As part of our learning, the children have been strengthening their gross motor skills through a range of exciting experiences. Gross motor skills involve using the large muscles in our arms, legs, shoulders and core. These skills are essential for writing because children need strong shoulders, good posture and core stability before they can effectively control a pencil and form letters with confidence.

To help prepare our bodies for writing, the children have been engaging in lots of activities throughout the week. They have explored painting activities, developing control and strength in their arms and shoulders. During phonics sessions, children have practised their listening, speaking and early mark-making skills, helping them make important links between sounds and writing. They have also enjoyed scarf dancing, moving their bodies in different ways to build coordination, balance and upper-body strength while having lots of fun.

The children also took on the role of real-life superheroes, learning that "Superheroes Help, Not Hurt." Using our loose parts provision, including large tyres and ropes, the children worked together to design and build a rescue sledge. They showed fantastic teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills as they carefully planned how to rescue their friends.

The rescue mission quickly became an exciting challenge, with children discussing ideas, sharing equipment and supporting one another to make sure everyone was safely rescued. Their imaginative play brought our learning to life as they demonstrated kindness, cooperation and determination throughout the activity.

The teamwork was so impressive that even Mrs Armstrong was called into action to help with the rescue mission! Together, the children and adults worked as a team to transport their friends to safety across the playground.

Through activities like these, children are developing the strong bodies, coordination and confidence needed for writing, whilst also learning valuable lessons about friendship, collaboration and helping others. We are incredibly proud of the creativity, resilience and teamwork shown by all of our young superheroes this week.

Well done to all of our fantastic children for showing that superheroes help, not hurt!