It’s hard to believe we are now in the last half-term of the school year. The children are certainly in holiday mode, thanks to our transport and travel topic, which we’ve extended and expanded to follow their interests. Our small world area has seen a succession of transport types, including aeroplanes, buses, cars and boats, inspiring plenty of imaginative play and language around speed and distance. The ‘make your own boat’ challenge allowed the children to develop their creative and motor skills while exploring floating, sinking and materials. They also enjoyed a selection of transport puzzles, mark-making with foam and cars, and related books including ‘Maisie Goes by Plane’ by Lucy Cousins. Outside, we set up a large crane and track, and trucks and diggers, so that the children can transfer items and learn about work vehicles. We are now looking forward to a visit from a police officer with their police car, arranged by Miss Estelle.
Our home corner has featured a selection of dressing-up costumes and accessories alongside a mirror. This enhances their role play and encourages independence in dressing—an important skill for those children leaving us for big school. Talking of our leavers, transition week is coming up and we are looking forward to a visit from Mrs Woodward and Mrs Heal from Buckden Primary School. We are already making plans for our graduation ceremony and leavers’ picnic. To support our leavers—and our younger children who will soon be the ‘big children’—we are doing lots of work on emotional regulation, helping them build resilience.
Last but not least, of course, we are preparing to celebrate Father’s Day, and there may or may not be secret projects underway!