As part of our Rachel Keeling Curriculum Goals, we recognise and value the skills and knowledge that are develop through cooking. 
One of our Curriculum Goals is beginning to bake with independence and this week children have been exploring bread.
Beginning with mini bread rolls and then the children researched and moved onto breadsticks. As I type I can smell the aroma of the tear and share cheesy bread which is baking. 
Children were supported to develop their understanding of number through following recipes and measuring our ingredients.
Children worked together to measure, mix and talk about their ingredients. 
 Children also needed to develop an awareness of time as bread making often needs time to allow the dough to proof. This is the part where the bread rises before you bake it. It means that the bread will be light and airy and not too dense and heavy. 
Children returned after washing up their utensils while their breads baked. 
Some were shared in school and others were taken home. 
Next week some children will work on simple bread recipes, eventually baking with independence. 

This week we welcomed the Year of the Tiger at Rachel Keeling. 
Step Out Arts, our wonderful friends who have celebrated with us for many years returned to bring some authentic music and dance. 
The children were enthralled to see the wonderful costumes and move to beautiful music.
We enjoyed ribbon dancing, listening to a range of instruments and a stunning Lion Dance with the most elaborate headdress. The children sustained interest and shared lots of talk.
The day's celebrations culminated in a large procession around the garden and a whole school JOYFUL Lion Dance. 
May the Year of the Tiger bring you strength, confidence and great personal power. 
Please remember next week is half term - we hope you get out and enjoy some fresh air. 
You can visit lots of wonderful local places of interest such as Stepney City Farm or Hackney City Farm, the Tate Modern, Tower of London or a lovely walk along the canals locally with a flask of tea. 

Whilst the chilly weather is around we need to remember to help the birds that visit our garden. The treehouse has been relocated to the mud kitchen and so there is a fabulous platform we can bird watch from. 
Children helped to make bird balls using suet and seeds.
It was a joy to watch all the visitors come to nibble - as well as a few cheeky squirrels. 
At this time of year we need to prepare the garden for spring planting.
Ahead of planting our delicious radishes and garlic,  children were supported to prepare the beds. They used rakes and trowels, forks and hoes and also their fingers to dig and turn over the soil.
Children sustained concentration, communicated and showed joy in what they were doing. 
Next they planted the radish seeds and garlic cloves carefully (they have come back every single day to check the growth!) As we have lots of visitors to the garden (foxes and birds) the children helped to net the bed to protect the seeds. 
Regular watering is now part of the children's routine and patience is needed as it may take
6-7 weeks for our radishes to appear. 
We are also planning to plant a variety of tomatoes, courgettes, spinach and runner beans.  Theses need to wait until the weather improves and there is no frost. 
Children help to care for and harvest all our fruit and vegetables.
They will also help to prepare them and eat them when they are ready.
If you would like any help with growing at home or would like to help us in school, please see Nazma!