Acorn - Poles Apart

Happy New Year!

The term has started well, with the arrival of 4 new children.  They have slotted into the class seamlessly and already seem very settled.  We would like to say a big Ashton welcome to all of the children and their families.

Our existing children have returned to school happy and full of news about their Christmas adventures.  One of our children had an extra special present.... a new baby brother! Congratulations to you all.

Our story this week has been very apt.  Poles apart tells the story of a little boy who finds a penguin on his doorstep and believing that he is lost, returns him to the South Pole, only to find that the penguin was lonely and in search of a friend.  We have had looked at a globe to discover where the poles are situated and made our own small world South Pole to play with.  We have experimented with ice (water left outside to freeze) and used the relevant vocabulary to describe it.  We have also printed snowflakes, using polystyrene and white paint.

The children have enjoyed playing in the Travel Agents role play area and plane. The Duplo airplanes that we have, have been particularly popular in play. Next week, we will be travelling to different parts of the world to find out about life there. 

On a slight aside, please look at the photos to see the new yoga type position, one of the children introduced into the class. 4 children mastered it, but unfortunately Mrs Shiels hasn't.  However, I am going to practice, and this could be a New Year challenge to you, our blog readers!