What a busy half term we have had!! The children have settled so well into our class now and are all happy and smiling coming into school! It is wonderful to see smiling faces in the mornings!

We have had a super busy time in our writing corner this half trem. The Penguins love to write! The conversations they have with each other over the writing table are super special! We often have chats about the weekend, about our families and friends. We have had lots of birthdays to celebrate this month - we even had a wedding! The children have written invitations and thank you cards for their presents. They have also had lots of fun writing lists for shopping and doctors' surgery. Most recently, letters to Father Christmas have been very popular! 

We have been having lots of fun in the construction area, indoor and outdoor this half-term. We have had the time to explore height and width - how high do we need the walls? What size door shall we have? Which side is taller? Why is it taller? We had some rich and meaningful conversations all while building houses and farms. Folly Farm is a firm favourite in our class, and we often take a bus there to build the zoo for the animals. Through this we have used many mathematical skills, e.g. counting and estimating, as well as great social skills and team work. 

PE day is a popular day in the Penguin class! The children are keen sports people! They love to be active and busy! This term we have been focussing on building our strength to help with our gross body movements. Children have been practising different ways of travelling, different types of balancing and building up speed in running. The children have lots of fun designing their own obstacle course! 

This half-term we have had the chance to use our kitchen to make some sparkly treats!! We made chocolate sparklers and Christmas bark. The children knew we needed to make the chocolate warm to make it soft / melt by using the microwave or the oven. We sprinkled some sparkles over the chocolate and then put it in the fridge for it to set - get cool.  

We have taken full advantage of the dry weather we have had over the past few weeks. We love being outdoors and exploring our downstairs woodland. We make mud pies, look for minibeasts, use the see-saw, and we are so lucky to be able to share the space with our older learners who are so good with the little ones - helping them and inspiring them to explore and investigate! 

Christmastime is magical in Penclawdd Nursery!! We have been celebrating for quite some time already! Last week we performed "Our First Nativity" for our grown-ups. The children were amazing! They sang their hearts out and said their lines with the most clear and loud voices! We are so proud of them! Tabernacle Toddlers came for a visit, and we performed for them too!! We have a bunch of superstars here!! 

We have made our own Christmas trees from pines from a real Christmas tree and wrapped presents to put under our tree in the classroom. The children want to make sure the reindeers have enough energy to deliver all the presents on Christmas Eve, so they have been busy making food for them! 

We are looking forward to visiting Father Christmas in Gower Fresh Christmas Trees this week - we are hoping we are on the good list!! 

Merry Christmas to all our Penguins and their families! 

See you in 2025!