Cornwall - Where We Live

Our place in the world and different countries is our theme for this term.

We began with where we live:
          - personal address
          - St Austell
          - Cornwall
          - United Kingdom - England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland
          - Europe
          - The World
          - Earth
          - Universe

When learning about Cornwall we made Cornish flags (see our noticeboard) and then we discussed how the pirates used the Cornish coast to bring in illegal bounty. We also discussed how the UK is an island so the next logical step was to make pirate maps. There are some children who have yet to complete their maps so they will be added as they do.

We crumpled and washed the paper we used for the Treasure Maps to age them and make them more authentic. Here are the rest.....

The children then did a paper mache model of the UK, aiming to get the shape right. This is the first stage of a 'work in progress' (on the left)

Complete now.

Summer made this island out of play
dough on her own initiative and happily
 told everyone what she had made.



A map showing weather on our island for a day



 

Discovery Close to School

The Pre-School has discovered that there is a park near by - in Centuary Close in fact - that we have never been to. It twirls up the hill and has three levels with some challenging climbing and swinging equipment that excited all the children. We were circled by a low flying yellow helicopter. The view over this part of St Austell is truly stunning. Enjoy the pictures!

Ballet Preparation

Heather explained to the children that preparing for a ballet show or any concert where there is an audience who watch music or other kinds of activities takes a lot of time and effort. Props are needed and the participants dress carefully, paying attention to their costumes, hair and even their nails. The children were keen to have their nails done before the ballet ring with Bethany demonstrating.

Ballet a la Beth

In keeping with our themes on music and dance, Beth donned her tutu and showed us some excellent ballet poses. The children then had a chance to copy what she did. We all had great fun regardless of wether we were simply watching or taking part.

Noise, noise, noise!

Today we went back to the beginning of music - the way children often begin at home. It was very noisy using pots and pans but just as exciting as using teaspoons to test the sounds that different materials around the room make.

Spring Surprise!

There used to be a pond in the 'little enclosed garden'. This was removed a while ago but the frogs come back year after year to lay their eggs in the same place. 

Yesterday we went to play there and saw masses of frog spawn where the pond used to be. We put it into a bucket of water so that anyone who uses the hall could have a look at it.

The chlorine in the water damages the spawn though so what we found today, we put into a bucket of fresh water that Eric brought us.

If anyone has a home for this frog spawn, please let us know.

Challenge for Today

Guiness Book Of Records Challenge:

How many children can you fit inside this tent

- at the same time of course!

All in? Smile for the camera!

Now see if we can close the tent door.

Being Spontaneously Creative

These children spontaneously arranged the snack on their plates into a picture - following Archie's example which is why he has two pictures.

14 February 2012

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO EVERYONE

Making Charts

We have been enjoying making charts to reflect the reaction of children to different activities. We encourage all the children to become involved and participate, giving impromptu reactions to their experience.

We will continue to use this method for recording.

Vicki had pictures that represented different emotions.
The children looked at the pictures and identified the emtions amidst comments and discussion.