Nursery - Computing - Decorating Birthday Cakes
This computing lesson introduced basic digital literacy skills by having the children decorate a birthday cake on Purple Mash. The children successfully used simple controls for digital mark-making, developing foundational coordination on-screen. This activity was also used to encourage communication, as we discussed their chosen toppings and their likes and dislikes. A number of children demonstrated early navigational skills by learning to scroll through the menus and select different decorative elements for their cakes. They did a brilliant job of translating their ideas into digital designs, reinforcing their understanding of basic input.
Reception- PSHE- My Emotions
In our PSHE lesson we have been learning all about ourselves and our emotions. We listened to the story of the Colour Monster and linked the colours to how we would be feeling. We discussed as a group that if we felt sad, happy, angry or excited what that might look like on our face, body and what might have caused that feeling. We then talked about if we felt this way what we could do or find to help us feel better or share our experience with someone. The colour designed their own colour monster and used the jigsaw puzzles to piece together how someone was feeling.
Nursery - Science - Facial Features, Location And Arrangement
In our combined Science and Art lesson, the children participated in a focused activity designed to enhance their self-awareness and understanding of personal identity and facial features. The lesson began with the children receiving blank face outlines and a selection of individual features—eyes, noses, and mouths. The core of the activity involved using a mirror to observe their own faces closely. This encouraged careful self-examination as they noticed the placement and quantity of their features. They had to decide on the appropriate features and then attempt to translate what they saw in the mirror onto their paper. The children demonstrated excellent concentration and observation skills during this task, correctly identifying that they needed two eyes, one nose, and one mouth. They did a fantastic job of placing their chosen features to create unique and accurate representations of themselves, reinforcing the idea that everyone is unique and special.
Nursery - PSHE - Nurturing And Personal Hygiene
This week, our PSHE lesson centered on developing nurturing skills and an early understanding of personal hygiene through focused role-play. The children engaged with the baby dolls in the water area, exploring the vital need to keep them clean and wash away any dirt. This care routine was highly engaging, beginning with placing the babies into a bubbly bath. The children worked diligently, utilizing jugs and cloths to meticulously wash the dolls, demonstrating careful and gentle handling. This encouraged a sense of responsibility and empathy. Once the washing was complete, they carefully wrapped the babies in towels to dry them. Through this activity, the children were able to practice essential life skills, understand the sequence of a cleaning routine, and develop their empathy by caring for another, all within a fun and purposeful context.
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Year 1 - PSHE - Our Feelings
The children loved reading and listening to Harold's story. We read the story and discussed Harold's feelings during different parts of the story, followed by showing these feelings to each other!
Pre-School-P.S.H.E-Our Body
In our P.S.H.E lesson this week we have been learning about our bodies, We drew around a child and the children each identified different parts of the body. The children then were given an item of clothing and had to place on the correct body part.
Nursery - PSHE - Understanding Emotions
During our PSHE focus, the children began to develop their understanding of two key emotions: happy and sad. We used the resources in our Regulation Station to support their learning and help them identify these feelings. The children had a hands-on experience creating happy and sad faces. They used mirrors to observe their own facial expressions, which helped them with the correct placement of features like a smile or a frown. They also used hand puppets to make comparisons, clearly showing a smiley face on one and a sad face on another. A key part of the lesson was using our Widgit prompts to explore what we can do when we feel these emotions. The children learned that when they feel happy, they can give a "thumbs up" or a "high five." And when they feel sad, they can ask for a cuddle or get a tissue. This activity helped the children not only identify their feelings but also learn healthy, positive ways to respond to them.
Reception Class - Toothbrushing
Hello Reception parents! ???? We're so excited to announce that we've started our toothbrushing initiative in class! This is a fantastic step in helping your little ones develop great oral hygiene habits right from the start. Our Brushing Routine ???? The children have been doing an amazing job learning their new routine. Each child has been allocated their own special toothbrush and they're learning to: Find their own brush: This helps them build independence and responsibility. Add their own toothpaste: We're teaching them how to use just a small, pea-sized amount. Brush their teeth: We're practicing the correct way to brush, covering all surfaces of their teeth. Put their brushes away: This is the final step in the routine, ensuring everything is clean and tidy for next time. This is more than just brushing; it's about developing independence and building a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. A massive thank you to AP Smilecare for generously providing all of our brushes and toothpaste! Their support has made this wonderful initiative possible. We're incredibly proud of how well the children are doing and look forward to seeing their confidence grow with each brushing session. Keep up the great work, everyone! ✨
Pre-School-Continuous Provision-Exploring Our Environment
The Pre-school children have enjoyed getting to explore our environment around our nursery, exploring all areas inside and outdoors. We have also enjoyed playing and being creative with all our new friends that have joined us at Darwen st James.
Nursery - PSHE - Looking After Our Teeth!
Our PSHE lesson this week focused on the importance of good dental hygiene. The children learned how to look after their teeth, with a particular emphasis on the introduction of toothbrushes and the correct way to brush. To help them understand the concept, we used a giant toothbrush and giant teeth to practice wiping away the germs. This hands-on activity helped the children develop a basic understanding before they tried brushing their own teeth. The children had a fantastic time brushing their own teeth while following along with the Hey Duggee Brush Your Teeth song. They enthusiastically copied the characters' movements, which made the activity both fun and educational. To promote good oral hygiene practices, Nursery class will be brushing their teeth together every day. This routine will reinforce what they've learned and help them establish a healthy habit for the future.
Mental Health and Wellbeing - Recognising and Managing Stress
Stress is something we all experience – but for children and young people, it can feel especially overwhelming. This guide presents 10 simple, actionable strategies to help young people manage stress in a healthy and balanced manner. Whether it’s noticing early signs, encouraging open conversations, or modelling calm responses, there are plenty of ideas here to support positive change. Perfect for both school and home settings, the guide equips adults to identify subtle signals of stress and create safe spaces for pupils to open up. It also suggests mindful habits and healthy routines that can become part of daily life, promoting long-term emotional strength and mental wellbeing.
Year 5 - Beach Pebbles to Remember Mrs Davis
During our recent beach trip to St. Anne's, each Year 5 student collected a unique pebble as a heartfelt memento for Mrs. Davis, who we sadly lost this year. As she would have joined us on this outing, we felt it fitting to bring a piece of the beach to her remembrance tree. The children then painted thoughtful and personal designs on their pebbles, before gently and respectfully placing them around the tree, creating a beautiful and lasting tribute.
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