5th December 2025

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This week, we’ve been focusing on sharing and encouraging the children to use their words to resolve situations. We remind them they can always speak to their teachers if they are worried, and it would be helpful to reinforce this at home. We are also working on tidying up, giving a five-minute warning and encouraging the children to help put things away. Supporting this routine with toys at home will reinforce the same message.

Literacy
This week, we continued exploring rhythm and rhyme. The children practised counting syllables in different words, which you can also try at home. We revised rhyming and played a fun interactive game called Silly Soup, finding objects that rhyme to add to the soup. Please read rhyming books with your child and practise creating rhyming strings, including made-up words (for example: pat, cat, dat, lat, mat, chat, hat).

Maths
This week in maths, we continued practising subitising to 5, which is recognising small groups of objects instantly without counting. The children are becoming quick at saying the number names and you can practise this at home. In another activity, the children enjoyed making latkes, learning how to grate potatoes, discussing the recipe and ingredients, and mixing them together. They looked delicious, and we hope the children enjoyed them!

Physical development
The children are continuing with their daily Dough Disco sessions to help develop their hand strength. In the afternoon, some children took part in a fun rolling activity and enjoyed parachute games to support the development of their upper-body strength.

Understanding the world
We had a fun session learning about hibernation and how some animals sleep through autumn and winter. The children enjoyed making homes for the animals by painting boxes, adding cuddly toys, and using leaves to keep them warm. We also discussed how birds migrate to warmer countries.

PE
In PE this week, Nursery worked on developing their jumping technique and power through various exercises.

Music
We had our final rehearsal before our Chanukah show next week, and we look forward to welcoming you.

Ivrit
We had another wonderful and joyful week in Ivrit as we continued celebrating Chanukkah together!
The children loved listening to the song “Ner Li, Ner Li – נר לי נר לי,” which we are also practising for our upcoming Chanukkah show. This week, we focused on expanding our Hebrew vocabulary by learning the word Ner – נר (candle) and its plural Nerot – נרות (candles).
We practised counting how many candles are lit on each night of Chanukkah and we even learned a few new colours in Ivrit:

• Adom – אדום (red)
• Kachol – כחול (blue)
• Yarok – ירוק (green)

The highlight of the week was making our very own Nerot for the Chanukah performance. The children were so proud of their creations and are excited to share them with you soon.

Jewish Studies
This week in Nursery class we:

• Explored the meaning behind the sevivon in the Chanukah story. We made sevivonim to go up on a display in the classroom/ please look out for it at the Chanukah show next week!

• Explored Parashat Vayishlach, learning how Yaacov wanted to make amends with his brother Eisav and sent him many gifts before they met again after many years apart. His gifts included rams, sheep, camels, and cows. Wow! Each child made a fabulous present craft to take home!

This week’s Nursery Shabbat Kochavim (stars) were Olivia Duboff and Boaz

Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders:

• Kippah and Tzitzit: Boys should come to school wearing a kippah fastened with four clips and tzitzit.
• Fruit Preparation: Blueberries should be halved, and tomatoes and grapes cut lengthways, then into quarters.
• Winter Show: Children arrive at 8:30–8:40am. Please let me know by Monday 8th December who will attend so chairs can be arranged. (Please ensure you have read the email sent out by Ms Simon.).
• Chanukah Extravaganza Thursday 11th December: Children should wear a Chanukah jumper. Collect at 12:05pm and take them to the main school for the Chanukah lighting at 12:20pm. (Please ensure you have read the email sent out from Ms Myer.)
   

28th November 2025

We started the week at the main school, and it made the team so proud to see how well the children adapted to the change and the different environment. They enjoyed a variety of freeflow activities and also playing in the playground on the climbing equipment and eating lunch in the large dining room.

Thank you for joining us to make Chanukiahs with your children. It was a very special event, and the children really enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing pictures of your child lighting them on Chanukah.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The focus has been on developing our sharing skills and learning how to use our words to resolve different situations. We did some role play and also read a book called It’s Mine, discussing the various scenarios and exploring ideas on how they could handle similar situations themselves.

Literacy
This week we have been revising rhythm and rhyme.  We practised sounding out different rhyming words creating a rhyming string. We also revised how to count syllables and the children had fun counting how many syllables in their names and in a variety of different objects.

Maths
This week in maths, we introduced subitising to 5, which is the ability to instantly recognise how many objects are in a small group without having to count them one by one. We practised this by holding up fingers randomly and quickly, and by looking at different pictures on the whiteboard showing various groups. The children became quite quick at recognising the amounts and saying the number names without counting them.

The children enjoyed making Autumn biscuits. They helped measure the different ingredients and then mixed them together. Each child had the opportunity to roll out their own piece of dough and choose a leaf cutter to make their own leaf-shaped biscuit.

Physical development
The children are continuing to enjoy Dough Disco, which is helping them develop their hand strength. In the afternoon, they have been taking part in a fun rolling activity to support the development of their upper body strength.

Technology
The children had fun learning how to use the Beebots. They are programmable, robotic floor toys. The children enjoyed figuring out how to make the Beebot move forward, backwards, right, and left.

PE
In PE, Nursery worked on developing their hand-eye coordination skills through different throwing and catching activities.

Music
This week we continued practising our chanukah songs. We also learnt to copy simple rhythms with cups. The children had to listen carefully and then copy. They did a great job. 

Ivrit
This week in Ivrit, we began learning about Chanukah.
We explored different types of nerot (candles), such as Shabbat and birthday candles, and discovered the special candles used for Chanukah. We also practiced counting in Ivrit: אחת, שתיים, שלוש, ארבע, חמש, שש, שבע, שמונה.

The children followed a short instructional video and tried drawing a ner (candle).
We also learned about the sevivon (dreidel), looked at different sizes, and learned the adjectives gadol and katan (big and small). The children had lots of fun spinning dreidels, painting with them, and watching the patterns they created.

We are really enjoying our Chanukah learning!

Jewish Studies
This week Nursery class:

• explored the story of Yaacov’s fascinating dream about angels going up and down a ladder in Parashat Vayetzei. We counted out lollipop-ladder rungs, built ladders from Stickle Bricks, and created beautiful ladder pictures using buttons.
• Began learning about Chanukah. We looked at the story of Yehudah HaMaccabee and how he and his small army won against the wicked King Antiochus. We looked at the Chanukiah and learned that the shamash is the helper candle that lights the others. We began making a moveable-parts Chanukiah craft, which we will finish next week.
• made beautiful Chanukiot out of clay with their mummies and daddies.

This week’s Nursery Shabbat Kochavim (stars) were Hannah and Lennon

Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders:

• Please ensure that all boys come to school wearing a kippah fastened with four clips and wearing tzitzit. Thank you.
• Fruit Preparation Reminder: Please make sure all fruit is cut according to our guidelines: Blueberries should be halved lengthways, tomatoes and grapes should be cut lengthways, then into quarters.Thank you for your cooperation.

21st November 2025

Another great week in Nursery.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This week, we continued with our Kindness Week (Anti-Bullying Week). The children carried on practising calming breathing techniques and enjoyed stories such as The Lion Inside and Kindness Is My Superpower. They also created their own superheroes and explained how they would use their special superpowers to show kindness.

Literacy
We continued with oral segmentation using “robot hands” and robot voices to sound out beginning, middle, and end sounds. We played I Spy to match sounds to objects and also enjoyed the game Cross the River. The children were given a picture, and if their picture was sounded out for example m-a-t or c-a-t they had to cross the river.

Maths
We practised our counting to 20. We revised numbers 1–3 and learned number 4. The children enjoyed the Orchard game Counting Caterpillars, choosing a numbered counter and counting along the caterpillar to find its correct place. The game also supported taking turns, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence.

Understanding the world
We continued exploring the five senses and how we use them in our daily activities. This week, the children focused on the sense of smell and enjoyed a selection of scented pots. They had fun guessing smells such as mint, vanilla, and curry powder.

PE
In PE, Nursery focused on developing their jumping and core strength through exercises such as squats, burpees, push-ups, and planks.

Music
In Music today, the children learned more songs for our Chanukah show, and they are sounding great! They also enjoyed playing along using some instruments.

Ivrit
This week we wrapped up our Autumn (סתו) unit in Ivrit. We listened to the story “What Can You Do With a Leaf?” מה אפשר לעשות בעלה and imagined fun ways to use a leaf—like an umbrella or earrings! We also danced with pretend leaves to Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, moving up and down like the wind.The children enjoyed gluing and sorting pictures of autumn signs, and of course had lots of fun with Hezi Hilazon and Podi.A sweet and fun finish to our Autumn learning! 

Jewish Studies
This week in Jewish Studies, Nursery class:

• Explored Parashat Toledot. Each child made a beautiful collage of the twins Yaacov and Esav, who were very different but both showed love and respect for their parents.

• Completed the final part of our in-depth study of Shabbat as part of our Jewish Way of Life curriculum. We explored Kiddush and Hamotzi and their significance in making Shabbat a special day. Each child made a Kerem Grape Juice Bottle craft as an aide-memoire.
• As part of a whole EYU activity for Mitzvah Day, Nursery and Reception children created wonderfully cheerful collages of their favourite things—from robots and rainbows to balloons and bananas—to brighten up a homeless drop-in centre for HIAS JCore.

This week’s Nursery Shabbat Kochavim (stars) were Alice and Ron.

Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders:

• Kippah: Please ensure all boys come to school wearing a kippah with four clips and tzitzit. Thank you.
• Dates for the Diary: Join us on Friday, 28th November at 9:00 am to make a Chanukiah with your child. Both parents are welcome; if unavailable, grandparents or other family members may attend. Please email to confirm attendance. Maximum 2 adults per child due to space.
• Cold Weather: Dress your child in extra layers as doors are often open and the room can be cold. Please send a scarf, hat, and gloves (long scarves are unsafe; neck warmers are better). Ensure all items are labelled. Thank you.

What a very fun and busy week we have had in Nursery!

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
This week was Kindness Week (Anti-Bullying Week). The children wore odd socks to celebrate our uniqueness and designed their own pairs. We made friendship bracelets to give to a friend, practised calming breathing, and enjoyed stories like Cinnamon Girl and Giraffe Left Out.

Literacy
We used “robot hands” and voices to sound out beginning, middle, and end sounds, and played I spy to match sounds to objects.

Maths
We continued practising counting using different number names, ordering them, and developing our one-to-one correspondence. We also worked on number recognition, revising 1 and 2, and learning number 3.

Dough Disco
As part of our finger gym activities, the children have been enjoying Dough Disco each morning. This fun and energetic activity helps strengthen their fine motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination, and prepares them for writing and drawing. The children enjoy manipulating the dough, making it a playful and engaging way to start the day.

PE
Nursery focused on developing their Speed, balance and agility through different movement exercises.

Remembrance
The children looked at photos of Mrs Freedman’s grandfather in the war and passed around his medals, learning that he received them for being brave. They examined the details closely, feeling the shapes and metal. We talked about why we wear a poppy - to remember those who were injured in the war - and how poppies grew in the fields afterwards as a symbol of hope, just like the sun appearing on a cloudy day.

Music
This week we began learning some songs for the Chanukah show. We also used the parachute and moved it along to the music of Wibble Wobble Jelly on a Plate. The children had to work together and listen to the music, which they did really well! 

Ivrit
This week in Ivrit, we continued learning about Autumn (הסתיו – Stav). We had lots of fun with Podi and Rachelli, reviewing words like גשם (rain), עלים נושרים (falling leaves), חלזון (snail), and רוח (wind). When I asked, “What can we do with a leaf?” They gave such creative answers! We also practiced asking ?מי זאת (Mi Zot?) and ?מי זה (Mi Ze?) — Who is this? (feminine/masculine) — helping the children notice and understand the difference between masculine and feminine forms in Ivrit. The children enjoyed the interactive board games and autumn activity sheets. We look forward to more autumn fun in Ivrit next week!

Jewish Studies
This week in Nursery, we explored Shabbat as part of our Jewish Way of Life curriculum. The children practised lighting the Shabbat candles and saying the bracha, and each made a beautiful Shabbat Candle Bracha picture, now proudly displayed in our classroom.

We also made sweet-smelling Bessamim pouches to take home for Havdalah, and explored Parashat Chayei Sarah. Each child learned about Rivka’s Water Well through different media and created a “Rivka by Her Well” collage to take home.

This week’s Nursery Shabbat kochavim (stars) were  Eden and Raanan
Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders:

• Kippah: Please ensure all boys come to school wearing a kippah with four clips and tzitzit.Thank you.
• Dates for the Diary: We look forward to seeing you on Friday, 28th November at 9:00 am to make a Chanukkiah with your child. It will be lovely to see both parents, but if you are unable to join, grandparents or other family members are welcome. Please email me to confirm who will be attending. Due to space constraints, we ask for no more than 2 adults per child.

What a great week we’ve had in Nursery!

Thank you to everyone who joined us on our autumn walk. It was a lovely walk, and we were so lucky with the weather.

Literacy
In Literacy, we explored how our voices can change in pitch and tempo. We met Metal Mike, a toy robot who speaks in a robot voice. Using pictures, we used our “robot hands” and voices to sound out the beginning, middle, and end sounds of each word before feeding the picture to Metal Mike.

Maths
We continued developing our knowledge of number names by practising counting to 20 and singing number songs. We also focused on number recognition, revising 1 and learning 2. We explored numbers that include a 2, such as 12, 22, and 200.

Show and Tell

This week, the children began bringing an item from home to share with the class. This activity helps build their confidence in speaking and expand their vocabulary. We’ll also be developing their questioning skills by encouraging them to ask their friends questions such as “why” and “when.”

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We continued encouraging children to discuss their feelings by placing their name on the feelings chart. They are becoming more aware of their emotions and update the chart as their feelings change throughout the day.

Five Senses and Autumn Walk
We explored the five senses and how we use them daily, discussing which ones we would use on our Autumn walk, all except taste! The children made binoculars to observe nature and collected leaves, twigs, and conkers, which they used to create beautiful collages.

Guy fawkes
We discussed the story of Guy Fawkes, and the children had great fun creating firework pictures using different effects, including splash painting and forks dipped in paint. 

PE
This week, the children focused on building leg strength and stability through a range of jumping exercises designed to develop their explosive power and landing control.

Music
In music, we learnt a song about Bonfire Night and started singing some Chanukah songs. The children also enjoyed listening to a short story about a frog. They joined in with the end of each line, tapping a cup to the words frog frog frog. 

Ivrit
This week in our Ivrit lessons, we continued learning about the Stav (autumn). We reviewed the new words we learned before the half term, such as Hilazon (snail), Geshem (rain), and Al’e Nosher (falling leaf). We had lots of fun meeting Hezi Hilazon (Hezi the snail) and feeding him with red, yellow, and brown leaves. The children also made a big leaf and filled it with small pieces of coloured tissue paper for our Stav display.

Jewish Studies
This week in JS Nursery class, we learned about Parashat Lech Lecha and made wonderful camel handprint pictures to remember how Avraham and Sarah were told by Hashem to leave their home and begin a new life and nation together.

We then explored Parashat Vayera, where Avraham and Sarah welcome three malachim who promise that they will soon have a baby. The children had a great time re-enacting Avraham and Sarah serving and caring for their guests. Each child made a brilliant 3D tent picture to take home and cherish!

This week’s Nursery Shabbat kochavim (stars) were Hannah and Joseph.

Wishing you all a lovely half-term break.
Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders:

• Kippah: Please ensure all boys come to school wearing a kippah with four clips.Thank you!
• Please send your child in wearing odd socks on Monday 10th November, for Anti-Bullying Week.

What a busy and full week we’ve had in Nursery!

Literacy
We introduced alliteration, words beginning with the same sound, and had fun discussing silly sentences like “big brown bear bought bigger books” and “Peter Piper’s pet pig prefers Pam.” We also made some sentences using the children’s names. Try creating more at home, including ones with your child’s name!

Maths
The children loved singing numbersongs and using their fingers to count along. You can continue practising these songs at home focusing on number names.
    •    One Potato, Two Potato  One Potato, Two Potato
    •    1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Once I Caught a Fish Alive
    •    One, Two, Buckle My Shoe • One, Two, Buckle My Shoe
    •    Here Is the Beehive Here Is the Beehive
    •    Five Little Ducks Five Little Ducks

The children also enjoyed playing maths games on the iPads.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
We continued exploring our different feelings using our emotions chart. We read The Colour Monster to learn how colours reflect emotions, and Ruby’s Worry to discuss how talking about worries helps make them feel smaller. The children also learned that they can write down a worry and place it into the worry monster’s mouth- by the next day, the worry will be gone! 

PE
The children focused on developing their explosive power through different jumping and hopping plyometric exercises.

Music
We had a wonderful Music lesson this week - it was lovely to see the children again. They learnt a new song, Cobler Cobler Mend My Shoe, and played parachute games to music, moving fast and slow, and freezing when the music stopped!

Ivrit
We’ve started our new Ivrit topic — Stav (Autumn)! The children met Hezi the Hilazon (snail). They learned that Hezi loves to sleep most of the time, but when there is Geshem (rain), he wakes up and enjoys walking among the falling leaves (עלים נופלים). We fed Hezi different kinds of leaves and discovered which ones he liked best — and which ones he didn’t! We also listened to a fun song about the Hilazon. You can enjoy it together at home using this link:🎵https://youtu.be/73Pre2Shb6w?si=pTGmRZLcfdmWPzKH

To finish, the children made a lovely craft of Hezi on a trip in the park, using real leaves.

Diwali
We welcomed Ms. Dalwai, the Year 6 teacher, who shared the story of Diwali and taught us some Bollywood dance moves. The children learnt that Diwa means “light,” making Diwali “the festival of lights,” similar to Chanukah. They also enjoyed making Deepawali cookies with coconut, painting henna designs on hand templates, and creating colourful Rangoli patterns with Numicon and magnetic shapes.

Jewish Studies
This week we explored Parashat Noach.

• We sang lots of Noach songs, including The Animals Went in Two by Two, Hurrah!
• We read a range of Noach picture books.
• We built Noach’s Teiva (ark) in the playground using foam bricks, wood, and Duplo.
• We played with animal and boat figurines, re-enacting Noach loading up his Teiva.
• We created lots of different animals using paper, card, feathers, ribbon, and glitter to go up on a new display in the EYU.

As part of our Jewish Way of Life curriculum, we also explored Shabbat:

• We focused on Shalom Aleichem and listened to the different tunes sung by families and communities.
• The children made a fabulous asymmetrical painted collage with Shalom Aleichem on the back for you to enjoy at home.

This week’s Nursery Shabbat kochavim (stars) were Olivia K and Leo.

Wishing you all a lovely half-term break.
Shabbat Shalom!

Reminders:

• Friday Finishing: After half term, the children will finish at 12:30pm. You do not need to send a packed lunch. Please send in a larger fruit snack (no sandwiches).
• Library Books: Please return library books on the Wednesday after half term.
• Autumn Walk: The new date for the Autumn Walk is Wednesday, 5th November  (weather permitting). Please confirm if you are able to attend. Please arrive by 8:50 a.m. for a briefing so we can leave promptly at 9:00 a.m.
• Tapestry:Please share photos on Tapestry of activities your child enjoys outside school, so they can share them with their friends.
• Clothing:Ensure all items of clothing are clearly labelled, including gloves.
• Kippah: Please ensure all boys come to school wearing a kippah with four clips.Thank you!
• Please continue to send in empty kitchen roll holders.
   

We hope you all had a lovely Simchat Torah.

Literacy
This week, we continued exploring rhyming words by reading Oi Dog and The Gruffalo. The children loved playing Silly Soup on the interactive whiteboard, working out which objects rhymed to add to the soup! You can support rhyming at home by spotting words that rhyme together in stories, songs, or during everyday play.

Maths 
We continued learning about patterns and repeats. The children enjoyed playing a pattern game on the interactive whiteboard, where they had to work out what came next in the sequence. You can play this game with your child at home – please find the link below (start with Level 1):

Top Marks: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ordering-and-sequencing/shape-patterns
The children also had fun making Gruffalo crumble, linked to the story The Gruffalo. They helped to measure out and mix together the different ingredients.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Linked to the topic All About Me, we started talking about different feelings and why certain things make us feel that way. We introduced a feelings chart where children can place their name next to the emotion they are experiencing. If their feelings change, they can move their name accordingly. The four feelings we are focusing on are happy, sad, worried, and angry. This activity helps children learn to be open about their emotions and feel comfortable talking to others about how they feel, especially when they are sad, worried, or scared.

Jewish Studies
This week we visited Raanan's beautiful Sukkah for songs, games and delicious snacks! Thank you Raanan for welcoming us so nicely to your Sukkah! We made Simchat Torah Flags to wave in shul. 
We also looked at Parashat Bereshit, and the way that Hashem created the world in six days and had a rest on the Seventh day- which was Shabbat. We too have a rest on Shabbat. Each of the children made a fabulous Bereshit crown. Well done children!

This week’s Shabbat stars were Olivia D and Raanan.

Shabbat Shalom.

Reminders:

• Fri 24th October: Finish at 2:00 pm.
• Library Books: Please return by next Wednesday.
• Autumn Walk – Thursday 24th October: Please drop your child off at the normal time, no later than 8:40 am. If you are joining us on the walk, please make sure you are back by 8:50 am, when there will be a quick briefing. We aim to leave punctually at 9:00 am.
• Focus Meeting Dates: You should have received an email letting you know the date for your child’s focus meeting.
• Show and Tell: You should have received an email informing you of the date your child can bring in their Show and Tell.

Finally, please share photos on Tapestry of activities your child enjoys outside school, so they can share with their friends.

We hope you all had a lovely Sukkot.

Literacy
This week, we introduced the concept of rhyming and explored what rhyming words are. The children enjoyed listening to and identifying words that sound the same at the end. We also began reading a fun rhyming book series featuring Oi Frog and Oi Cat, which helped the children engage with rhyming patterns in a playful and memorable way. 

Maths 
We learnt about patterns and repeats, seeing how shapes, colours, or movements can repeat in a regular and predictable way.

Finger Gym
This week, we continued our finger gym activities to strengthen hand and finger muscles. The children enjoyed Tap Tap, threading beads to make necklaces, and using chubbie paints to create dotted patterns, all supporting their fine motor skills and coordination.

PE
In PE, the children worked on their agility and jumping skills using the jumping boxes, hurdles, and hoops.

Jewish Studies
The highlight of the week was visiting Serena Newman’s Sukkah. The children enjoyed discussing the reasons why we sit in a sukkah, listening to a story, and tasting some special treats. They also had fun eating their snacks and lunches in our very own sukkah. We made paper chain decorations for the EYU sukkah to fill it with colour. The children also had the opportunity to shake the lulav and etrog in the sukkah.

We have started to learn about Simchat Torah and have begun working on our flags to wave in shul.
This week’s Shabbat stars were Eden and Lennon.

Shabbat Shalom and we hope you have a lovely Simchat Torah! 

Reminders

• Mon 13th October: Early finish at 12:30 pm (no lunch). Please send in a larger snack — no sandwiches, please.
• Tues 14 & Wed 15th October: School closed
• Fri 17th October: Finish at 2.00pm
• Library books: Return by Thursday next week
• Recycling: Please send in a named kitchen roll tube

Finally, please share photos on Tapestry of activities your child enjoys outside school, so they can show and tell their friends.

We hope you all had a meaningful fast.

Even in this short week, the children have been wonderfully busy!

Literacy
We explored rhythm and rhyme, enjoying stories with repeated refrains such as The Gingerbread Man and Chicken Licken. The children loved joining in with the familiar lines and also began learning about syllables by clapping out beats in names and objects—something fun to try at home.

Maths & Creative Play
Linking to Jewish Studies, the children baked fish-shaped biscuits while learning about Jonah and the whale. They helped weigh, mix, roll and cut the dough, before enjoying their tasty creations! We also read Whatever Next!, sparking role-play with rockets, helmets and lots of imaginative junk modelling. 

Art & Topic
Children painted beautiful autumn trees, experimenting with colour mixing and sponge printing. In our All About Me sessions, they continued sharing special items from home—building confidence as they spoke in front of the group.

Ivrit
This week in Ivrit we learned all about building a Sukkah! We discovered how to use a patish (hammer) and masmer (nail) to build a lovely Sukkah for Sukkot. The children enjoyed a new song (link attached: Rinat and Mimi “פטיש מסמר”), used wooden blocks as musical instruments and even built their own mini Sukkah. We also made beautiful decorations to get ready for the holiday.
https://youtu.be/TODTgzdUfH0?si=296K5DiuWuA2LWUm

Jewish Studies
We explored Yonah’s story through puppets, pictures and Big Fish models. Looking ahead to Sukkot, the children learnt about the mitzvot of the sukkah and Arba Minim, and created colourful decorations to bring home and to brighten our EYU sukkah.

This week’s Shabbat stars were Alice and Ron.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sukkot Sameach! 🌿

Reminders

• Mon 6 Oct: Early finish at 12:30pm (no lunch)
• Tues 7 & Wed 8 Oct: School closed
• Fri 10 Oct: Finish at 2:00pm
• Library books: Return by Wed/Thurs
• Recycling: Please send in a named kitchen roll tube
• Autumn Walk: Thurs 23 Oct, 9am. Parents welcome—RSVP by Fri 10 Oct

Finally, please share photos on Tapestry of activities your child enjoys outside school, so they can show and tell with their friends.

We hope you all had a lovely Rosh Hashanah.
It has been a fun few days in Nursery!

Literacy
We continued exploring environmental and instrumental sounds. The children enjoyed passing around socks filled with different objects to shake and guess what was inside. These included rice, pasta, and coins.

Mathematics
We introduced the calendar by singing the months of the year and the days of the week. Together we worked out the day, month, and date. We also talked about the seasons, learning that we are now in Autumn. The children discussed the changes that happen during Autumn - such as leaves changing colour and falling from the trees. Please encourage your child to talk about what they see, so they can begin to describe and understand the changes happening around them.

Creative Activities
Some children made handprint bees linked to Rosh Hashanah. We looked at the stripe patterns on bees’ bodies, and the children designed their own. They also enjoyed apple printing and colour mixing, combining blue and yellow to make green for their green apples.

Understanding the World
The children explored sinking and floating by testing different objects in water. They discussed why some floated (because they were lighter or full of air) while others sank (because they were heavier or solid).

Topic: All About Me
This week, we discussed families, including extended family members such as aunts, uncles, and cousins. Some children enjoyed drawing family pictures. It was lovely to hear the children beginning to share what they had brought in their All About Me bags. This activity helps to build confidence in speaking in front of the class and further develops their communication skills.

PE: The children worked on their balance, coordination, and hand–eye skills using tennis racquets and balls.

Jewish Studies: Welcome back, Nursery class, from your Rosh Hashanah break—it was wonderful to hear all about your celebrations at home! This week, we began focusing on Yom Kippur and some of the rules we try to keep. We learned that grown-ups don’t eat on Yom Kippur and that we don’t wear leather shoes. Each child made a beautiful slipper collage to take home and cherish. We also touched on the story of Yonah, which we will explore in more detail next week.

On the Shabbat table this week’s Cochavim were: Hannah and Boaz

Shabbat Shalom, and we wish you all well over the fast.

Reminders

• Wednesday pick-up: Children finish at 12:30pm on 27th September (no lunch). School will be closed on Thursday 28th September.
• Recycling: Please send an empty kitchen roll holder.
• Library books: Return books in named folders by Wednesday (or Thursday if school is closed for a festival) so your child can borrow a new one.
• Autumn Walk: We would like to take the children on an Autumn walk on Thursday 23rd October. Parents are warmly invited to join us. We will leave after teffilah (approximately 9am) and we anticipate being roughly 1 hour. In order that we can confirm our numbers, please let us know by Friday 10th October. We completely understand that it may not always be possible for working parents to attend. Please know that we truly appreciate the balance you are managing between work and being present for these moments. If you are unable to join us, you are welcome to send another family member in your place, but if that is not possible, we will make sure your child is paired with a school adult.
• All About Me Bags: If you have not yet returned your child’s bag, please send it in so they can share it with the class.
• Punctuality: It is very important that children arrive at school no later than 8:40am. We will be starting the day punctually, and the children need time to settle before beginning the routine. The gate will now close promptly at 8:40, and children arriving later will be brought in by the guard. Thank you for your support with this.

It was lovely to see many of you at our curriculum evening and enjoying some of the fun activities the children take part in.

What another amazing and busy week in Nursery! The children continued developing their social and communication skills. We introduced the visual timetable to help them understand the daily routine.
Each child now has a place on the carpet in a fruit group (pears/apples). Groups are called for activities, snack/lunch, PE, and Ivrit.

In Literacy, we explored environmental sounds. The children made “listening ears” and wore them on a walk around the building to notice different sounds.

In Mathematics, the children enjoyed baking honey cakes. Mrs Dagul introduced recipes, step-by-step instructions, and ingredients. They helped weigh and mix everything.

We read It’s Mine! and discussed using words, sharing, and taking turns. Please practise this at home—for example: “I had that first, please can I have it back?” or “When you’re finished, may I have it?” Modeling words instead of hands is so important.

Our All About Me topic continued, focusing on the body, inside and out, including the skeleton.
Children are now encouraged to self-register each morning by placing their named bee in the pot, helping them recognise their names.

In the library the children enjoyed hearing a story and then choosing a book to take home. Please return books in named folders by Wednesday, or Thursday if school is closed for a festival, so they can borrow a new one.
In PE, we practiced hand-eye coordination with throwing and catching. In music, we played singing games, listened, followed instructions, and explored instruments. In Ivrit, we learned Rosh Hashanah words—Tapuach (apple), Dvash (honey), Rimon (pomegranate)—and practiced “Shana Tova.” The children enjoyed singing, dancing, and making Rimon cards.

In Jewish Studies, we prepared for Rosh Hashanah by exploring the shofar (Tekiah, Shevarim, Teruah) and learning about special foods such as apples dipped in honey and the fish head symbolising leadership. In Parashat Nitzavim, we learned how Hashem gathered all the Jewish people, reminding us that everyone is important in recommitting to Him.

We look forward to welcoming back Morah Cassie next week! 

On the Shabbat table this week’s Cochavim were keira and Joseph.

Shana Tova—wishing you and your families a sweet, happy, and healthy new year!
Shabbat Shalom

Reminders

• Snacks: Please cut fruit/vegetables safely (e.g. grapes quartered, blueberries halved).
• Clothing: Send spare clothes, aprons, wellingtons, and waterproofs.
• ‘All About Me’ bag: We are sending home a bag to be returned by Thursday 25th September. Your child should choose 5–6 special items to help us learn more about them. Please only send objects your child is happy to leave at school.
• Monday pick-up: Children finish at 12:30pm (no lunch).
• Nature items: Please collect conkers, acorns, or fir cones for school.
• Recycling: Send an empty kitchen roll holder.
• Conversation starters: Use the question list from curriculum evening to help your child share about their day.

What a fantastic start to the year we’ve had in Nursery! The children have settled in so well, and it has been wonderful to see so many beginning to walk through the classroom doors independently. They’ve spent time exploring their new environment, finding their pegs and trays, and learning about class expectations. We’ve also played some name games to help everyone get to know each other, which we’ll continue next week.

One of our favourite moments was reading The Kissing Hand, a story about a raccoon who feels nervous about starting school until his mother gives him a kiss to keep in his hand. The children made their own “kissing hands” and shared their feelings about their first days. Alongside this, we began our new topic All About Me, talking about how we are all different and creating self-portraits by looking carefully in mirrors.

The children have already been busy developing new skills. They’ve taken part in “finger gym” activities to strengthen their fine motor skills, explored comparisons of more, fewer, and the same in maths, and listened carefully to environmental sounds as part of our new phonics programme. Outdoors, they loved riding bikes, cooking in the mud kitchen, playing in the sand, and even planting herbs and vegetables together.

We were delighted to start our specialist lessons too. In PE, the children practised running, jumping, and balance. In music, they sang songs and discovered the sounds their bodies can make by clapping and stamping. In Ivrit, they learned to greet each other with “Shalom” and enjoyed meeting Podi the Hedgehog and Racheli, two friends from Israel. And in Jewish Studies, we have been preparing for Rosh Hashanah through songs, crafts, stories, and, of course, tasting apple and honey.

It has been a busy and joyful first week, filled with learning, creativity, and new friendships. We are so proud of how quickly the children are settling and can’t wait to see all the progress they will make this year.

Shabbat Shalom,
 

Reminders

• Snacks: Please cut fruit/vegetables as per guidelines: grapes quartered lengthways, blueberries halved lengthways. This is essential for safety.
   
• Pick-up: Send in a photo of regular collectors. For playdates/other collectors, email us in advance or we’ll need to call you before dismissal.
   
• Clothing: If not already done, send spare clothes, aprons, wellingtons, and waterproofs for activities.
   
• Morning activities: Fine motor sessions run 8:30–8:45; please arrive on time so your child can benefit.
   
• Curriculum evening: Tuesday 16th September, 7:30 pm – we look forward to seeing you there!