The first week back at pre-school was notably chilly, providing many opportunities to explore the garden and surrounding village area, searching for signs of winter such as ice and frost.
Indoors, a variety of winter-themed and physical play activities were set up to engage the children. A creative activity invited them to build their own snowmen using clear plastic cups, cotton wool balls for snow, and a range of accessories such as scarves, buttons, and faces.
The return of the ball pit and climbing frame was met with great excitement. Children took turns climbing, jumping, and rolling, developing their gross motor skills, coordination, and confidence while enjoying energetic play together.
Additional loose-parts play was provided using cardboard reels, which the children transformed into stepping stones for balancing games. Planks were also used to create bridges and ramps, particularly for cars and small-world play. Children tested different angles and heights, watching how cars moved down the ramps and adjusting their designs.
