Nocturnal Animals

This week at preschool, the children have been embarking on a fascinating journey exploring the world of nocturnal animals. Our curriculum has been rich with engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and wonder about the animals that come to life under the cover of night.

We began our week by introducing the concept of nocturnal animals, those unique creatures that are active during the night and rest during the day. The children were thrilled to learn about bats, hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, owls, and a variety of other night dwellers. We discussed their habits, habitats, and the special adaptations that help them thrive in the darkness.

One of the highlights was creating hedgehog pictures. The children used forks to apply paint, creating realistic, spiky textures on black paper to mimic night-time scenes. This activity was not only fun but also helped develop their fine motor skills and artistic expression.

Another exciting craft involved making bats. Using straws and string, the children crafted their own bats that could flap their wings and "fly" home with them. This project was a hit, blending creativity with a bit of engineering.

To bring the nocturnal experience closer to home, we set up a "nocturnal house" in the classroom. The children had to crawl through a small door into a dark space where they used torches to search for various nocturnal animals. This interactive activity was a favourite. The thrill of crawling in the dark and finding hidden animals made it an unforgettable adventure. For those who were a bit apprehensive, we opened the top of the box to let in some light, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and included.

We also took time to read the beloved story "Owl Babies." The children not only listened but also acted out the story. This allowed them to immerse themselves in the narrative, understanding the emotions and experiences of the characters.

In our nocturnal theme, the children have been creating their own hedgehogs using brown playdoh and adding googly eyes. This  brought their hedgehogs to life, and this sensory play enhanced their creativity and imaginative skills.

As Valentine's Day approached, our focus shifted slightly to include crafting heartfelt cards and gifts for their loved ones. The children poured their affection into these crafts, eager to share their creations with family and friends.

To cap off a wonderful week, Harlow's dad surprised everyone by bringing an ice cream van to the preschool on Friday afternoon. The children were delighted to receive free ice cream; a sweet treat to celebrate the end of the half term.

We hope you have a fantastic week with your families. Enjoy the week together, and we look forward to seeing everyone back at preschool on Monday 24th February.

After half term the children will be learning about the natural world. We will be looking at the weather, volcanoes, electricity, rainforests and the water cycle. We will also celebrate World Book Day, by dressing up as our favourite characters from our favourites books.

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