Hi everyone – we thought we’d post an update on what we’ve been getting up to this half term.  It’s been another fun and busy time as we have threaded our new topic ‘Africa’ throughout lessons and activities.  This first half term we have put our focus into all things ‘Safari’.

First things first was to change our classroom environment for the children to play and explore. From a safari jeep to an animal watering station, animal light box, sensory trays and dressing up – the children have really enjoyed playing in these areas.  We have also been using communication boards alongside their play, and we have seen the children really build upon their communication skills by pointing to symbols, joining some together and learning key vocabulary.

Our lessons have been fun and varied with Africa themed art work, songs, music and stories.  The children have also especially enjoyed PE; moving and travelling like different animals they could see and hear on the big screen, as well as their Numeracy lessons; going on a Safari around school and in the wildlife garden; searching for hidden animals, ‘big’ and ‘small’ and ‘in’, ‘on’ and ‘under’ things.  They really looked the part with their hats and binoculars!

Our day trip to Northumberland Zoo was a great success – a lovely place with lots to explore which we would highly recommend for  a great family day out. The children had a great time as we visited all the different zones; seeing snow leopards, meerkats, birds of prey, wallabies and lemurs to name but a few!

Next half term we will be carrying on our topic, but now with a jungle themed twist, so alongside all the hard work there’ll be plenty of monkeying around!