I like driving in my car!

This car is one of the most popular toys in the garden! This little one can now reach the floor and makes it known loudly that she wants someone to push her around, then giggles wildly. Children learn lots of skills while engaging with this activity; from learning to climb in, providing practice with left and right, balance and co-ordination, personal and social emotional development too as they have to learn to take turns and share. Of course we always talk about it being the big red and yellow car too so we are learning about colours and sizes at every opportunity.

Practising balance

My new little boy is just gaining confidence now and getting to know all the lovely toys and activities we have on offer. On this particular day we were out in the garden and I could see he was keen to try out the trike but feeling shy. I helped him on and he was happiest just sitting on it observing the others around him. This is a good way for him to feel safe and secure and gradually become more involved in activities as he becomes more confident. He did manage smiles though so I was very happy to see that!

Saying goodbye

We have had one little boy with us for one day a week since October and now it's time to say goodbye. Although he probably doesn't understand fully, the older children do so it's important for them that we have an opportunity to celebrate our friendships, make goodbye cards and take goodbye pictures to remind us of our friends. He will also be sent the picture so he can be reminded of our special times together.

Exploring ice

We went outside on this cold sunny day and discovered that ice had formed in the plant pot holders. The children were fascinated and touched it to feel how cold and slippery it was. They enjoyed dropping the pieces and watching them first shatter and then melt in the sun. It was also fun to draw with our fingers and make water marks on the wooden decking. A lovely unexpected discovery, lots of learning!

Swinging at the Rec

Despite the VERY windy weather it's always fun to get up to the Rec and enjoy the swings. I love making the children giggle as I tickle their feet, say Boo and sing songs! It's very fresh and windy as it's quite exposed but it provides plenty of opportunity to notice the seasons and I did have to stop some leaves being eaten! Rice cakes were a much more attractive option I think.

Little feet

Anyone who knows me well knows I love shoes! Today I have 3 little boys with me ( a new boy who is only doing 1 day a week has joined us) so I couldn't resist taking a snap of their little shoes all lined up-SUPER CUTE!

From a young age I show the babies and children where to put their shoes neatly and I ask them to go and get their own shoes when we are going out, it's always a good opportunity to count, feet, shoes and toes! It's also so important for them to learn which things belong to them and also to help develop independence. But meantime while the boys nap I'll just have a moment going 'ahhhhh' over the cute little feet.

Leaving party!

One of my long term children left this week to go to school! A bittersweet week for me (sob sob), obviously I am so proud of her that she's ready and confident to go and be a big girl at school, but I'm really missing our little conversations and most of all her cuddles! For the leaving party she and I went to the shops and she chose some treats, we played Musical bumps, Musical statues, Simon says, The Bean Game and this fun game where you thread hula hoop crisps onto a string for them to eat! Very messy but SO much fun! Lots of giggling!! She has loved going to school so far and has sent us messages to say she's happy there which is brilliant. We will hopefully see her often as she doesn't live too far away, and anyway my girls adore her so they will be begging to see her!