Week Ending 4th March 2011

On Wednesday, E.B.L.S. celebrated World Book Day. Children and Staff brought along books with a "colour" theme, and dressed up as a character from their chosen book. Costumes ranged from clowns, Red Riding Hood, rainbow fish, to wicked witches!

The special day revolved around the colour theme, and the children participated in many exciting activities. A selection of these activities included:

* Dancing to "drum" music, as Elmer Elephants.

* Papier Mache hot air balloons

* Pop-up puppets

* Red Riding Hood story books

* Spanish songs and colour activities

On Thursday evening, Hamsters staff kindly invited parents and staff from other pre-schools to a "story-telling event", which took place in our Pre-School. They explored new and exciting ways of telling stories to children, which included puppets and other story-telling props. Everyone agreed it was a very enjoyable and successful evening event.

Week Ending 18th February 2011

Half term is upon us! Hope you all enjoy the break with your children. Perhaps the sun will be kind and shine on us!

On Tuesday, there was a Sharing Assembly in the Hall, when quite a number of children celebrated their efforts in English / Maths / R.E. / Art and behaviour.

Friday was an exciting day, when we entertained some students from University. we look forward to seeing them next half term.

This week, Otters have been having a lovely time, decorating t-shirts. They explored the nature trail, collecting all sorts of natural objects - twigs, leaves, stones, feathers and even an egg shell - and used these to make vibrant printing designs, which are now beautifully displayed outside their classroom.

Key Stage one pupils have been making a variety of puppets in D.T., ranging from monstrous monsters to fantastic fairies! ... and as for Rapunzel... well can you spot her by our entrance?

Key Stage two children have been making wind up toys ... take care as you walk, in case one shoots by!

HAPPY HOLIDAY!

Week Ending 11th February 2011

This week has been kinder to us, weather wise, so some children have enjoyed planting little plants that will give a splash of spring colour, soon. Keep your eyes open, as you approach the main entrance!! The Nursery allotments have also now been "dug over" by many pairs of willing hands.

Younger children have been investigating printing and weaving, so do look out for wonderful printed designs, and seasonal weavings, around our School.

Rabbits have been considering a variety of "Special Times" - Hannukah, Shabbat and Holi. On the "curved" glass window there is a selection of stained glass menorahs, and by the dome, a mobile depicting the Stars of "Holi." Please do take time to absorb the children's bright colourful and thoughtful work.

On Thursday, Badgers took part in the K'Nex Challenge, where their task was to build a bridge strong enough to hold a can of coke. They investigated a variety of different bridge designs, including swing bridges, suspension bridges and vertical lift bridges, and enjoyed reproducing them in miniature. The two winners will now go on to the next round of the competition.

On Wednesday, two new governors enjoyed a tour of the School, and the children were delighted to show how hard they were working, but having fun at the same time.

Week Ending 4th February 2011

Our Foundation topic this week has been R.E. Children have enjoyed thinking of the story of the Creation, and how our wonderful world evolved.

Younger children set off some Chinese lanterns in the grounds, on Thursday, to celebrate Chinese New Year. Then the cook created a Chinese lunch, which many of the children thoroughly enjoyed.

Bulbs are popping through in our grounds, and shrubs and trees are showing signs of growth... how nice to think that Spring is nearly here.

Our hens continue to lay eggs that have been used this week in delicious quiches for lunch.

It will soon be time to use our bird-hide... so if anyone out there has some binoculars that they could donate, we would be most grateful.

Week Ending 28th January 2011

This week, we welcomed visitors to our first Sharing Assembly of 2011. Children celebrated achievements in most subjects, and there was a wide range of exciting things, from jumping frogs, flying parrots, to bear caves and Tudor houses.

Pre-School children and Hedgehogs have been "in the dark," this week, as their topic was "Light and Dark."

There was a delicious aroma of toast wafting along the corridors... something to do with material changes?!!

Our allotment has been dug over ready for the new Spring planting. Bunches of carrots made their way to the kitchen, and were the main vegetable on Thursday's menu. The children voted them the best carrots ever grown!

Henrietta, Florence and Rosie continue to entertain us, and are still laying lovely, brown eggs.

Another apple tree has been planted in the orchard, so another type of apple to be munched on.

Week Ending 21st January 2011

This week, our foundation topic has been history. Rabbits were finding out about "The Great Fire of London", and recreated Pudding Lane, in three dimensions.

Younger children were investigating "Old Toys." They made peg dolls from old wooden "dolly" pegs - hope you didn't have trouble hanging out the washing this week! Toy researchers busily investigated how various toys worked, and looked very smart with their special labels.

On Thursday, a visiting musician came to demonstrate percussion instruments in a special assembly. At the end, several children were picked to form an Eaton Bray percussion band!

Next Tuesday is the first Sharing Assembly of the New Year, and it will be held at 9am in the School Hall. Visitors will be able to see our "Tree of Hope for 2011," and share our wishes for the World for this year.

One of our new ideas, for this year, is to have a lending library. Children will be able to borrow a book to take home. The School Council will supervise this special treat!

Week Ending 14th January 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our Hall display is "Tree of Hopes for 2011," so here's hoping that all those wishes for the year come true, around the World. The children were very thoughtful.



Last Friday we were entertained at the pantomome. Dick Whittington made us all laugh, and we enjoyed wearing our 3D glasses, for the underwater sea scene.


This week, our foundation topic has been geography. If any stray bears have been spotted around the village... yes... they have escaped from Squirrels and Otters: "We're Going On A Bear Hunt."

Rabbits have been investigating the Amazon Rainforest, and have a lovely "hands-on" display.



Badgers have been looking at "the view through a window" and seeing how our environment changes over time.


Hedgehogs and Hamsters have been into outer space! The older children in Hedgehogs have learnt all about the moon, and enjoyed making wonderful moon scenes from flour, complete with craters and astronauts.




Hamsters have had fun playing in their "space pod" and making space jackets to wear.



Our new "Choices" begins on Friday, with exciting new topics:

School Council Crafts
Spring Crafts
Recycling
Sewing
Feathered Friends
Hearts & Crafts
Badminton
Media Studies
Drama and Dance