‘Tis the Season to be jolly ...... and in the Early Years team we certainly are feeling happy. Yes, we are all big kids at heart who embrace our inner child and love sharing the joys of mid-winter festivals. What better sight is there than a young child looking in wonder at a beautiful tree, twinkling lights, or special treat?
As we move deeper into the darker days we have been reflecting on our work with many children and early years staff during the last term. We have been warmed by the welcome we receive when we visit settings, whether that is to bring a one-off special show performance or regular creative or music sessions.
As part of Making & Believing, Let’s Play Messing Around – a show by Derby Theatre exploring friendship - toured settings and theatres in Somerset, Surrey and Derby in October.
Watching children watch the show brought moments of delight – three 2 year old girls sitting cross legged at the front of the audience absorbed in a tense dialogue exchange between the two actors, heads moving back and forth with the dialogue just like a tennis match – a priceless moment.
As a team we feel honoured to be bringing these special experiences to young children and to share the joys of theatre with them.
Soundwaves Network SW
Our SoundWaves Network SW programme is in full swing! We are currently running our Youth Music funded in EY settings in Plymouth and Dartington.....and look forward to heading to West Somerset in Spring!
We have also been busy delivering early years music training both in person (most recently at Somerset Early Years conference) and online (our six-week Introduction to Early Childhood Music Course).
Are you seeking new ideas to facilitate music with 0 to 5s? Join Jane Parker and Eliza Wylie for an in person Early Years music training event on Mon 10 January 6.30pm in Bridgwater, Somerset. A warm welcome awaits you. Book your spot here.
Jane Parker - our Take Art Early Years music specialist – says that her favourite place is “on the floor sharing the joy of play with young children”. She recently delivered a keynote speech at the Somerset Early Years Conference on 19 November which typically encouraged a hall full of 150 early years practitioners to also connect with their inner child by throwing scarves in the air and drawing sounds from outer space.
Eliza Wylie then joined Jane to share their knowledge together at a practical workshop on Enabling your EYFS Musical Environment. See them in action here:
One of our wishes for Christmas is that the hard working, amazing practitioners who work with children aged 0 – 5 have a well-deserved, happy break to recharge their batteries ready to start a New Year with the enthusiasm and care that they so generously give to the children they look after. They are all Shining Stars.
We are looking forward to starting the New Year with a bang – launching new creative residencies, training opportunities and sharing a world of creative experiences with young children and the people who care for them.
Warm Seasons Greetings to you all!
Jane, Jennie, Nadine and Ralph.
