This September, The Childcare Academy embarks on an exciting journey of self-discovery with our All About Me theme. Across all our classes, children will explore similarities and also what makes them unique, whilst developing essential skills that foster independence, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Building Independence Through Everyday Adventures
Our theme this month is about weaving independence into various activities. Our young learners are developing life skills that they can practice and apply now and later, as they begin school. From washing their hands independently to pouring their own water at snack time, these seemingly simple tasks are helping to build confidence and self-reliance.
Children across all age groups are taking ownership of their daily routines. Our youngest are learning to feed themselves with proper utensils, whilst our older ones are tackling more complex challenges like self-serving at mealtimes and putting on their own coats. These achievements represent huge leaps in personal development.
Exploring the Five Senses
September’s activities are designed to engage every sense, creating rich learning experiences that help children understand themselves and their world. Through carefully planned sensory exploration, our little ones are discovering different textures, scents, and sounds that make up their environment.
For example, we’ll create sensory bottles filled with various materials that produce different pitches and sounds, giving children the opportunity to explore cause and effect while developing their auditory skills. These hands-on experiences are fun, and they build the foundation for scientific thinking and curiosity about the world around them.
Song Time
Music plays a central role in our All About Me theme, with special songs that help children learn about their bodies and emotions. Our songs of the month, ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes,’ ‘Open, Shut Them,’ and ‘My Face, Your Face’, will help teach body awareness, coordination, and self-recognition.
These musical moments encourage children to explore their physical selves whilst developing language skills and memory. We fully expect our little ones to go home singing these songs, proudly pointing to different parts of their bodies and faces with newfound awareness.
Literary Adventures with Funny Bones
Our book of the month, ‘Funny Bones,’ provides the perfect literary companion to our theme. This engaging story offers opportunities for children to explore storytelling, sequencing, and character development whilst connecting with themes of identity and family.
Through circle time readings and related activities, children are developing crucial literacy skills. Our older learners are working on story sequencing, whilst our younger ones are simply enjoying the rhythm and repetition that builds early reading foundations.
Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills
Perhaps most importantly, this month focuses heavily on emotional development. Children are learning to recognise and name their emotions through mirror play and facial expression activities. We’re introducing concepts of happiness, sadness, and frustration in age-appropriate ways, helping children understand their feelings and those of their peers.
The home corner transforms into a family environment where children practice caring for others, preparing meals, and engaging in cooperative play. These activities build empathy whilst reinforcing family values and social skills.
Creative Expression and Cultural Awareness
Art activities this month centre around self-portraits and family representations, allowing children to express their understanding of themselves and their loved ones. Using various materials and techniques, from traditional paints to loose parts crafting, children create unique masterpieces that reflect their individual perspectives.
We’re also celebrating diversity by exploring different cultures, family dynamics, and ways of living. This approach promotes inclusion whilst helping children appreciate what makes each family special.
Looking Ahead
As September unfolds, confidence will build in our children through these carefully planned activities. The ‘All About Me’ theme isn’t just about learning, it’s about celebrating each child’s uniqueness whilst building the skills they need for future success.
Parents: your support at home enhances these learning experiences, so we encourage you to engage with the home learning challenges and share your child’s achievements through our Famly app.