This week we have been focusing on mark marking, our focused learning intention has been “makes connections between their movements and marks they make” The learning intention is found in the Early Years Foundation Stages section Physical Development: Moving and Handling. Our second learning intention has been, “uses a familiar adult as a secure base from which to explore independently in new environments” This can be found in the section of Personal Social and Emotional Development: Making Relationships.
We have provided two activities which the babies are able to freely access, we provided crayons of different sizes and paper. The babies picked up the crayons of their chosen colour, some of the older babies were able to name a few colours saying “green” “blue” and “red”. The babies used both hands to hold the crayons to make marks, some of the babies like to hold a crayon in each hand and make marks. The babies do not yet have a preference for a dominant hand, the babies may begin to show a preference at 22-36 months. Some of the older babies have been marking marks and then looking at the marks they have made and then repeating the same motions.
Our second activity has been exploring glitter (which I am sure you are all aware as you have collected some rather sparkly little people) We provided paint brushes for the babies to use, some of the babies preferred to use their fingers to make marks. Some of the babies didn’t make marks in the glitter they developed their fine motor skills, by picking up the glitter and then sprinkling it over their friends. Some of the babies were amazed by the glittery floor and showed excitement by smiling and waving their arms, others used a few words such as “wow” and “pretty” Most of the babies took part in this activity, spending time exploring the texture of the glitter, some of the babies enjoyed sitting in it, other’s walking through it and looking at the foot print’s that they left behind.
We would like to welcome the new children to The Warren, the Catherine, Abbie and myself are so proud of all of the babies. Some of the Warreners have taken the next step and moved down to The Burrow, therefore we have lost some friends and gained some new ones. All of the babies have settled very well this week. The new members of The Warren have been exploring their new surrounds, playing with the toys and building new relationships with their new careers and peers.
From all of us in The Warren we hope you have a great weekend and we look forward to seeing you next week.
Louise, Cat and Abbie