Activities
We organise our sessions so that the children can choose from, and work at, a range of activities and, in doing so, build up their ability to select and work through a task to its completion. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult-led small and large group activities which introduce them to new experiences and help them to gain new skills, as well as helping them to learn to work with others. Outdoor activities contribute to children's health, their physical development and their knowledge of the world around them. The children have the opportunity, and are encouraged, to take part in outdoor child-chosen and adult-led activities, as well as those provided in the indoor playroom.
We do a huge variety of activities every day at Whitchurch Pre-School. Here are a selection:
Rising Fives
Rising Fives is for children going to school the following September. It runs throughout the school year, and prepares children for the transition to reception. Preparation includes following instructions, handwriting skills, sharing and turn taking games, numbers and simple maths games as well as small group work. In the Summer term the children spend time in Whitchurch Primary School Willow Class reading a story with the class teacher.
Walks
We are based in an incredibly beautiful location and we provide opportunities for discovering the nature on our doorstep. As well as outdoor learning, we take regular walks, often up to the local community maze, along Muddy Lane. We encourage the children to notice the trees, plants and animals they see, often bringing things back into the classroom to transform into new creations.
Outdoor Learning
Learning outdoors and having regular contact with nature has been proven to build confidence, motivation and increase wellbeing in children. Research data also shows experiences in and around the natural world lead to better relationships with classmates and teachers. This session is led by Claire, one of our parents, a Forest School Leader in training with plenty of outdoor learning experience.
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Keep an eye on our blog for updates on what we've been doing this week.
Music
We use the award winning Boogie Mites programme to bring music into our daily programme of activities. It is evidence based and has been developed over many years with input from teachers, parents and children. Using original music it encourages active moving to music, singing and percussion activities using recycled materials for props and instruments.
Boogie Mites activities are used throughout the session (for example before lunch with songs about eating food or identifying objects in the classroom and sounding them out with taps) as well as in a stand-alone session. The programme helps children recognise and repeat sequences of sounds, actions and numbers, follow instructions and enlarge their vocabulary, and develop spatial awareness as they respond to positional language.
Cooking
Every week the children turn their attention from mud pies to real pies. Cooking is a great way to stimulate children’s interest in healthy food and introduce mathematical concepts (weighing, and adding ingredients together). Using the cooking equipment supports motor skills and listening to instructions is good practice for the concentration skills they’ll need going forward. And finally, making something that they can eat and share with their family helps build their confidence.
"Children learn about the natural world through enjoyable activities, such as planting beans, tomatoes and strawberries, watching chicks hatch and visiting a local farm."
Ofsted 2017
Learn more:
Settling In
Read about how we help children settle in at our setting.
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Our Aims
Read about our driving principles and aims as a pre-school.
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Progress
Read about how we record development and show you what your child has been doing and learning with us.
EYFS
Read about the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and see how we use it to plan learning.