May 2024 at Atworth
Another month done and what a busy month it’s been! We have been celebrating lots this month and we have had our lovely forest school leader Natalie with us!
Mental health awareness week!
Earlier in the month we celebrated mental health awareness week. This years’ focus was on ‘moving more for mental health’ so with that in mind, we planned a scavenger hunt in the garden for the children, took some trips out in to the local community and asked you all to come in wearing something green! We looked for caterpillars, shoes, frogs and even aliens! Pre-School made some green playdough to support the occasion and enjoyed making shapes and mark making! We also treated our amazing team to a lovely lunch and breakfast to show our appreciation for all their hard workand their support with this months activities!
If you want to learn more about world mental health day please click the link button below:
Forest school
We love a forest school month at Atworth! All of the children have been getting stuck in with Nat to explore the outdoors. Nat demonstrated leaf and flower printing for the children to try, taking time to appreciate the very pretty patterns nature can acheive! They also tried out some messy mud painting which they thouroughly enjoyed. Some of your little ones made seed balls that we plan to throw into our garden to grow beautiful flowers.. Nat even got the kelly kettle out to make some hot chocolate over the fire!
How to make seed balls at home:
Seed balls:
1. Mix seeds and potting soil together in a large container.
2. Add dry clay and mix again.
3. Slowly add water while still mixing the ingredients into a paste.
4. Form balls with the paste in your hands. They shouldn’t fall apart easily.
5. Let the seed balls dry in a sunny place for a few days.
National bee day
This month we also celebrated and supported national bee day on the 20th May. Paying particular attention to acknowledging the role that bees and other pollinators play in a healthy ecosystem. In celebration of national bee day, pre-school practiced their cutting skills to make stripy bees using black and yellow card. They continued to extend this with symetry cutting to make lovely leaves to show their appreciation of nature. They really are very clever!
You can find out more about national bee day by checking out www.bbka.org.uk
Time for PE!
Charlotte has been busy getting your older ones ready for their next adventure in to school! She has been hosting weekly PE sessions to get them excited! They have enjoyed sack racing, hurdles and beanbag balancing to name a few! Charlotte has been really pleased with the childrens participation, noting that they have been very independent in getting themselves changed, and have been loving their warm up sessions. They have flourished in working as a team in the three legged races and have loved being super active outside!
Africa day
25th May was Africa Day! Pre-school embraced this by reading books from all over the world and partaking in some African crafts. They decided to make coriander bread and asked Mel to cook up some curried parsnip soup. Pre-school looked at images of masks and drew their own african dolls! They also worked on their bead threading skills and really enjoyed learning all about Africa. Africa day focuses on celebrating African diversity and success!
Updates and reminders
Please remember your concept pictures need to be returned as soon as possible. We still have lots of proof sheets outstanding that need to be in before collection.
A sad note that Beth has decided to spread her wings in a new adventure and will sadly be leaving us on 4th July! Beth has been part of Snapdragons at Atworth for just over seven years starting as an apprentice and working her way up to being an advanced practitioner in our baby room. Beth has decided it’s time for a completely new adventure and she will be sorely missed. We would like to say a big thank you to Beth for all of the love and care she has given over the last 7 years.
We have some very exciting news that Jadea is now a mummy! Jadea welcomed her little boy, Leo, in to the world on Monday evening at an impressive 9lb! Both mum and baby are doing well and hope to be home in the next few days. Congratulations!
Hopefully you have all received the e-mail about our exciting plans for soccer aid! We are running a parent quiz where you can win a free days childcare alongside other exciting prizes! If you would like to take part in our guess the footballer quiz please pop an e-mail to atworth@snapdragonsnursery.com or pop in to the office to ask for a quiz sheet! These quizzes are due back on Friday 14th June for winners to be anounced! We are also heading to Atworth park on Wednesday 12th June for a beat the keeper penalty shoot out! Charlotte will be hosting one of her famous warm ups before the big match!
Upcoming dates
Tuesday 18th June - National Picnic Day!
Thursday 4th July - Pre-School leavers trip (letters to follow)
Saturday 20th July - Pre-School leavers celebration