpack everything and I must say how helpful they all were.

In PE, the children enjoyed a variety of activities and each week the equipment is adapted to support the children's interests. Recently, the Robins have been interested in football so lots of fun was had, trying to score a goal. The children also liked throwing bean bags up high, rolling the hoops to each other and exploring the space by running and walking. Benches were used in different ways and some children decided to walk across with their arms out to help them balance, whilst others preferred to pull themselves along the bench, working their super strong muscles.

As part of this week’s topic activities, we looked at red and grey squirrels. The children enjoyed watching and listening to some mindfulness moments on the CTouch. We compared this to our friendly class squirrel and the Robins were able to identify that Cyril the Squirrel is grey. I explained that red squirrels are found on the Isle of Wight, Scotland, Ireland and Brownsea Island.

Our friendly squirrel loves eating the bird seed so as a special treat, we made squirrel seed cakes. The children were very excited to take them home so fingers crossed the cakes were able to set in your freezers at home.

Continuing with our topic, the children enjoyed a surprise sensory tray. Inside the tray were red squirrels and different materials for the children to explore. Interestingly, they made nests for the squirrels.

The bird feeding station has been visited by robins, dunnocks, pigeons, magpies and squirrels this week. We managed to take a photo of a wonderful great tit. It certainly is very well used and the children are super lucky to have the most perfect viewing station into nature.

We love nothing more than to explore the great outdoors and of course, finishing our expedition with a warming hot chocolate and picnic. The Robins enjoyed watching the older children take part in their PE lesson whilst enjoying their sandwiches…great entertainment!

Scrimbling is one of the children’s favourite activities. However, this term we are focusing on tummy time to strengthen the core muscles. Developing core strength and coordination supports children’s ability to communicate, learn language and eventually read and write. Whole body movements contribute to the use of small tools and delicate materials. This fun workout to music is beneficial and most importantly, super fun!

Life skills are fundamental skills which the children learn during their time in Robins. Following on from collecting our groceries at the beginning of the week, some of the fruit was used to make a delicious banana cake.

Carrying on with this week’s cooking activities, the children made bread rolls and squirrel cakes. There is always lots of laughter when kneading our dough as we tickle, poke and squeeze the dough to give it a good workout. It is also a good way to encourage children to explore different textures and to get slightly covered in flour!

The children noticed that our front garden had a slight revamp over the half term. The sycamore tree was cut and carved into a wonderful large enchanted seat. Watch this space, as this area changes over the next few months as spring bulbs pop up to create a magical mini garden for the children to explore. Hopefully, we might also be able to listen to stories outside during story time with Mr McCarthy.

We have also created a much larger seating area to enjoy looking at books outside. It was lovely to see one of our Robins having some quiet time, looking at books independently. The cushions and blankets make it a very cosy space.

The children thoroughly enjoyed Miss Norford’s music sessions and the parachute was used to support their good listening ears as they followed instructions to swap places as part of the song.

It was lovely to see a couple of our new Robins that will be joining us shortly. They enjoyed their settling in sessions and our existing Robins shared the resources and modelled such wonderful manners.

The children are very egg-cited about Easter and we are hoping to make Easter baskets out of fruit punnets. Please feel free to send some in… the more the merrier!

We are certainly looking forward to next week’s topics of Book Week, Pancake Day and Wildlife Day. Perhaps your child might like to bring in something from home to share with the class during Show and Tell.