b'The NewsEarly Years School Issue 18 The British School of AmsterdamThe Early Years School Toddler GroupThis term we were very pleased to be Welcome to this Spring edition ofable to re-establish our Toddler Group.The Review which enables us toThe group is open to all younger siblings and has been growing week by week. It has been lovely to see the show case just some of the eventschildren increasing in confidence as they explore the different activities on offer and begin to recognise that have taken place in the Earlyfaces and make social connections. Toddler group is a wonderful environment for young children to Years this term. enhance their language development, social skills, and independence. Through activities like reading stories and singing songs, they can expand their vocabulary, improve communication skills, and foster a love for We have celebrated Book Week and Science Day, there have beenstorytelling and music. Engaging in arts and crafts not class assemblies and productions, charity fundraising events, visits toonly promotes creativity but also helps in fine motor the secret garden, cultural celebrations and naturally, lots of excitingskill development. learning opportunities in the classroom. The Early Years school is aThe social aspect of the group is great for little ones really vibrant, productive environment, with the childrens wellbeingto learn how to interact with their peers, share, take and their academic success at the forefront. Dont forget to checkturns, and make connections with others. Encouraging your childs class blog each week for a peek inside their classroom. independence, such as allowing them to choose their TODDLER GROUP As an Early Years school, we recognise the importance of workingReception snack or participate in simple tasks like slicing fruits, in partnership with parents and building trustful and respectfulcan boost their self-confidence and decision-making relationships. We were delighted to reintroduce our Parent and Toddlerabilities. Most importantly, all these activities are We have invested in an exciting newdesigned to be enjoyable and fun, creating a positive group this term. Firstly it is a fantastic opportunity for parents to meet other parents in similar situations. The group also enables preschoolresource in our Reception classrooms. and stimulating environment for toddlers to learn and children to mix with other children of a similar age which helps them togrow. We also hope that when the time comes to join In each classroom we now have two Yoto audio players.our Nursery, they will have developed the confidence develop social skills. For those pre-schoolers who may soon be joiningThe children are having a wonderful time exploringand familiarity with the school to create a smooth Nursery, it helps them to get used to the school environment. Therethese new devices and learning how to use themtransition. Newcomers welcome!has also been a series of workshops on a variety of topics all designedindependently. By pressing the buttons, they can control to offer support and advice to parents. These workshops have provenwhich function they choose, and select from a range of BOOK WEEK very popular, and parents have spoken highly of the sessions. Theystory, music and meditation cards. They are even able will continue in the Summer Term. We are also raising the childrensto follow number and phonics tasks which reinforce the awareness of sustainability and have introduced some recycling initiativeslearning taking place in the classroom.under the guidance and supervision of the children in Reception. Developing good listening skills and interacting with The staff have been working hard to complete the priorities on theaudio instructions and stories are all valuable skills school development plan. These include a comprehensive reviewwhich children learn in the Early Years. With the Yoto of the reading schemes, developing a scheme of work for outdoorthe children are encouraged to participate too, which learning, enhancing the physical environment, and staff training.makes it a fun and exciting experience. Some children New resources have been purchased to support and enhance theenjoy using headphones to engage in stories and to childrens learning.Look out, for example, for the Yotos in theenter the wonderful world of creativity and imagination. Reception class, or the new small world equipment in Year 1. They love finding a comfy spot, selecting from their card I wish you all a very happy Spring break and look forward to the childrenlibrary and enjoying their own personal story time.returning at the start of the Summer Term. We have a busy term ahead,We also use the Yoto during whole class sessions when including preparing the children for their transition to the next yearwe listen to the daily podcast. This introduces a wide group, incredible to think that we are now two thirds through therange of games and activities, each with an educativeschool year.element whether it be sharing experiences, learning SCIENCE WEEK facts, making choices or making specific actions. Each activity is fun and perfect for the ages of our Reception MRS CLAUDIA VAN DE LAAR-NEWSON children. One of our favourite podcasts is the Friday HEAD OF EARLY YEARS Jokes, we wonder if you will get to hear some of them c.newson @ britams.nlat home.4 5'