Winter Chronicle 2025

As the seasons change, so do some of the children who come to play.   We say a sad goodbye to those who have left and now welcome those new children and their families.

WINTER HAS ARRIVED

As the last of the leaves fall to the ground, they all snuggle together and become part of Winter's carpet.  Winter is the season of dormancy, or inactivity. Some animals hibernate.  Some plants die and leave their seeds, while others stop growing until spring.  Winter is the coldest season with the shortest days.  It can be stormy with rain, wind and sometimes now or ice.

Let’s hope it will snow this year as the children are longing to build a snowman with a carrot for a nose!

The children will continue to learn about the changing seasons.  And there are always so many of Mother Nature’s newfound treasures that we can collect on our walks. The best learning opportunities can often come from the real world and getting out into nature ……fog is a strange and wonderful thing for children, puddles are a boundless joy, and the white flakes of wonderful snow are priceless - some of the things the children are hoping to explore.

Inspired by nature, the children will be exploring our connection to the changing seasons and time, and the ever-renewing cycle of life.  These natural cycles remind us of the importance of rest and renewal.  If plants and animals can embrace the season and adapt to slower rhythms, why shouldn’t we? Allowing us to recharge, reflect and reconnect with the world around us.

Are you a weather warrior?  Ready to seek out beauty in each and every new day.   The weather outside always seems worse from behind a window, but if you are wrap up nice and cosy, there is nothing more amazing than getting outdoors.  To walk over a carpet of crisp autumnal leaves or frosty wintery ground – share with your children the magic of the glorious season that only Winter can bring.  

Explore!  Be Adventurous!   Discover!  Be curious!  Be Inquisitive!  Be a Risk Taker.

WINTER'S SOLSTICE

21^st December is the date of the Winter Solstice.  The Solstice is a symbolism of rebirth and renewal and not only marks the longest night and shortest day of the year, but it is also the returning of the sun, as the days slowly start to get longer. Rituals often involve light (candles, yule logs), evergreens and gratitude practices to welcome new beginnings and returning light

As Aristotle said “To see the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand outside”

There is so much magic which surrounds us in the winter months.  Just take a moment and let your inner child see the wonder that is all around us when we venture outdoors. 

EXCITING NEW ARRIVALS

Our baby tortoises continue to go from strength to strength.  The children are able to watch them every day.  And are given lots of opportunities to offer them a nice juicy weed from the garden.

FUNDING APPLICATIONS

All 15 & 30hr childcare funding applications for the Summer Term (namely from after Easter) have to be applied for by me (on your behalf) on mid-March 2026 (the portal dates have not yet been announced).  I will need an up-to-date parental code, completed form and a copy of your child's birth certificate. - if you have not already provided this.

FAVOURITE RECIPES

VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP

(You can also add chicken and chicken stock)

INGREDIENTS

2 sticks celery,

2 carrots,

2 garlic cloves,

2 vegetable stock cubes,

vermicelli noodle rings.

METHOD

1. Chop all vegetables ingredients, place into pot adding 3 pints of water.

2. Bring to boil, simmer for 20 mins. 

3. Add the vermicelli noodles, simmer again for a further 10 mins. 

4. Add salt & pepper to taste. 

5. Serve with warm bread

6. This can also be made with chicken and is JUST as Yummy - I am told!

SENSORY PLAYDOUGH SPOTLIGHT

It has to be snow dough. This is the foundation mix for all of my playdough recipes

You will need:

2 cups plain flour

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup salt

2 tablespoons cream of tartar

1 to 1.5 cups boiling water (adding in increments until it feels just right)

Glycerine (helps with stretch and shine!)

Mix the flour, salt, vegetable oil, water, cream of tartar well together

Then add a few drops of glycerine and colouring if required.

And it is as simple as that.

Store in an air tight container, the playdough will keep for 6 months

Perfect for exploring animals tracks/footprints in the snow

JUST A FEW DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14-22nd Dec : Hanukkah

20th Dec: Breakup for Christmas

21st Dec: Winter Solstice

25th Dec: Christmas

5th Jan: Restart

17th Feb: Chinese New Year

AND FINALLY………

If you are celebrating something special like a birthday, a family event, a festival, or your child’s special WOW moment, and you would like to  share it with us, then please let me know.