Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

The past two weeks have been filled with festivities across Rachel Keeling. Children have shared different ways some families celebrate festivals. We started by decorating the beautiful tree which was kindly donated by Empowering Learning. This sparked lots of conversations about Christmas decorations and lights children had seen out and about in Bethnal Green. Children have made their own decorations from salt dough stars to willow hangings and paper pictures to hang on the tree. Far from being an area of frenetic energy, the Christmas tree have evolved to being a space of relaxation and moments of calm! 
Children have been introduced to the Christmas Story and enjoyed retelling it using clay models and by dressing up and entering the 'stable' themselves. Some children are able to retell the story, remembering place names and the people involved. Some children commented "Christians celebrate Christmas" and "I like Christmas at school but I'm a Muslim so I don't celebrate it in my house". 
The sensory immersion of Christmas music has been enjoyed with carols to popular Christmas hits shared. Children have been learning We Wish You A Merry Christmas, Twinkle Twinkle, and one child has mastered We Three Kings ahead of our Carols Around the Campfire on Thursday where our ukulele band will debut.
No Christmas would be complete without plenty of food to share and enjoy. Festive gingerbread has been made with cinnamon and ginger wafting across the nursery most days.
We would like to say a huge thank you to Reed Smith who donated 25 wrapped boxes of gifts for the children. It has certainly helped Father Christmas and the reindeers with their mission. Thank you too to Kim from School Home Support for their ongoing support for our community and their knowledge and signposting.
Our celebrations are culminating with our Christmas Party on Friday morning before all families, staff and friends hopefully enjoy a wonderful Christmas break with their loved ones.