What are we doing in Dolphins this month?
From August to September we will be having an enhanced focus on sounds and music.
This has really kicked off because with the introduction of the iPod touch to manage the children’s music, we have been able to quickly access a wide variety of music that we always had but just couldn’t find when you wanted it! The children are able to use the iPod to select what they want to listen to and the motivation and energy behind joining in and choosing different music and favourites has been inspiring and something we want to enhance.
The iPad has also introduced new ways to think about sounds and music, including birds and animal sounds, volume, beats, etc.
The activities this month will be based around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning:
KUW-music from other cultures PSED- confidence in singing, dancing and making sounds MD- variation in sounds, counting songs, tapping out rhythm. CLL- learning new words to songs. Repeating language PD- movement to music CD- exploring new ways to express themselves with music.
Some of the activities we will be doing this month to support this will be:
• Laura Williams will be setting up instrument making workshops with the children and then using the instruments children have made in music sessions.
• Laura Z is planning on using some recorded sounds of birds to work with the children on sound and image matching.
• Laura Z will be working with some children to make a guitar.
• Laura J will be incorporating animal sounds into new songs and old favourites like Old MacDonald.
• Rachel G will be introducing some old nursery rhymes and focussing on rhyming words and the sounds they make.
• Christine H will be running music sessions conducting fast, slow, loud, soft sounds and tapping out beats.
• Jenny will be introducing some Egyptian music and teaching children some simple dances.
• Cristina will be making loud noises with pots and pans bands.
• Carole will be teaching the children some new songs from around the world.
What you could do to support your children at home:
• Break out in the lounge and do some fun dancing to different types of music.
• Talk about the types of music you like and why you like it.
• Ask them what their favourite music is and take some time out to enjoy it together.
• Go to the library and get out a book on music instruments. Talk about the different types and noise they make.
• Take time to listen to their environment and see if you can spot bird calls and talk about what they sound like.
What are we doing in Sea Turtles for June? 
With the last month of all things Hawaiian, we went to the beach and the sea and probably with our new name as Sea turtles, we have started to discuss and show an interest in sea creatures. So we will explore this further this month.
The activities this month will be based around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning:
KUW-discovery of different sea life PSED- finding a sense of curiosity and satisfaction in learning new things. MD- size, shape, pattern, colour. CLL naming new discoveries and expanding vocabulary PD-using bodies in new actions songs or exploring new activities CD- arts and crafts.
Some of the activities we will be doing this month will involve: • Manjit will be supporting the children in making some ‘bottom of the ocean’ art works using paint, coloured sand and collage. She will also be setting up sea turtle making with card, tissue and paint. • Sarah G will be helping the children make whale pictures, starfish and jelly fish pictures.
• Megan will be leading a small group excursion to the tropical fish shop to look at the fish and making sea life collages.
• Sarah-Louise will be making sea creature pictures of crabs and setting up water play experiences with sea creatures, sand, pebbles, shells, etc.
• Emily will be making some fin dress ups for the children to pretend they are
• Beata will support the team in different activities when she returns from her holiday.
• Su will bring in a real fish for them to touch and feel and make prints from.
Some ideas to support your children at home:
• Take your child to the library to take out some books on sea creatures.
• Go to a pet shop and look at the fish with them.
• Take them into a fish shop and show them all the fish, then buy one, cook it and try it together.
• Teach them a few fishy songs like….”One, two, three, four, five, onvce I caught a fish alive….
With the last month of all things Hawaiian, we went to the beach and the sea and probably with our new name as Sea turtles, we have started to discuss and show an interest in sea creatures. So we will explore this further this month.
The activities this month will be based around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) areas of learning:
KUW-discovery of different sea life PSED- finding a sense of curiosity and satisfaction in learning new things. MD- size, shape, pattern, colour. CLL naming new discoveries and expanding vocabulary PD-using bodies in new actions songs or exploring new activities CD- arts and crafts.
Some of the activities we will be doing this month will involve: • Manjit will be supporting the children in making some ‘bottom of the ocean’ art works using paint, coloured sand and collage. She will also be setting up sea turtle making with card, tissue and paint. • Sarah G will be helping the children make whale pictures, starfish and jelly fish pictures.
• Megan will be leading a small group excursion to the tropical fish shop to look at the fish and making sea life collages.
• Sarah-Louise will be making sea creature pictures of crabs and setting up water play experiences with sea creatures, sand, pebbles, shells, etc.
• Emily will be making some fin dress ups for the children to pretend they are
• Beata will support the team in different activities when she returns from her holiday.
• Su will bring in a real fish for them to touch and feel and make prints from.
Some ideas to support your children at home:
• Take your child to the library to take out some books on sea creatures.
• Go to a pet shop and look at the fish with them.
• Take them into a fish shop and show them all the fish, then buy one, cook it and try it together.
• Teach them a few fishy songs like….”One, two, three, four, five, onvce I caught a fish alive….
