Dear Parents / Carers
Playhouse Activities This Week – This week we have captured the Christmas spirt and it’s evident in all our activities; We’ve made Christmas wreaths and Christmas tree decorations. We’ve read some fun and exciting Christmas stories. Some of the children have been very interested in the drains, so we decided to learn what happens when we flush the toilet.
Wellbeing – We want to ensure that we care and support your child while they are with us at the setting, if there has been any changes, difficulty sleeping or getting off to sleep or just a stressful morning please let us know as this has a big impact on their day. It helps us to make that we are caring for all their needs. Thank you.
Forest School – This week we read ‘Best Christmas Ever’ and talked about kindness. We looked at the different animals and reminded ourselves about hibernation and the signs of autumn and winter. The children learned that not all trees lose their leaves, some are evergreen because they are green forever. The children made Christmas decorations using evergreen trimmings. As a Christmassy activity, we created a pretend hot chocolate station; we mixed and poured soil, water, spices, dried herbs, berries, and petals. The children chatted, shared, waited patiently, and used their senses to explore each other’s creations. It smelt very Christmassy!
Playhouse Activities Next Week – Next week we will be learning about Hanukkah, the Jewish celebration. We will have more Christmas celebrations and we will look at how people celebrate around the world.
NEW INFO: Christmas Carols – On the 16th December we are holding our Christmas Carol concert at 10:00 via Zoom. Please can your child wear a Christmas jumper or anything Christmassy for our festive zoom concert! If you would like to join us virtually please let us know by email by the 9th December 2020.
Literacy Trust – The Literacy Trust have published new research into diversity in children’s literature which shows a third of children don’t see themselves in the books they read. Just one book a child really connects with can spark a love of reading which can change their life story and help them to succeed in school and in life. Why not have a look at their 12 recommended reads on their Words for Life website; Representation book list | Words for Life
Reminder: Preschool Christmas Party – Our Christmas Party will be held on Friday 18th December from 12.00 – 2.15pm. We will have activities, games, and a few festive treats & a visit from Santa. If your child does not normally attend on a Friday afternoon and you would like him/her to attend the Christmas Party please feel free to book them in for that session, please just send us an email.
Reminder: Christmas Cards – Our Christmas post box is open! The post box will close on 11th December and we will keep the cards for 72 hours before we hand them out. Please look out for a list of children’s names to help you on your way!
Reminder: AmazonSmile – We are now registered with AmazonSmile, so if you use Amazon for any of your shopping, please consider shopping via smile.Amazon.co.uk and selecting Helpston Playhouse and Under Fives as your charity to support. Same Amazon range, same prices, but at no extra cost to you Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to the Playhouse to help with our fundraising.
Child Accident Prevention Trust – More parents shopping online plus increasing numbers of dangerous toys for sale via online marketplaces mean a heightened risk of children suffering serious harm. Dangers include:
- Magnets so strong they can burn through a child’s gut if swallowed
- Long cords that can strangle a child
- Small parts that can choke or suffocate a child
- Easy access to button batteries that can get stuck in a child’s food pipe, causing internal bleeding and even death.
The Child Accident Prevention Trust has put together simple, practical advice that you can read, copy and share at the push of a button. Please click on the link: Watch out for dangerous toys this Christmas | Child Accident Prevention Trust (capt.org.uk)
Have a lovely weekend and stay safe.
Kind regards
The Playhouse Team