There has been lots happening in Tigers and Zebras at Cashmore Early Years Centre, from welcoming new friends and learning new routines to a shopping trip to Lidl and making some delicious pizzas.
As children have settled into new key groups, they have been getting to know their daily routines, learning each other’s names and making new friends. We have also been exploring emotions and talking about safe ways to express how we feel. Children have practised making different facial expressions and explored what they can do when they experience big feelings, such as stamping their feet when they are angry or having a comforting hug when they feel sad. These experiences are helping children to recognise their emotions, communicate their feelings and develop positive relationships with others.
Our interest in shopping has provided lots of opportunities for learning through play. Children have practised their cutting skills by using magazines to create shopping lists and have drawn pictures of items they might find in a shop on whiteboards. We also enjoyed singing and exploring ‘Five Currant Buns’, introducing the idea that we can use coins to buy things.
We then took our shopping learning out into the local community with a trip to Lidl. Walking in small groups, the children visited the shop to buy food. They found the item they needed, scanned it, put money into the machine and brought their shopping and receipt back to nursery. This real-life experience gave the children a wonderful opportunity to build their confidence and independence while developing their understanding of shops, money and the local community.
Some of our shopping had a very special purpose. We bought pitta bread, tomato purée and cheese so that we could make our own pizzas. Back at nursery, the children followed the steps in the correct order, using spoons to transfer the tomato sauce and carefully sprinkling cheese on top. Once the adults had cooked the pizzas in the oven, everyone had the chance to try their tasty creations at group time. Following a simple recipe supported children to develop their listening, sequencing and fine motor skills, as well as encouraging independence.
Families can try making these simple pizzas at home too. All you need is pitta bread, tomato purée mixed with a little water to make it easier to spread, and grated cheese. You could also add your family’s favourite toppings, such as sweetcorn, peppers or herbs.
We also had the fantastic opportunity to watch The Travelling Light Theatre Company at the Wellspring Settlement. We engaged in some open-ended play, listened to music, and moved together. The performers then went to the stage to perform whilst we watched. The show was amazing, and the children did very well with their participation and attention skills.
