Blenheim Playgroup. Songs and Rhymes

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1 Blenheim Playgroup Songs and Rhymes Recognising your child's learning journey and their valuable input around songs and rhymes using the ORIM Framework A skills for school event for parents held at Blenheim Playgroup

2 Planning the Songs and Rhymes Event We used the ORIM Framework to help us prepare for the event: Opportunity the event itself. Recognition what we were trying to encourage in the parents as they watched their child play and learn simultaneously. Interaction 1) the practitioner s interaction with the parents and children during the introduction, and 2) the practitioners interaction with the parents and children at all the play stations. Modelling at the start as the practitioner concerned demonstrated how to fill out the Wow! cards, and again by other staff members throughout the activities and sessions. We wanted to focus on parental involvement and saw songs and rhymes as a perfect platform for this. We thought this would increase the enjoyment and play factor, and put the parents more at ease with these activities. We also wanted to use the Wow! cards again as they had worked so well with the last cohort of children and parents as an incentive. This method was already familiar to staff and first modelled by them and then used by parents to support their child's learning and enthusiasm. Wow cards at the doctor s table The Event We decided to hold the event in both morning and afternoon sessions so that both sets of parents had a chance to attend and play alongside their child. Letters were sent out to the parents and a reply slip indicated the importance of their attendance and how they could benefit by helping their child towards gaining skills for school. This was thought to be a good strategy as all parents that we have seen have been eager to help their child with their literacy before going to big school. The day started at the usual time and the children attended nursery as usual. Parents were asked to come in an hour-and-a-half before the end of session so they could play with their child and attend the event. This allowed us time to set up the activities and for the children to become comfortable with them so they could lead their parents later on in the session, giving the children ownership and confidence in front of their parents. Once parents had arrived they were asked to sit with their child on the carpet. There one of the practitioners was able to explain how the session had been planned and the hoped-for

3 outcome of their involvement. The Wow cards were explained and the involvement of the research behind the event. The Parent Pack The nursery had been set up with a number of activity stations to reflect the songs and rhymes that we were focusing on. A copy of the nursery rhymes was included in the parents pack they received when they attended. It also included spare Wow cards for the parents to fill in, a card of tips to help their child and a pencil. We didn t include too much in the pack as we wished to extend our resources on further events and wanted to focus on the activities and interaction on the event day. If a parent couldn t attend, then the key worker had a conversation with the parent and modelled using the Wow! cards and the early readerly behaviours. Staff supported the children with extra book sharing sessions so that the children were confident to share books with their families at home. The Activity Stations Each of the activity stations was set up and there was a staff member there to encourage conversation and model. The ones we used on the day were: The Wheels on the Bus An electronic play bus with other vehicles on a car and transport mat. The book was also left there for parents to read. There were also a number of colouring sheets about transport at the easel. The Grand Old Duke of York A wooden car slide with vehicles which could be picked up and slid down the ramps.

4 Baa Baa Black Sheep A table set with farmyard animals, puppet sheep and stables. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star A sticking activity on felt stuffed stars using sequins and pva glue. Also a touch and sound book on the rhyme at the table. Five Currant Buns A food activity where the children and parents can ice and decorate a cake with currants and cherries. Miss Polly Had a Dolly A role play activity with doctors, tabards, stethoscope, bag, hat and a dolly. All of the above activities were planned around the songs but we tried to vary the type of activity offered. Some were role-play based, others were creative and physical. As a prompt for parents we also printed out key words from the rhyme and placed them at the corresponding table.

5 Alongside these activities and play opportunities we also had the continuous provision running. During the event one practitioner chatted informally with the parents and discussed any issues on how they can help their child. How the Event Went The parents listened to the quick talk before the activity and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the singing from the children soon after. We made sure that the adults knew it was supposed to be a fun event and that they felt comfortable. They were handed their Wow packs and were free to roam the nursery discovering the activities. Many of the parents said they enjoyed the opportunity to come and share in their child's learning. On the whole, they were very positive but we did have a parent who was reluctant to get involved. We hope to tackle this on a personal basis and work through her apprehensions in small steps. We hope this will be an opportunity to enable her to be more at ease in these situations and to encourage her to participate in the next event. All of the activities seemed to be a success, especially the currant bun decorating and the puppet sheep. Children were confident and eager to play at the same station more than once and, as expected, led their parents around with confidence. The success of this event helped us to identify parents who needed further support and confirmed that working with the children and parents around rhymes and songs was a great idea. The staff at all the play stations supported and advised parents as they tried filling out their Wow cards. There were many smiles all around.

6 Parents Comments The feedback we received on this event was very positive. A few of the comments are as follows: It s a great opportunity to meet the staff and learn different ways to play with nursery rhymes. Thank you for providing this class, it s a learning curve for MH and myself, keep up the good work! I thoroughly enjoyed today s rhyming session and will try to incorporate some of the ideas at home with my son. The event was organised well and explained to parents, the children enjoyed what they did. This was a great follow up from last year, like the previous event it encouraged and reiterated how crucial praise and appreciation is for a child s emotional development. It is great support for the parents, promotes better involvement in child development and a positive experience for the child. A useful event, well organised and greatly rewarding. This was a great opportunity to see how the children are learning in nursery. The workshops are good encouragement to do things creative at home. This is really good! So many activities to choose from and he prefers to play with toys and not the messy activities. Just by reading the above comments it is obvious that the parents are tapping into the fact that this is an opportunity they have learnt from, enjoyed and appreciated. Some parents have continued their support from last year and others are able to see the preferences of their child s play.

7 For us, as practitioners, all of these factors are a bonus, to know a parent is willing to become involved in helping their child opens up possibilities for further learning in the home. The staff at Blenheim are always on hand to advise and support.