ABC Early Learning & Childcare Centre UK Ltd

This week at ABC, we have been celebrating St. Andrew's Day which can also be known as 'The Feast of Saint Andrew'. St. Andrew's day is celebrated on the 30th November and is marked as Scotland's victory and nationhood.

Our children have enjoyed creating their own representation of the Scottish flag, the Scottish dog, thistles, and bag pipes.

Fun Facts

• St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and is celebrated on November 30th every year which is the anniversary of his death.
• He was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus and was called, along with his brother Peter, to follow him, according to the Bible.
• St. Andrew also acts as a 'guardian' over other countries. This means he is seen as a sort of special protector.
• St. Andrew was born between 5AD and 10AD in Palestine, in the Middle East.
• Scotland’s flag, a white cross over a blue background, is also likely the result of this legend and has been named St. Andrew’s Cross.
• On the day of the battle, white clouds formed an X in the sky. The clouds were thought to represent the X-shaped cross where St. Andrew was crucified.
• St. Andrew’s Day also marks the beginning of winter festivals such as Hogmanay and Burns Night.
• Scots and others celebrate traditional Scottish culture on St. Andrew’s Day with Scottish food, music, recitations, dancing, and more.
• Traditional dishes served might include cullen skink, haggis, lamb, neeps and tatties, and more.
• Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”), coming from the Gaelic word meaning “to party” or “to visit,” is a traditional Scottish country dance that’s all about fun.
• The bagpipe and kilt were both instruments of war dating back centuries. The kilt was used as a uniform, and pipers' haunting cries routinely played troops into battle, until after WWI, when more than 500 pipers were killed.

Happy St. Andrew's Day!!

Our children have had a fun filled week with a wide variety of activities related to Children in Need!!

This week, some of our children and staff took a stroll up to the Bilbrook Village Green Memorial Arch. The children decorated crosses and poppies and placed them in the Arch garden. ABC also created a banner which can be seen on the memorial bench in front of the Arch.

During the walk, we observed and discussed the various aspects of the Bilbrook community. We also reminded our children about road safety and what meanings of the road signs we saw.

We spoke about the reasons why we had made poppies and crosses and the purpose of Remembrance Day.

Why not go and take a look at our children’s contribution to Remembrance Day 2022.

Lest We Forget.

Remembrance Day is an opportunity to pay honour and respect to those who lost their lives serving their country.

The poppy was one of the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of Flanders during WW1. Their bright red colour symbolised the blood shed but also the hope of new life. The poppy became the symbol of Remembrance Day. Purple poppies remind people that animals also lose their lives during wars.

Our children have enjoyed discussing and creating soldiers and poppies and even took part in a two minute silence this morning.

Lest We Forget.

This week, Preschool had a visit from Frances, a representative from Riding For The Disabled Group at Gartmore Riding School, Burntwood.

Frances gave a very informative talk about horses, horse care, and the joy they bring to our lives.

The children thoroughly enjoyed looking at all horse paraphernalia, including riding hats, crops, grooming kits - what each brush is used for, feeling and talking about the different textures of all the brushes and combs. Our children also learnt the names of all the parts of the horse's body and what horses were used for through the ages.

We were then taught how to care and keep horses in good health: bathing, dentistry, and farrier (keeping the horse's feet healthy and the hooves well shod.

Frances received a donation on behalf of Riding For The Disabled Group at Gartmore Riding School, Burntwood, from our kind families here at ABC.

Thank you for you donations!!

Remember Remember the 5th of November!!

Our children have enjoyed talking about and creating their very own fireworks displays this week.

Have fun tonight and stay safe!!

Over the past week, our children have enjoyed a host of spooktacular activities and created some fun displays using a variety of mark-making materials.

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Throughout the month of October, we have been celebrating 'Black History Month'.

'Black History Month' gives everyone the opportunity to celebrate, share, and understand the impact of black heritage and culture.

The children have enjoyed storytelling and learning facts about Inspirational people as well as some of the Inventors and their inventions.

The children then created their own versions of some of these inventions, which we have displayed in the foyer at our Codsall centre.

This week at ABC, we are celebrating Diwali, “Festival of Light.” This celebration originated in India and is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Diwali lasts for 5 days and the end of the celebration marks the start of the Hindu new year. Diwali honours Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth.

Our children have enjoyed creating diva lamps, lanterns, decorating hands and creating music using a variety of colours, textures and materials.

Happy Diwali from all of us at ABC!

R.I.P Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 👑

On Tuesday September 13th, we took part in acknowledging Roald Dahl Day. This is an annual event where we encourage children and staff to dress up as their favourite Roald Dahl character and share their favourite book(s) by Roald Dahl. Our main themes at ABC were 'James and the Giant Peach' and 'The Twits'.

Roald Dahl is recognised as one of the best children’s authors of all time.

To commemorate him and his achievements, Roald Dahl Day happens annually on his birthday - September 13th - celebrating the magic that he brought and continues to bring to children everywhere.

During his lifetime, Roald Dahl wrote 20 children’s books and published 48 books altogether.

We hope you all had a fun day too!!

What's your favourite Roald Dahl Book and character?

Rest in Peace your Majesty, our Queen
😢💔

18 years old today 🎈

Here at ABC we have been learning all about butterflies!

We have as a centre been watching the life cycle of how butterflies grow!
We grew 11 amazing butterflies with the help of the children with the help of feeding them fresh fruit and giving them sugar water to help them develop.
The children have enjoyed watching the butterflies transform and especially releasing them into the wild! Some of the children were very brave and got the butterflies out of the enclosure ready to let them go, this was such a lovely opportunity for them and they really enjoyed releasing the butterflies!

All of our children had the opportunity to paint or colour a butterfly, which has then created a display for us all to enjoy and they all look amazing!

This was a lovely experience for the children and a good learning opportunity.

Welcome to ABC Farm Shop

Our children have been very busy over the past few months. They have been growing and tending to their own fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

They then picked what they had grown and created their very own ABC Farm Shop. The children have used to shop to engage in role-play (playing shop keepers and customers), as well as enhancing skills in all areas of learning.

The children will also have the opportunity to sample the goods they have grown in food tasting activities.

Yesterday, we celebrated Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) here at ABC.

Our children decorated handprints, made greetings cards, and created bracelets using a variety of arts & crafts resources. Some of our children and staff even experienced the art of Henna.

What is Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi)?

Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi, is the Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love. This festival is celebrated on the full moon in the month of Sravana in the lunar calendar.

The word Raksha means protection, whilst Bandhan is the verb to tie. Traditionally, during the festival, sisters tie a rakhi, a bracelet made of interwoven red and gold threads, around their brothers' wrists to celebrate their relationship.

Meaning of the Rakhi

It is believed that when a woman ties a rakhi around the hand of a man it becomes obligatory for him to honour his religious duty and protect her.

Traditional stories state that rakhis are blessed with sacred verses and are encompassed by them.

Sometimes rakhis are consecrated in rice and grass before they are given, and they are traditionally tied by people familiar with the Vedas.

Following these customs the rakhi is believed to remove sin from one hand and provide safety to the other. The protection offered by a rakhi is believed to remain for a year.

Happy Raksha Bandhan!!

Happy Jamaica Independence Day!!

We had a great day yesterday celebrating Jamaica's 60th Independence Day!!

We had a variety of activities across the centre, including lots of arts & crafts, music, and fun facts.

Our children also enjoyed Rasta Pasta for lunch while our staff enjoyed authentic Jerk Chicken with Rice & Peas.

Jamaicans celebrate Jamaican Independence Day on the 6th August each year. The period leading up to the day is crammed with activities and parties celebrating Jamaica's independence – because one day of celebrating simply isn't enough!

Jamaica is celebrating 60 years of Independence this year, and the island is ringing in the milestone with seven days of festivities, which commence on Emancipation Day on 1st August and run until Independence Day on 6th August.

Emancipation Day commemorates the anniversary of the abolishment of slavery in Jamaica, while Independence Day celebrates Jamaica's political independence from the United Kingdom. A festival is held to celebrate Jamaican Independence Day every year – the festival begins with the flag-raising ceremony in order to honour how far Jamaica has come.

The mandate of the festival is to focus on 'Jamaican things'; the creativity in Jamaica and their cultural awareness.

Fun Facts:
• Jamaica is one of two countries whose flag does not contain the colours red, blue or white. “The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolism of the colours of the flag. Black depicts the strength and creativity of the people; Gold, the natural beauty of the sunlight and the wealth of the country; and Green signifies hope and agricultural resources.
• Jamaica’s motto “Out of many, one people” is a tribute to the unity of the different cultural minorities inhabiting the nation.
• Languages spoken in Jamaica include Jamaican Patois (pronounced ‘Patwa’) and Jamaican English.
• Reggae music originated in Jamaica, home of well-known musician Bob Marley.

We hope you all enjoy Jamaica Independence Day celebrations over the weekend!!

One Love 💚💛🖤

The 2022 Commonwealth Games, commonly known as Birmingham 2022, is an international multi-sport event for members of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is currently taking place in Birmingham,

Our children enjoyed creating various aspects of the Commonwealth Games 2022, including bulls, torches, and bicycles.

They even took part in their own games in the gardens.

We have loved looking at all the photos that have been sent in from home of your families at the games. Some great experiences have been shared and discussed with our children, so thank you.

Enjoy the rest of the games!!

Thanks to Yogi's visit to see the children @ ABC Childcare Centre, Codsall recently, which was undoubtedly a great success again.

We have raised a total of £66.97 for Gartmore Riding School, Riding for the Disabled Group.

Thank you all for your donations. They will be happy... That's a lot of pony nuts!

ABC have started to create their own butterfly’s! This will be apart of going towards an Eco Award for ABC Childcare Centre, Codsall.

The caterpillars have arrived and we are supporting the children witness the magic of metamorphosis and getting lots of photos.

When the butterflies are happily contained in their habitat, they will be put into the sensory room where it is away from heat and direct sunlight for all the children to watch the amazing transformation until their release into the gardens.

The children were great listeners whilst practitioner's read out the instructions and gave each child a cup to wait for the next step.

The children took turns with the food and helped to safely move the caterpillars with support. The children learnt all about “how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly” and why is important to ensure the caterpillars can hibernate in a safe and quiet room. This was a brilliant circle time activity and the children loved it!

Well done to the children at ABC!

BUBBLES!
This week in Preschool, the children have been learning how to make bubbles. This activity was done by two of our lovely staff members Misha and Emily.

The children helped to squeeze the bubble liquid into a tray and used their gross motor skills to pour the water into the tray to create the mixture.

With a demonstration from staff, the children started to take turns to each create a bubble! We also had a little competition to see who could create the biggest bubble!

We have an amazing raffle - If you wish to purchase tickets please call the Wolverhampton centre!

Looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday!

We are also excited to meet Peppa and Sonic!!

At ABC Codsall, we have been working really hard to earn some rewards on our gardening! The children have been working hard to look after our gardens and the result is amazing!

We are now recognised as ‘A Gardening School’ by The Royal Horticultural Society [RHS] and have a number of accolades and many supporting resources from them to encourage the children to plant and grow, which they all love being a part of!

We are now working towards our next level certification.

The children have learnt so much whilst being in the garden and have enjoyed their experiences.

Well done to the children and staff at ABC Codsall.

We wanted to share some of the activities that preschool have been enjoying recently. From animals to practising their letters and numbers to using their imagination with the babies.

Preschool have also enjoyed some ice play during the lovely weather to help keep cool. This is also a great sensory activity!

All activities are based from the children's interest and what each room enjoy to play and learn with. We feel this is the best way to keep the children engaged and learn each day.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

We can’t wait to see you all next week!!

The toddler children have been enjoying lots of water play in this lovely hot weather!
Their favourite thing to do is SPLASH, SPLASH, SPLASH!

Preschool had lots of fun creating and decorating their own icecreams today 🍦

We love Summer 🌞❤️

*****Save the date*****

We are inviting all our Family and friends to join us on Saturday 23rd July to raise money for Positive About Down Syndrome at ABC Wolverhampton.

The day will be filled with fun games including, penalty shoot out, soak the teacher, raffles, face painting and much more.

There will be an ice cream man, refreshments including slush puppie, cakes and sweet cones.

We also have special guests joining us, Peppa Pig and Sonic!! Why not come along and meet them!

Please see attached a leaflet for the day and a list of all the amazing prizes to be won.

We look forward to seeing you all there.

We had a lovely visit from Yogi the Pony again on Monday. The children were so excited to meet him and Yogi enjoyed all the fuss and attention.

We are still raising money for Riding for the Disabled Association with Gartmore Riding Centre, Staffordshire. This riding centre promotes the objects of the Riding for The Disabled Association - Incorporating carriage-driving, riding, equine therapy and training. This includes anything from stroking a horse or pony to riding and everything in between.

Thank you so much for your support - The bucket for continued donations for this wonderful charity is in the foyer at our Codsall centre.

The Charity Registered is under Charity Number 244108.

Thank you for your donations so far. Much appreciated.

Happy Father's Day!!