At Rachel Keeling we recognise the importance of children having first hand, meaningful experiences.
Over the past few weeks we have been introducing our new children to using our tools at the woodwork bench. They have been exploring screwdrivers, screws, hammers, nails, the hand drill, vice, saw and a range of wood and other recyclable materials. Staff work closely with small groups to introduce the tools, their names, how to use them safely and what they are used for. Children are supported to use them safely, wearing protective goggles and being mindful of their fingers! Children demonstrate great perseverance and joy when they accomplish a new skill. At the moment many children are exploring the tools. As we move through the year, most children will become independent in this area and be able to plan, design, make and adapt their models. At Rachel Keeling whilst we are settling some new children and families we are also welcoming back some children and families who are returning to school after the summer. It is vital we keep the deeper learning for these children on track and challenge them. Many children have come back to school with more confidence and they are the older children and so they appear to fill that space and take on the role of the leaders. We are fortunate that our mature garden has produced some delicious vegetables: our pumpkin was ripe. Children problem solved how to harvest it and worked as a team to make delicious pumpkin fritters. They were supported to share talk and ideas about the pumpkin , herbs from our garden and other ingredients. The looked at the recipe and were encouraged to read the numbers and recognise some of the symbols. They used a range of tools: from a grater, to a knife, to a pestle and mortar to a sieve. There was lots of talk and excitement and some children are beginning to ask questions with confidence. Lastly, they fried the fritters on the hob and shared them with their friends. A batch of vegan banana bread was also made with some very ripe bananas! Again, children were keen to join in and sustained concentration and enjoyed trying the food, which was new to some children. If you have any healthy recipes you use at home, please feel free to share with us!!! Our garden is truly the jewel in the crown at Rachel Keeling.
Children have been so helpful this week: keen to harvest, clear, weed, dig, turn over and plant over recent days. Sweeping, wheeling, carrying and working so hard in collaboration with each other has been a joy to behold! Our Rachel Keeling Values in action. Supporting children to plant, care for and harvest food such as potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and herbs is a wonderful way for them to appreciate food and try healthy foods too! At Rachel Keeling we are very sad to learn of the death of the Queen.
Earlier this year we celebrated her Platinum Jubilee and celebrated joyfully (we also got an extra day with our families to celebrate!) Children painted pictures, read books, made flags and cakes and we had a wonderful garden party. The sun even shone and we enjoyed a visit from someone who looked very much like the Queen! This morning as we wake up with grey skies, we remember a lady who showed great resilience and composure. We also remember someone who laughed (and may have kept marmalade sandwiches in her handbag, like Paddington). We will talk to the children about the Queen, her life, her death and the new King. We will do it with joy and respect, not sadness. If you have any questions or need any support, please ask your key person. Buckingham Palace will be busy, but maybe a trip on the Elizabeth Line with a marmalade sandwich might be a nice way for you and your child to mark the passing of the monarch. |