# data[].attributes.body
Attached is the song list for the upcoming Christmas Concert. We look forward to seeing you there! If you are unable to attend then we will be pre-recording one of the rehearsals and will upload the video on here for your own viewing pleasure.

# data[].attributes.body
With all the trees now bare for winter, the children wanted to fill them up with light, bright and beautiful decorations. Upcycling some cd's will do the trick!

# data[].attributes.body
Wow Tuesday's are held every Tuesday morning and afternoon (allocated time slots are 11am and 3pm). These sessions are where you can engage in different activities with your child/children. Anisha and Flora will be on hand to support the activities.

Activities are fun, messy, creative and natural.

We look forward to seeing you there!

# data[].attributes.body
Talking boxes

Is an intervention to support EAL children and those children who would benefit from speech and language support.

Our talking box groups are led by Kristina.

We have been doing talking boxes at nursery for several years and the format has proved successful. These groups aim to support children to learn English in a planned and progressive way.

The groups are held twice a week with a maximum of six children in each group. The sessions run for five weeks each half term.

During this group we sing a Hello song, introduce activities, introduce a book and characters, have an attention activity, read the story and have another activity (related to key words), reward sticker and say Goodbye. The children are also exposed to the key words in the main classroom, so they can make links between their play and what they are learning in the sessions. Homework is also provided so children can continue learning at home. Should you have any questions about Talking Boxes, please ask to speak with Kristina, who will be happy to help you.

# data[].attributes.body
Leanne was our class soup superhero this week, when she rounded up a group of children to work in her soup kitchen outside! The children helped prepare the vegetables, cutting and chopping them to size, before placing them in the magical soup maker. This marvelous piece of equipment transformed the vegetables into soup in under 20 minutes. Once it had cooled down, the whole class sat down and enjoyed a wonderful warming cup of loveliness!

# data[].attributes.body
Selection of wind-up toys are a fun and exciting way for children to practice the skill of pinching something small and twisting their wrists to wind-up the toy to make it work.

# data[].attributes.body
Using tweezers to pick up small objects such as bears and/or pom-pom balls.

# data[].attributes.body
Squeezing pegs of different sizes onto string.

# data[].attributes.body
Funky fingers is a regular activity in Olive Class that focuses on the development of children's fine motor skills but also has many other benefits including:

Encourages communication and language skills

Supports hand writing skills through fine motor strength and control

Highly adaptable

Can fit in with any theme, topic, celebration, interest

Repetitive fine motor skills in a fun way

If changed regularly such as weekly children are excited and intrigued to have a go

Promotes characteristics of effective learning

Allows children to develop the skills they need without causing any confusion around hand writing

Through improving fine motor skills children develop independence in things such as buttoning their own coats or opening their own packets.

Below are just some of the activities that the children have been doing in class.

# data[].attributes.body
The hot chocolate swamp proved popular with some of the children.

# data[].attributes.body
Dinosaur fossil printing in dough.

# data[].attributes.body
This week our core book is called Dinosaurs love underpants. The children have been super busy exploring old dinosaur bones and fossils in the sand. We introduced a new and exciting word called 'excavating' and learnt about what a Paleontologist does!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dinosaurs Love Underpants - Children's read-aloud story.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Think! Hedgehog Road Safety - King of the Road 1998 UK TV Advert

# data[].attributes.body
Traffic lights prompted a big discussion amongst the class. "Red is STOP!" Emilia told her friends. Samuel explained that "yellow means you turn your engine off", however Ivan felt "yellow, is you prepare to stop or go, when the lights tell you to!"

# data[].attributes.body
All the children have been out and about this week, practicing their road safety knowledge. Aidan reminded everyone to "Stop, look and listen when we get to the road". Back in nursery, the children have been looking at the different road signs you may see when outside. Some children were able to look at the pictures and use their thinking and reasoning skills to help them determine what those signs/symbols could mean? Jacek could recognise the "building men working". Santiago recognised the P for parliament time, but we all agreed that this P was for parking as we don't have parliament time on the road.

# data[].attributes.body
Some helpful tips for parents and carers regarding road safety for children!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find out how to keep children safe on our roads with our hub of road safety advice and resources to share.

Road safety fact sheet

It can be hard knowing how best to teach your child to stay safe around roads. Our safe around roads fact sheet helps you to break it down and keep it simple.

Pedestrian safety

Children need help to learn how to cross the road safely. And there's a lot you can do as a parent or carer to support them. Discover top tips for teaching children pedestrian safety here.

Cycle safety

Most children love to cycle, and it's a great way for them to keep fit and healthy. Learn how to help children cycle safely with these tips.

In-car safety

Most car accidents happen close to home. Child car seats can keep your child safe. But not every seat fits every car. Here are our top tips on what to look out for.

Activity sheets

Our activity sheets for children are free for you to download and share.

Do you work with families?

We have lots of free resources to help you create a talking point, run an engaging workshop or provide essential advice to the families you work with.

Session plan

Run a virtual group session with our road safety session plan. Download yours here.

Advice in translation

Download our translated road safety fact sheets to share with families below. For more safety advice in translation on a range of other topics click here.

More resources

Order printed road safety educational resources from our shop.

Visit Brake.org.uk for more ways to teach road safety basics to children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Road Safety For Children | Child Accident Prevention Trust

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how to keep children safe on our roads with our hub of road safety advice and resources to share. Road safety fact sheet It can be hard knowing how best to teach your child to stay safe around roads.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Federation 3-4 Curriculum Sequencing & Structure new

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Federation Sequence and structure Maths 3-4

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New 3-4 Federation Sequencing & Structure Literacy 3-4 2023-24

# data[].attributes.body
Aidan proudly showed off his Irish t-shirt.

# data[].attributes.body
Valentina modelled a beautiful traditional Romanian dress.

# data[].attributes.body
The children designed their own planets, using different materials to create changes and add details to the dough.

# data[].attributes.body
Splat art inspired by fireworks on Bonfire night. The girls had to very carefully shake the paint off their brushes onto the black canvas, without covering themselves!

# data[].attributes.body
Creating Diwali hand patterns using loose parts.

# data[].attributes.body
Alice was keen to press the button on the electric bed. As she kept her finger on the button Matei moved up and down.

# data[].attributes.body
"A tortoise like Shelley; this one is bigger than Shelley; i think it's really old," Ivan made a great observation when meeting the tortoise.

# data[].attributes.body
Exploring coloured powder paint at our 'potion station'. Sultan declared to the group "look, I made purple; the red and blue got all mixed up and now it's purple!"

# data[].attributes.body
We finished the half-term by holding our annual 'Bear's Autumnal Party'. The children came dressed to impress in their finest outfits and accompanied with their favourite teds/soft toys. We all enjoyed plenty of cake and had a good boogie to bear inspired songs.

# data[].attributes.body
Shanice was initially very nervous to meet the lizard, however soon overcame her nerves and touched the lizard with one finger, then two fingers and so on....

# data[].attributes.body
The 'hedgehog is spikey; ouchy' declared Jacek as he gently felt the spikes on the hedgehogs body.

# data[].attributes.body
The guinea pigs and rabbits thoroughly enjoyed being hand fed lettuce by the children.

# data[].attributes.body
Santiago was fascinated by the skinny pig that came to visit and spent a long time observing him in his cage.

# data[].attributes.body
Dog!

The children thoroughly enjoyed meeting Ark Farms dog. He was gentle and calm with the children and relished the attention he was lucky enough to recieve.

# data[].attributes.body
Some of the children couldn't wait to strap Ayesher onto a bed and send her off into the back of an ambulance! Adios amigos.....

# data[].attributes.body
Officer Woodison reporting for duty!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
We were very lucky to have a visit from the police and Paramedics today. They showed us around their vehicles and explained what they do in their roles. The children got to dress up as well! A big thank you to Dr Alex for organising this event and all the staff that came straight from a night shift!

# data[].attributes.body
Creating some natural floristry art pieces in the garden. Floris trimmed the flowers and leaves to size, before delicately placing them in a position of her choosing.

# data[].attributes.headline
follow the link to find out more information.

# data[].attributes.subject
follow the link to find out more information.

# data[].attributes.body
In conjunction with our core book Aliens love underpants, we have been discussing the PANTS rule with Olive Class. Please be reassured that such conversations are developmentally appropriate and are sensitively delivered in a manner that the children will understand. The main points we covered were:

Privates are private and your body belongs to you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Celebrating 10 years of Talk PANTS!

Pantosaurus has helped 1.5 million parents Talk PANTS and keep their children safe from sexual abuse.

Developed in consultation with children, parents, carers and teachers, Talk PANTS is here to help children understand their body belongs to them, and they should tell a safe adult they trust if anything makes them feel upset or worried.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our PANTS activity pack makes it easy to talk to your child about staying safe from harm. With a word search, dot-to-dot and maze game, you can help them learn without using any scary words.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Pantosaurus Song! | #TalkPANTS | NSPCC

# data[].attributes.body
A small group of children were very busy making lemonade for their friends. The refreshment team were confident in using a range of tools, equipment and some very slippery ingredients. Need less to say the staff team were not left thirsty for more and were very well tended too!

# data[].attributes.body
Some chalk figures inspired by 'We're going on a bear hunt'....

# data[].attributes.body
Creating mud portraits using natural materials and cue tips to form delicate features.

# data[].attributes.body
Exploring colour in shaving foam. The children used pipettes to suck up small amounts of coloured dye and then squeezed it out over the top. Some children liked the process of dripping different colours to form dots, where as other children enjoyed swirling the colours together and mixing it into the foam.

# data[].attributes.body
The first core book of this term is called 'Alien's love Underpants'. So far this book has prompted lots of questions about space travel and the solar system. We cannot wait to see where the children's imaginations will take us........

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Read Aloud Childrens Books And Fun Stuff

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Aliens Love Underpants - Book Read Aloud

# data[].attributes.body
Science activities to try at home

# data[].attributes.body
Science activities to try at home

# data[].attributes.body
Science activities to try at home

# data[].attributes.body
Science activities to try at home

# data[].attributes.body
Young children are naturally inquisitive, full of questions about the world around them and the drive to investigate how things work. We should take advantage of this innate curiosity and start channeling their enthusiasm for scientific discovery as early on as possible.

Benefits of Early Years Science Education:

It can foster a lifelong life for science

It gives a basic grounding in scientific concepts and thinking

Supports the development of other skills and attributes such as: working with others as part of a team, communication skills, problem-solving skills, perseverance and resilience building.

# data[].attributes.body
Using blocks, cardboard boxes and wire grids to create some homes for snails found in the garden.

# data[].attributes.body
We held a 'Face paint Frenzy' after some children requested it at parliament time. I must say, Leanne and Anisha certainly did a remarkable job on the designs! Thank you ladies for not only painting the smiles on faces of the children, but for putting them on the adults too!

# data[].attributes.body
Steve, our site agent popped into class with some old fire extinguishers that needed to be released. The children all had a turn at squeezing the nozzle and looking on as the water sprayed into the glorious autumnal sunshine. This prompted lots of discussions at Parliament time as the children recalled their experiences. 'The fireman has the hose on the engine' said Erik B. Thankyou Steve, for the fun time!

# data[].attributes.body
We now have a talking and thinking floor book in Olive Class and the children have already started to contribute to it. This enables the children to have a voice and reflect upon their learning experiences in class. It also helps direct the staff with the class planning by providing them with ideas that the children want to explore further.

# data[].attributes.body
The children have been learning the song 'If you go down to the woods today...'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Teddy Bears Picnic | If you go down to the woods today (Bing Crosby)

# data[].attributes.body
The second core book of this term is called It's the Bear! by Jez Alborough. The children have been very interested in what food you may find in a picnic hamper in addition to the many different types of bears there are in the world.

# data[].attributes.body
Exploring our very own 'deep, dark forest' proved exciting. Aidan and Marley were keen to find different sized leaves that had fallen from the trees. They used their faces as the benchmark for measurements- if it covered their faces it was deemed as 'big'. However if it only covered their eyes or nose then it was 'small'. What a great system to go by!

# data[].attributes.body
We're going on a sensory walk was an experience we offered the children. 'It's cold' said Aidan after stepping into the water bowl. 'Yucky, slippy mud', commented Evelyn.

# data[].attributes.body
A small group of children went out for a walk to see if they could identify signs of Autumn. We were lucky enough to discover some conkers, pine cones and leaves that had fallen from the trees. Erik spotted a squirrel, who was busy hiding away his nuts in his tree house. Meanwhile Aidan enjoyed looking out for signs and symbols in the environment. We found a 'danger' warning beside the Pavillion in Lewsey park. Ivan believed it to be a warning about lightning as he saw the shock symbol. A cautious Aidan then ensured the group stood well clear- thank you Aidan; safety first. Floris was able to identify the swimming pool and doctors surgery, which she pointed out to her friends- good observation Floris! All in all, we had a fab time out and about and cannot wait to take more children out next time!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A small group of children worked really well together to construct 'a bus'. Passengers were seated at the back before Evelyn came to check their 'tickets'. Wishing you all a safe journey!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
A group of boys used small tyres and rackets to create seats for their car. A hoop made a superb steering wheel!

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Ivan and Farea designed 'a submarine' that will help them find 'the megalodons at the bottom of the ocean!'

# data[].attributes.body
Loose parts play involves children adapting and manipulating materials [both big and small] that aren't fixed together. Instead of playing with a specific toy, children pick up different items that take their fancy and use them to experiment, explore and imagine.

Loose parts can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, taken apart and put back together in lots of different ways, so they offer open-ended play with no predetermined outcomes or 'correct' way to interact with the materials.

This is beneficial for the developing brains and skills of young children. Here are some great reasons to take a loose approach to play:

Loose parts play boosts children's imagination and creativity

It develops their problem-solving and negotiation skills, where a piece of cardboard doesn't fit in the wooden ring, they can work out how to fold it

It hones their fine motor skills and competence by matching, ordering, pairing, stacking, filling and emptying

It introduces children to the concepts of volume and capacity by testing whether a pebble will fit in the ice cube tray

It is flexible and keeps pace with children's development where a baby, toddler and preschooler will all use a cardboard box differently

It can reduce children's consumption of bought toys and screen time, and, instead, puts the focus on reusing and recycling found objects

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Understanding Language - yellow block (1)

# data[].attributes.body
Talking Takes Off aims to improve speech and communication in children from 0-5 years old in Luton.

Speech and language provide the solid foundations on which to build the best start in life.

They lead to vital skills which will guide children on a life long journey of socialising, learning and progress as well as helping them to achieve their full potential and wellbeing.

In Olive class all staff members are trained in delivering this approach with the children. If staff have concerns about your child's speech and language development, then your child's key person will have an initial conversation with you about these concerns. A plan can then be put in place with targets specifically tailored to your child and their needs. This will be reviewed after 6 weeks and parents will then be invited back to discuss the outcome and next steps.

If you would like further information about Talking Takes Off, please ask to speak to Ayesher.

# data[].attributes.body
We are fortunate enough this year to have a newly qualified make-up artist in Olive Class. Sophie is available most days to give all the staff and children a quick re-fresh, so to ensure we are always looking our best. Thank you Sophie for your service!

# data[].attributes.body
There has been a particular interest in cars and other vehicles in the room. Today Niamh wanted to create some passengers to fit inside the car; 'we need a driver and a friend' she told an adult. Together they got to work, Niamh drew a perfectly sized figure to fit inside the small space and then carefully cut them out. Ayesher then gently placed them inside. Once comfortable, Niamh started work on the passengers. She paid particular attention to the size required and kept stopping to check to see if her design was the right size, if not she would adjust accordingly; great problem solving Niamh!

# data[].attributes.body
Shelley, the class tortoise has been enjoying the extended summer sunshine. She has recently acquired a very spacious one bed enclosure with plenty of garden space to roam around in. The children have been demonstrating great 'Shelley supervisory' roles by ensuring she is well fed, watered and looked after when exploring the garden.

# data[].attributes.body
Why not experience the story through the art of Yoga?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
We're Going on a Bear Hunt | A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
🐻 We're going on a bear hunt - Animated and Read aloud!

# data[].attributes.body
Our first book of the term was 'We're going on a bear hunt' by Michael Rosen. The children have thoroughly enjoyed exploring all the natural occurrences that featured in the book. Please take the time to click the link above and share the story with your child. SPOILER ALERT: watch it in bed under a nice warm duvet.

# data[].attributes.body
The larger garden area is sectioned into various areas to include a small allotment area where we will grow vegetables and herbs. There is also a flower garden area where children are encouraged to care for all the plants and tend to their daily needs in order to thrive and grow. We have a selection of tree swings where children can further develop their gross motor skills and confidence. A digging area where children can learn to use a selection of small and large gardening tools. A fairy garden that is currently under development and is home to our resident 'kindness Elves' who equally follow the nursery's Golden Rules and support children's emotional development.

# data[].attributes.body
Our mud kitchen area is still under development and staff will be looking towards the children to lead and direct their learning here. Our intentions and hopes for the area will be a space that

not only connects with nature but will:

Provide focal point in our garden

Provide opportunities for sensory play

Encourage independence

Engage with children’s creativity and imagination

Foster a respectful interest in nature

Provide versatile opportunities for movement

Develop numeracy, literacy and other specific areas of learning

Show children how old or broken objects can be repurposed

# data[].attributes.body
The Malleable table is a popular area in the room and holds many advantages to children's learning and development including:

Being independent and experimenting when making their own malleable materials.

Expanding their vocabulary using descriptive words.

Developing hand-eye control.

Developing fine motor control and muscles needed later for writing.

Building muscle strength and control in their fingers, wrists, and arms.

Exploring new feelings, sensations, and outcomes.

Using all their senses to explore different textures.

# data[].attributes.body
Water tray and paint exploration area provides many benefits to the children, including:

Development of hand-eye coordination as children learn to pour, squeeze, stir, and paint with water.

Introduction of math and scientific concepts.

Enhancement of concentration and focus.

Development of motor skills and sensory exploration.

Building of social and communication skills

# data[].attributes.body
Our reading corner provides children with a wealth of books and stories; containing both fiction and non-fiction, rhyme, interactive and board books so every child can explore and share a love of reading. Musical instruments and nursery rhymes can be further explored in this space. Writing materials and equipment is also kept here so children can document their thoughts, feelings and ideas in the moment.

# data[].attributes.body
This area lends itself to develop children's knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Here children are exposed to resources that reflect different cultures/communities, types of transport, selection of animals and their habitats. It is also where Shelley [the tortoise] lives. Each day staff will select a 'Shelley Supervisor' and it is their job to ensure Shelley is well looked after, ensuring she has fresh food and clean water. The children can also help transport Shelley outside to her free roaming space and help remind staff when she needs to return back to her home.

# data[].attributes.body
Writing area, here children have access to a wide range of equipment that helps to support their early mark-making skills. With access to letters, they become familiar with letter names and phonemes [sounds]. Children can then use this knowledge to identify initial sounds in words and their name.

# data[].attributes.body
Maths area; here children are able to:

Develop working theories using numbers in everyday contexts.

Learn to communicate mathematical concepts.

Set foundations for learning transferable skills like problem solving and reasoning.

Use construction play and loose part materials to develop early maths.

# data[].attributes.body
Home corner and self-regulation station; both areas provide a context for your children to explore their social and emotional lives and a familiar place for developing language and communication.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Johanna and I am the SEN Lead in Olive Class.

# data[].attributes.body
My name is Anisha and I am an Early Years Worker in Olive Class.