Performing in front of an audience allows children to express themselves creatively and fosters confidence as they step into the spotlight. Research shows that early exposure to performing arts can significantly enhance a child’s self-esteem. When children see their efforts appreciated, it encourages them to take risks and try new things, both on and off the stage.
Participating in performances also helps children improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. They learn to articulate their thoughts and emotions, understand body language, and develop listening skills. This aligns perfectly with the Curiosity Approach to learning, which emphasises exploration and active participation. Through performance, children are encouraged to communicate their ideas and feelings in creative ways, laying a strong foundation for effective communication in the future.
Performances are often a collaborative effort, teaching children the value of teamwork. They learn to work together, support one another, and appreciate each other’s contributions. This experience is invaluable in developing social skills, as children navigate relationships and build friendships through shared experiences.
The arts ignite children’s imaginations, allowing them to explore different roles and scenarios. This imaginative play is essential for cognitive development. Engaging with stories, characters, and emotions through performance stimulates creativity, encouraging children to think outside the box. The Curiosity Approach supports this by promoting inquiry-based learning, where children ask questions and explore their ideas deeply.
On Tuesday, the children showcased their exceptional talents during the winter concert, leaving us all in awe. Their enthusiasm and joy were infectious, reminding us of the pure magic of childhood. It was heartwarming to see their faces light up with pride as they finished their songs. A huge well done to all the children for their beautiful performance; they did an outstanding job singing in front of so many people, and everyone should be very proud of them as they basked in the pride of their families watching them.
Pre-Nursery continued with the theme of Winter this week. The children have been busy crafting and enjoyed having parents in the classroom to assist with some of our projects. We listened to the story "The Stickman" and created our own stickmen to care for.
In Nursery, the exploration of Winter and Christmas stories continued, with favorites like "Norman the Slug Who Saved Christmas" and "The Christmas Train." The children are showing fantastic enthusiasm for these new stories, and with encouragement, they are learning fresh vocabulary and using these words in sentences.
Reception's learning progressed both indoors and outdoors, focusing on words with the 'ff' sound and the tricky word "the." In Maths, the children had fun tracing their bodies and measuring them with cubes. They took their time creating patterns with these cubes and counting as far as they could. It was a week full of creativity and laughter.
We concluded our week with a wonderful field trip to the Geneva Restaurant, where the Early Years community came together to make crafts, enjoy meals, and bond as a community.
