Engaging in artistic activities is vital for children's development in several areas. Art encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as children create, allowing them to make decisions and explore new ideas. Art plays a fundamental role in the development of EYFS children, supported by extensive research highlighting its benefits across various areas. They learn to make decisions about their work, explore different materials, and experiment with techniques, which enhances their ability to think independently and innovatively.
This week, our EYFS students have been immersed in the fascinating world of symmetry art. Through hands-on activities, the children have discovered the beauty of symmetry, exploring how it appears in nature and art. They were particularly excited to look at examples of symmetrical objects, such as butterflies and flowers, which sparked their imagination and curiosity.
In our symmetry art activities, the children engaged in painting and cutting paper. They experimented with paint to create symmetrical patterns, learning to apply paint on one side of a folded piece of paper and then pressing the sides together to reveal beautiful, mirrored designs. This process was met with gasps of delight as they unveiled their creations, showcasing their enthusiasm for discovery. Additionally, they cut out symmetrical shapes and discussed the concept of symmetry as they worked. This hands-on approach not only promoted fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination but also encouraged children to think critically about their artistic choices.
This week's focus on symmetry art not only introduced our students to an important mathematical concept but also highlighted the multifaceted benefits of artistic expression in early education. The excitement in the classroom was evident, with children eagerly collaborating and exchanging ideas, demonstrating the joy of learning through art.
By integrating art into early education, we equip children with essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. It is exciting to see how children’s creativity continues to flourish and how these experiences will enrich their learning journey.
What a fantastic week Pre-Nursery has had! We started the week with our vibrant new book, Tree. The children enjoyed identifying and naming the colours of the leaves, as well as spotting the animals that live in the trees. We also spent time outside in our eco garden, where the children loved touching and feeling the trees. They described the textures using words like "rough," "smooth," "hard," and "prickly." Additionally, we created bark rubbings with different coloured crayons and had fun using sticks in the wet mud to make our muddy pictures.
Nursery had a wonderful time celebrating Pancake Day! The children enjoyed making pancakes by carefully measuring all the necessary ingredients. Of course, they relished tasting their delicious creations, topped with a variety of flavours. Our story of the week was Handa's Surprise. The children were captivated by Handa's journey and loved guessing the surprises hidden in her basket. Inspired by the story, Nursery ventured into the world of safari animals! The children had an amazing time exploring different animal patterns, from zebra stripes and leopard spots to bright, colourful feathers.
In Reception, curiosity continues to flourish this week as we explore storytelling and nature. We focused on "Jack and the Giant Beanstalk," where the children retold the tale, grasping the setting, characters, and elements of problem and solution while building their storytelling vocabulary. We also explored "Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt" by Kate Messner, where we planted our own seeds and discussed what plants need to grow. The children planted beans and will observe the process of germination. In Maths, they worked with mass and capacity, using a homemade balancing scale to compare the weight of different objects, regardless of size. This hands-on approach encourages our young learners to ask questions and engage with the world around them.
