Thursday, 26 April 2012

Ball Pool

Freya's nan Dawn gave us this ball pool which the children enjoyed today. The child inside the ball pool had to throw the balls out as quickly as possible to empty it before the other children could throw the balls into the top hole and refill it! 


Keanan happily sat inside the ball pool throwing the balls out with
excellent speed, co-ordination and accuracy for ages! Well done Keanan.


Freya cleverly worked out that if her body was filling the hole for the balls,
it would be difficult for anyone to throw more into the pool.
What fun - thank you nan


Chloe was a keen participant!
Sofia also joined in, trying her best to
keep the ball pool full.


Cody and Archie had a goo partnership
between them. Cody blocking the hole ....
Archie's turn to fire the balls out as quickly
as possible. 




Rachael found this activity most enjoyable.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012

We decided to experiment with the video camera today and sing two often practised and much loved songs. We will be doing more of this as it is a way of clarifying the words.










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


 

Wednesday, 28 March 2012

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!













Sunday, 25 March 2012

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.