Little Lemon Blossom's Childcare

Thank you to Little Robin Education for such a brilliant book choice this month! My children really enjoy talking about birds and we are certainly nurturing some serious nature warrior's so this is just perfect ☺️

A massive thank you to my families for giving so freely for our December donation to the food bank. It is such an important thing to do to support families that are currently struggling. This image shows that even giving a couple of things soon builds up, and it will make a huge difference to those that are in need. This is also the same when considering LP in acts of kindness, from checking in with someone local, to sharing a positive comment to a friend (or stranger!), to collecting up some litter. It all makes a difference. Now I'm no angel and I do forget, but I am determined to make sure that I focus on that more. The phrase 'it takes a village to raise a child' is so very true, but it is also relevant to our communities.

(I will be dropping it off on Thursday morning, so there is still time for anyone local to drop something in if you are able)
# # #

If you want more information on how to support the food bank, or what they can help you with head to the website or page
https://www.ketteringfoodbank.org/
Kettering Foodbank
For those not local use this link for further details
https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/

Yesterday the children chose 'The Dot' to read, after which they wanted to explore paint. The children selected watercolour paint, brushes and paper and off they went! At one point I was beaming as one child (age 2) specifically stated with joy that his picture was 'like the dot!'! The book is really beautiful, and if you haven't come across it yet, I highly recommend it, especially if you have any children that could do with a little boost in self confidence.

Nice bit of size sorting before our fire today! Everyday maths!

And the gourd fun continues! The range of opportunities that Autumn offers is so wonderfully broad and full of texture and colour. Although this 'outcome' is simple, it is only one of many and the conversation around the activities between 5 children of various ages is wonderful to hear, and is completely child led. They have selected a variety of resources from around the playroom, and all contributed in some way. One is hammering tees, one is rolling and cutting small chunks of play dough, one is collecting the play dough up and enclosing animals within it, one is driving cars around the table and adding to the conversation all of whom are exploring their schematic interests, and the very youngest is able to move around testing balance and the early stages of walking whilst observing the children and exploring the sensation the play dough offers. She also has freedom of the rest of the room whilst the older children are completely emersed in their play. The room is full of chatter and developing conversational and observational skills. They are testing patience, turn taking, collaboration, problem solving and boundaries. They are developing muscle strength and fine and gross motor action as well as consolidating practical skills and understanding through schematic play. As a practitioner I am feeling calm and grounded and being able to also completely emerse myself in their experience, taking from their play ideas for continuation and development as well as confidence in my provision. A fabulous morning so far!

And in today's game of 'spot a schema...'

You know you had a good morning in the woods if your washing machine is full of clothes!

!

So much exploration in connection, positioning and construction today! The pattern making, story telling and imagination shared between them blew my mind! Masters of their own play and learning 🥰🥰🥰

Ah, this is so interesting! The children and I were wondering why we couldn't find acorns this year!

Why have there been so few acorns this Seed Gathering Season? - The Tree Council Oct152021NewsScienceWhilst out seed gathering this year, you may have noticed that acorns are hard to come by. And you’re not alone. Right across the country we are seeing one of the lowest fall of acorns for roughly 7 years.Why are there less acorns this year?There are less acorns this year becau...

Mess, or evidence of play?

There was actually a very structured and complex story that involved this collection of loose parts and shoes! I could have stopped them and disrupted their detailed story telling, or I could let them crack on then use the opportunity later to remember 'where things belong'!

All of this!! 🥰🥰