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    • Nursery - Poppy

    Welcome to the Poppy class page. On this page I will be posting updates about our class topics and what we have been doing in the classroom each week. There will also be ideas for you to try out at home. 

    You can keep in contact at any time through the class email- poppy@balliolschool.co.uk. 

    Morning session: 8:35am - 11:45am 

    Full Day: 8:35  - The gate will be open at 3.20pm for a 3.30pm pick up.

     

    On a Friday pick up will be between 3pm and 3.15pm. If you have any questions please email me or contact the school office. 

    Lending Library 

    This week, we have started our Lending Library! Each child will be able to choose a book of their choice and bring it home in their plastic library folder. Please ensure the book and folder are returned EVERY MONDAY, so that your child can exchange their book for a new one and continue enjoying our library program.

    BSL Sign of the week

    Our first week in Poppy Class

    🌸 What an amazing first week in Poppy Class! 🌸
    We are so proud of how well the children have settled into their new class. They have been busy making friends, exploring the classroom, and participating in a variety of fun activities. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow already, and we are excited about all the learning and adventures ahead!

    Our Topic this term is Me and My Community - 

    In "Me and My Community," your child will learn about the school community and how to build friendships. They will explore the school grounds and learn about all the people in the school who are there to help them. They will explore how they are special and unique and how everyone’s family is different. They will take part in practical activities to help them build new friendships and explore what makes a good friend. They will also learn about the community members who support us, including doctors, nurses, and emergency services personnel.

    What we have been up to this term so far!

    WB 1st September 2025

    🌿 Autumn Wreath Making 🍂
    This week, the children have been busy creating their own autumn wreaths!
    We used paper plates as a base and decorated them with a variety of autumn-coloured items such as leaves, tissue paper and pictures of some autumn animals. The children enjoyed exploring the colours and textures of autumn while practising their cutting, sticking, and scrunching skills.

    It was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the changes we observe in nature at this time of year and to get creative with seasonal materials. The wreaths look beautiful and will be displayed in our classroom before the children bring them home to share with you. 🍁

    If you go on an autumn walk this weekend, we would love to hear about it. Feel free to bring anything in to show us or email in some photos. 

    poppy@balliolschool.co.uk

    Please remember to bring wellies and spare clothes. These should be labelled with your child's name so we can make sure they are returned to the correct child. 

    WB 8th September 2025

    The children explored a collection of loose parts, including buttons, shells, stones, fabric pieces, and wooden discs. They carefully chose and arranged these materials to create faces on cardboard circles and mats.

    They experimented with placing items in different positions to represent eyes, noses, mouths, and hair. Some children created happy and surprised faces, while others designed imaginative characters with big eyes or spiky hair.

    Many children looked in mirrors to study their own features and tried to make self-portraits. Others worked together, sharing ideas and combining materials to make group creations. As they worked, the children discussed the expressions they were making, describing feelings such as “happy,” “sad,” and “angry.”

    Through this activity, they showed creativity, problem-solving skills, and growing awareness of emotions and identity.

                   

    WB 15th September 2025

    This week, we explored creative printing techniques by experimenting with shaving foam and paint to create marbled leaf prints. Through this activity, we developed an understanding of colour mixing, texture, and pattern-making, while enhancing our fine motor skills, creativity, and appreciation for nature-inspired art.

     

    WB 22nd September 2025

    This week, the children enjoyed listening to the story Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers. The story follows a little boy who discovers a penguin at his door and sets off on an adventure to help him.

    After sharing the story, we discussed friendship, kindness, and the feeling of helping others. The children then created their very own penguin crafts, using different materials to bring the characters to life.

    WB 29th September 2025

    This week, we have been busy making acorn-shaped sun catchers, a simple and fun seasonal craft that allows children to explore colour and creativity while celebrating autumn. Using tissue paper in warm autumn shades—orange, yellow, red, and brown—children layer the colours inside the acorn shape, creating a stained-glass effect. When placed in a sunny window, the light shines through, making the sun catcher glow with the rich tones of autumn leaves. This activity encourages fine motor skills, colour recognition, and creativity, while resulting in a beautiful decoration that families can proudly display at home.

    WB 6th October 2025

    This week, we read a book called Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. It was about a man made out of leaves who goes wherever the wind blows. After we finished the story, we went outside to collect our own leaves. We found leaves that were red, yellow, brown, and even a few green ones! Then we used the leaves to make our own leaf man.  We used conkers and acorns, googly eyes and sticks to make the features of his face. It was a lot of fun creating art with items from nature.

    Supporting your child at home

    • Look at family photographs together and discuss who is part of your family and extended family.
    • Look at baby photographs and talk about how they have grown.
    • Look at any childhood photographs of parents and grandparents.
    • Talk about the things you like to do together and places you like to go.

    E-Safety

    Remember your e-safety rules before clicking on any of the internet links on this page. For more information on staying safe, visit the e-safety page.

    Return to school parent support guide

    • CBeebies Go Explore app: Lots of fun games, educational videos, and a collection of mindful activities voiced by Stephen Fry.

    • GoNoodle A fun way to get moving and learn new dance moves!