Harvest time and Leonardo da Vinci

This week, the Caterpillars continued with their harvest theme. They enjoyed pasta and learnt this is also made from wheat and re-read The Little armed Hen story. They also looked at vegetables and learnt the names of vegetables like leek, carrot, cauliflower and corn. On Thursday, the Caterpillars got chopping and made a delicious vegetable soup which they then enjoyed together.

Meanwhile, the Butterflies got in touch with their inner Leonardo's. They admired works of art like the Mona Lisa, the Last Supper and Lady with an Ermine. They painted their own works of art and on Friday, got inventing doing what is now called "creative design with recyclable materials" (formerly known as junk modelling!)

As well as working with the Montessori materials, the children had fun eating pasta in an Italian restaurant, singing new songs with Mr Ed and playing clowns in Miss Debbie's circus in dance and movement.

Finally, we continued to work with the children on their "grace and courtesy" skills. Our puppets, Bella and Maxie, are on holiday and will return after half term to focus on topics like taking turns, sharing and asking for help. This week, we introduced "The Kindness Tree" to the children. When the children are observed doing something kind for their peers (e.g. sharing) or their teachers (e.g. helping or listening) they are invited to find the peg with their name on it and place it on the Kindness Tree. At the end of the day, we discuss with the children why their name is in the Kindness Tree.

We wish you all a lovely half term and look forward to seeing you on Monday 2 November.