Peacock Lodge Round-Up
Kindergarten one returned to Peacock Lodge for another sensory packed Autumn session at the start of the week. The children explored different leaves and herbs combined with playdough and leaf shaped cutters. There was lots of practise at taking turns and sharing throughout the session the children’s early personal, social development is guided and supported. The water area had lots of containers which the children enjoyed emptying and filling along with pouring down the guttering channels. Whilst the mud kitchen and drums were just as popular as ever providing another great opportunity for the children to share with their friends.
Under the majestic oak tree at the back of Peacock Lodge, Reception listened to the story ‘Squirrel’s Autumn Search’ about a squirrel who collects and stores nuts from the Autumn trees. We were even lucky enough to see a family of squirrels living in our oak tree as we sat and listened which brought true awe and wonder to the moment. The children then explored related learning opportunities including a ‘feed the squirrel’ game and some leafy squirrel craft. We finished by hearing a poem called ‘Autumn’ which the children will learn over the next few weeks.
Following their recent interests in hedgehogs, Kindergarten 2 met Spiky (Hedgy’s big brother) who introduced them to the story ‘Helpful Hedgehog’. The children listened with interest as they heard about how a hedgehog who accidently gets an apple stuck on his spikes helps a hungry donkey. We talked about how important it is to help each us and be kind to our friends which the children then demonstrated beautifully as they played outside Peacock Lodge. There was lots of laughter and smiles as the children dug for worms and rolled the conkers down the guttering. Creativity was in abundance as they used fir cones, leaves and natural items to collage hedgehog pictures and used wool to wrap around pinecones to create their own special hedgehog to take home. A beautiful Autumnal morning striking the balance between exploration, learning and imagination.
Forest school’s Kindergarten 1 session was a great way to notice signs of Autumn and explore the outside world. The children listened well to the book ‘Autumn’ and then tried out some of the activities mentioned from jumping in muddy puddles to looking for acorns and leaves. The children investigated blackberries by feeling them between their fingers, squashing them and using the berries to mark make onto material. These learning opportunities give the children hands on experiences where their language development can be carefully expanded. There was lots of physical development as the children practised moving large branches safely up and down the path setting wonderful foundations for future forest school sessions.
Reception had a wonderful session at forest school where the children had the space and time to become truly engrossed in their own learning. There were children in a world of role play centred around the mud kitchen involving kings, princesses and witches, while the digging area was a hive of excitement as minibeasts were discovered from wriggly worms to curled up millipedes. There was a forest animal themed hunt where the children could practise recognising different animals and apply their maths skills to write the number in each group. Some children also channelled their creativity making animals using bark and natural materials.
A Gruffalo theme brought lots of sensory play and excitement to WOW toddlers this week. There was Gruffalo crumble to be mixed, snakes to be made and a giant Gruffalo to be painted. These sessions allow young children the time to explore, find play opportunities which they are familiar with and begin to form new relationships. It’s a fabulous way to spend a Tuesday afternoon in the beautiful surroundings of Peacock Lodge.
