Our Week at Preschool – Owls and Hedgehogs
Hello everyone,
We hope you all had a lovely weekend with family and friends.
This week has been full of excitement, curiosity and hands-on learning. Our theme took us on a wonderful journey exploring owls and hedgehogs, and the children have been incredible explorers, creators and thinkers throughout.
Group Time
This week we shared the stories Owl Babies and The Helpful Hedgehog.
We also enjoyed some rhyming stories — Big Pig and Shark in the Park. The children are beginning to pick up the concept of rhyming and noticing words that sound the same.
We spent time with Reggie the Resilient Tortoise, talking about what it means to keep trying. The children shared things they can’t do yet and came up with lots of brilliant ideas about how they will keep practising.
Monday
We collaged the three baby owls from Owl Babies and their mummy using a variety of creative techniques including sticking, printing and painting.
Can you remember the owl babies' names?
In the afternoon we visited the forest school area and used natural objects to create owl pictures. We also enjoyed the swings, acted out the story of The Three Bears, and had lots more fun!
Tuesday
We had our second Kickboxing session on Tuesday morning. We went on an adventure and continued to practise our guard and stance. We did star jumps and ducked from the bird — the children were fantastic at following instructions!
We then made owl baby puppets to take home.
Can you retell the story of Owl Babies using your puppets?
In the afternoon, we baked cakes ready to take to the care home on Wednesday.
Wednesday
One group of children visited the local care home for songs, a story and cakes — a lovely intergenerational moment for everyone.
Another group had PE, where we practised balancing along the bench, moving in different ways, and jumping off and landing on two feet. We also made clay hedgehogs.
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a calming Relax Kids session with Sian.
Thursday
We played a spider number game in small groups and then went on a bug hunt outside to look for spiders, woodlice and worms. We also worked as a team to make our Owl Babies display.
In the afternoon, we had a lovely time playing outside.
Friday
On Friday, we played the hedgehog counting game, taking turns and matching prickles to the correct numbers.
In the afternoon, we went to soft play and had a brilliant time climbing, sliding and exploring.
Play & Learning Throughout the Week
Autumn Vocabulary Tray
We explored a range of autumn objects — naming, signing and describing them using our senses. Lots of fantastic observing and talking!
Imaginative Play
Our Owl Babies small world, home corner and bonfire night role-play areas have been very popular. Children roasted pretend marshmallows, wrapped up in cosy scarves, and created their own bonfire stories.
They also loved acting out Owl Babies using the props.
Fine Motor Fun
At the Finger Frenzy table, the children used pens and threads to make patterns and shapes, becoming really confident at threading and practising careful finger control.
Construction Area
Builders have been busy all week using blocks, Duplo monsters, octagons, flower construction and K’Nex to create all sorts of imaginative structures.
Number Play
We used pegs as pretend prickles and matched them to the correct numeral on our hedgehogs.
Playdough Creations
Using playdough, plastic sticks, googly eyes, tools and gems, the children created all sorts of wonderful models — including plenty of hedgehogs!
📸 Some photos from the week…
Next Week at Preschool 🎆
Next week, we will be exploring spiders and creating a special Christmas surprise in the kitchen to bring home. We have lots of exciting adventures planned, and we will be sharing the story Spinderella.
Home Learning 🏡
Here are some simple, fun activities you can try at home this week:
🥄 Set the Table
Can you help set the table for dinner and work out how many plates, forks, knives, spoons and cups you need? A great way to practise counting with a purpose!
📚 Share a Rhyming Story
Enjoy reading together and spotting words that sound the same. Can your child hear the rhyme?
🤸 Balance Challenge
Have a go at skipping! This is brilliant for balance, coordination and gross motor development.
You can apply for a reception place from 1 September 2025.
The closing date for applications is 15 January 2026.
https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/starting-school-for-the-first-time
This Tuesday.......
