February to April Newsletter
Little Squirrels Newsletter February – April
February and March have been two very busy months in Little Squirrels, we’ve had so much to do and such little time, but we got there!
We started February by welcoming Chrysanthi into our school, who has come all the way from Greece to spend every day with us until the end of the school year.
The children started off with the continents of North America, working through South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica finishing off with Europe. They focused on Ireland as we celebrated St. Patrick. When learning about this Marcela and Chrysanthi spoke with the children about their native countries Slovakia and Greece, the different customs, foods and animals were of particular interest to the children. And when we discussed Australia, Angeline and Christian brought in soft animal toys and Australian money to show all the class. The children have since taken home their very own world maps.
On Pancake Tuesday we made up some delicious pancakes, which the children gobbled up after their snack with either jam or chocolate, YUM!!
The season of love then was upon us, Valentine’s Day. The children made beautiful heart biscuits and springtime inspired heart blossom cards, they were very impressive. We spoke with the children about love, family and friends.
We spent time speaking about Spring, the weather changes, flowers growing and the animals coming out of hibernation. We learned about insects and amphibians.
James’ dad, David, brought us in tadpoles from his own father’s pond. They are happy developing in our new pink fish bowl. Thank you David.
We then moved on to our first celebration of March, Mother’s Day. The children all made beautiful chocolates for their mammies, and MUM cards, to link in with the phonetic sounds that the older children have been learning.
On Friday 4th March we took part in National Pyjama Day in aid of Irish Autism Action. The children and teachers alike all had a great day in our PJs, playing games and having great fun in our indoor tent; story time and having milk and cookies while watching some cartoons. A big thank you to all the children and parents who donated, €224.00 for the charity.
The children engaged in lots of Arts and Crafts for St. Patricks Day. Circle time was dedicated to the story of St. Patrick and was round off by delicious green milkshakes. Delicious!
As we were very tight for time this year with Easter coming so early, we were preparing for Easter and St. Patrick’s Day over the same period.
The children made some lovely chocolate Easter nests with chocolate eggs and little chicks in them. They also made their JOY cards for Easter, and again linking in with the phonetic sounds the children have been learning.
On our last day before finishing up, we had our St. Patrick’s Day party, we all had a little bit of green on, and Denise made some delicious green milkshakes for the children, which went down an absolute treat.
This was followed with traditional Irish music for our party to the children’s delight.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Easter from all the Big and Little Squirrels!!
April saw Chrysanthi introduce the Solar System with the children. Many parallel exercises were carried out to accompany this theme. The children made plant head bands, sand planet songs, made galaxy cakes and listened to stories about astronauts.
On a different note.
We would like to congratulate Marcela on her pregnancy (baby no.2). We are delighted for her. Chrysanthi will be taking over from Marcela in September and we’re delighted as she loves the children as much as Marcela. Marcela’s little boy Oleg will be with us next year, so a happy outcome for everyone.
Both myself and Jane are joining up as partners which we’re so happy about. Jane will continue her work on the laptop and I on the curriculum. We will share the duties of care and administration between us. We are so lucky as a team of teachers as we all sing from the same hymn sheet.
Thanking you all.
Denise Scanlan and Jane Devlin