At Rachel Keeling we understand learning is a process and children need ample opportunities to return to experiences over time, taking increasing ownership of their learning.
Maria supported a group of children in making their own incredible animations this term. Children were invited to come and tell their own stories, alone or with their friends. They discussed what animation is and explored some animation online. Next they were supported to draw their characters, settings, gather real objects or use cuttings and photographs. The children were given choices and were enabled to decide and direct their own animation. After this Children engaged in creating their animations across their day at nursery, often using Maria's office as a 'drop in' workshop to add to or alter their creations. The children developed confidence in making choices, communicating their ideas and were enabled to do so in a warm, nurturing but challenging environment with an adult who was available and sensitive to their needs.
The next step was to use the iPads to photograph the characters and their tiny movements on their selected backdrops. Some children provided voice overs, others music and sound effects. Maria then edited the clips together, ready for previewing. Children were invited to preview their own films and make any changes. Then our animators wrote invitations for their families and friends to come to the screening in Rose Class.  
What has resulted is the most unique, individual animations - some quite surreal! One parent likened one animation to a David Lynch film! Please click the link below or the Home tab above and select 'Our Films'. Please do follow us on Twitter @RachelKeelingN1
Continue to keep a look out as some children will complete the animation process when they return to Rachel Keeling in September.
http://www.rachelkeeling.towerhamlets.sch.uk/our-films.html

This morning we were lucky enough to welcome award winning and New York Times bestselling writer and illustrator Ed Vere to Rachel Keeling. After a whistle stop tour of the nursery, Ed treated the children to a story session, sharing some of his titles (see below for list of his books). The children listened with interest and concentration as the stories unfolded. 
Ed then led an illustration workshop based on his character Max the Brave. Children watched carefully and followed Ed's step by step guide to create their own characters. At Rachel Keeling children see themselves as authors, illustrators, architects, ballet dancers, musicians, chefs and engineers, but we recognise it is special to welcome someone who makes a living doing a job like Ed.
Children showed great pride in their creations and Ed may have some competition on his hands as we produce the next Kate Greenaway Medal winner!
Thank you Ed for your time and to Anouk's family for organising Ed's visit! It is wonderful for children to have the opportunity to meet people who live in our local community with a variety of skills and gifts.
If you want to find out more about Ed, visit his website at http://www.edvere.com/about 
Look at all the books Ed has written and illustrated. Please do borrow some from our library at Rachel Keeling:

• grumpy frog
  
• max the brave
• max at night
• max and bird
• mr big
• bedtime for monsters
• banana
• the getaway
  

Also keep your eyes on our website as Maria and the children are creating incredible animations based on the children's stories.

On Friday the whole school and families were invited to Southend on Sea. For the third year running, the sun shone and it was a beautiful day. For some children and families it was the first visit to the seaside in England. Many children, families and staff swam in the sea, played Frisbee and splashed each other! The fountains and sandcastle building was also very popular. Healthy packed lunches and fish and chip treats were enjoyed by all as well as ice lollies for all the children. We enjoyed almost four hours on the beach before heading back to Bethnal Green. Some families took advantage of the weather and stayed on, travelling back in the car and by train later that night. It was a wonderful day to spend together, enjoying our friendships we have built over the past year or two. Thank you all for joining us and hopefully you will visit this summer with your families.