Educational theories highlight that movement is fundamental to learning.
As we approach the end of the first term, we want to emphasise the essential role that Physical Education (PE) plays in the development of our young learners. Engaging in physical activity during these formative years is crucial not only for promoting physical health but also for fostering cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
Young children thrive through active exploration, and PE serves as an ideal platform for this engagement. Our curriculum includes activities such as gymnastics and fundamental movement skills (FMS), which are vital for physical development. Gymnastics helps children develop body awareness, coordination, and balance, enabling them to better understand their physical capabilities. Mastering fundamental movement skills—such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching—provides the building blocks for more complex physical activities. By cultivating these skills, children gain the confidence to participate in a variety of sports and recreational activities as they grow.
Additionally, physical education nurtures social skills and teamwork. Through collaborative activities and games, children learn to cooperate, communicate, and resolve conflicts—essential skills for their overall development. The joy of movement and the sense of achievement that comes from mastering new skills significantly boost a child's self-esteem and motivation.
Incorporating PE into our daily routines not only supports physical development but also enhances cognitive function. Research indicates that regular physical activity can improve concentration, memory, and classroom behaviour, leading to better academic outcomes.
As we continue to promote an active lifestyle, we encourage parents to support their children’s physical development at home. Simple activities—like playing outdoors, participating in family sports, or even dancing together—can make a significant impact. Together, let us inspire our children to embrace movement and enjoy the numerous benefits it brings to their lives.
This week, Pre-Nursery has been exploring feelings and how others make us feel. The children have had numerous opportunities to express their emotions by creating faces using various resources, such as paint, small loose parts, and craft materials. They’ve also enjoyed experimenting with different textures, with shaving foam proving to be the most popular choice. Additionally, the children listened to stories about feelings and sang the song "If You’re Happy and You Know It," enhancing their understanding of emotions.
Nursery read a delightful story called It Was a Cold Dark Night, which follows a little hedgehog on a quest to find a cosy home. This enchanting tale sparked imaginative discussions about the various animals that inhabit our beautiful forests. The children talked about where these animals live and what makes each habitat unique. Nursery also explored the vibrant colours of autumn leaves. They enjoyed a nature walk around the school to observe different leaf shapes and sizes, using them for creative crafts. This activity provided a wonderful opportunity for them to connect with nature and notice the changing seasons.
This week in Reception, the focus was on the story I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont as part of our Anti-Bullying Week activities. This heartwarming tale promotes self-love and acceptance, prompting the children to reflect on when and how they appreciate themselves. Our discussions were engaging, filled with fantastic and sometimes humorous responses, which led to thoughtful conversations about judgment and kindness towards others. The children also created lovely self-portraits to celebrate their uniqueness. In Maths, they explored measurements by comparing different sizes using cubes and ribbons.
