Remembrance Day and Diwali

A Week of Remembrance, Celebrations and Learning in Reception! 🌺✨

We have had another lovely and busy week in Reception, filled with opportunities to learn about the world around us, develop our skills and explore some important celebrations and traditions.

🌺 Remembering Together – Remembrance Day

This week, we have been learning about Remembrance and why we wear a poppy. We have talked about the brave soldiers who fought in the wars to help keep us safe and the importance of remembering those who have lost their lives. The children have been introduced to the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and peace, helping us to think about how important it is to live in a world where everyone can be safe and happy.

On Wednesday, we will come together as a class to observe a two-minute silence as a mark of respect and remembrance. This will provide a gentle opportunity for the children to reflect, understand the importance of remembering others and experience a special moment of quiet togetherness.

We have also been busy strengthening our little fingers and developing our fine motor skills by creating our own poppies! Using cubes and playdough, the children have explored different ways of constructing their flowers, carefully manipulating the materials, joining pieces together and using their fingers to mould and shape their creations. These activities are not only lots of fun but are also helping to develop the strength, control and coordination needed for early writing.

🪔 Exploring Diwali – The Festival of Lights

We have also enjoyed exploring the wonderful Hindu celebration of Diwali through the story Binny's Diwali. The story introduced us to some of the traditions and celebrations associated with Diwali and helped us discover that Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights.

We talked about how families celebrate Diwali, the beautiful lights and decorations they use and how the festival is a time for happiness, celebration and being together with family and friends. The children were fascinated to learn about a celebration that may be different from those they experience at home.

This linked beautifully with our learning last week about Bonfire Night! Having recently talked about the fireworks we saw on November 5th, the children were able to make connections between the bright, colourful lights and fireworks associated with different celebrations. It was lovely to hear them sharing their own experiences and making links between what they already know and their new learning.

Through our discussions, we are continuing to develop the children's understanding that people celebrate different festivals and traditions, and that these celebrations are special and meaningful to different families and communities.

🌟 EYFS Learning – What have we been developing?

There has been lots of learning taking place through our activities and discussions this week!

Physical Development

Developing fine motor control and finger strength through manipulating playdough and connecting cubes.
Strengthening hand and finger muscles in preparation for mark-making and early writing.
Developing hand-eye coordination and control when creating our poppies.

Communication and Language

Listening carefully to stories, including Binny's Diwali.
Learning and using new vocabulary linked to Remembrance, peace, Diwali and celebrations.
Sharing our own experiences, thoughts and ideas during class discussions.
Listening to others and taking turns when speaking.

Understanding the World

Learning about Remembrance Day and why we wear poppies.
Developing an awareness of significant events and people from the past.
Exploring Diwali as a religious and cultural celebration within Hinduism.
Recognising that people have different beliefs, traditions and ways of celebrating.
Making connections between Diwali, Bonfire Night and other celebrations involving lights and fireworks.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Developing an understanding of kindness, respect and remembering others.
Learning how to show respect during our one-minute silence.
Appreciating that different families may celebrate different festivals and traditions.
Building confidence when sharing our own ideas and experiences.

Expressive Arts and Design

Exploring different materials and techniques to create poppies.
Using our imagination and creativity when constructing and modelling.
Exploring colour, shape and texture through our practical activities.

It has been wonderful to see the children so engaged in their learning, asking questions, sharing their ideas and making connections between different experiences. We are so proud of how they are developing their understanding of the world and the skills they need as they continue their Reception journey!

Well done, Reception! We look forward to another week of fun, exploration and learning! ❤️