Happy New Year!
What a wonderful Christmas break we’ve all had and how lovely to come back to work on a Tuesday (although the early start was rather a shock to the system!)
I’d like to say ‘welcome back’ to all of our existing Burrowers. You’ve all returned looking rested and a little bit taller with an air of renewed confidence. This has been great as you’ve all been very supportive and friendly to our new children who aren’t always quite so sure.
Of course, I need to say a very big ‘welcome’ to our new little Burrowers who have been brave and joined us for their first week in the Burrow. This is such an exciting time for them and their families. Getting to know the new staff (Soraya-that’s me, Lauren, Nic, Ezme, Francesca and Nina), finding out where to put coats and bags and developing the confidence to say ‘good bye’ with a smile on their faces as their adults go off to work.
Once in the Burrow the fun begins. Lots of child initiated play where the children are free to explore the different spaces and resources in them. There are many opportunities to play on their own, alongside other children or with a friend or small group and an adult.
The children have to follow routines such as snack time or lunch time where they have to wash and dry their hands before sitting down to eat and drink with their friends. The children are encouraged to use good manners and are helped to develop the skills of using a knife and fork or drinking from a cup without a lid.
There are times when everyone gets together and we call these our ‘Circle Times’. We all sit in the upstairs room in a circle so that we can see everyone. We talk about many things including who we are and how we might be feeling. We sing songs and rhymes together, share stories and play games that challenge our listening and attention skills.
During the week every child has a Forest School session which lasts an hour. A group of 8 children venture off with Lauren (our Level 3 Forest School trained practitioner) and another member of staff to explore the paddock, orchard, pond or farm yard to use their senses and observation skills to explore their environment.
Then, last but not least, there are the children who have moved on from the Burrow to the Den. I’ve spotted some of you arriving or leaving as you pass by the Burrow giving a big wave and a smile. What’s been really lovely is seeing you in the garden as you call out ‘hello Soraya’ and come to play with the little Burrowers.
It’s been a great first week with ‘Team Burrow’.
Thank you for reading.
Soray