Westminster School Highlights: April 17th

Reminders

•  Bank Holiday Closure: We will be closed on Monday, April 21st for the bank holiday. Please make note in your calendars.
• Half-Term Break: From 7th April 2025 to 21st April 2025 (for children on term-time, fully funded)
• We would like to inform you that Sadia will be on leave for the next two weeks ( April 22th- May 8th) . During this period, our Deputy Manager Xiaoxi will be there to cover.
  
  

 Babies at our Westminster Nursery

Monet and Easter Frottage

Babies finished their water lily paintings, using sponges and brushes to blend soft greens and blues. They also tried Easter frottage, rubbing crayons over hidden egg shapes to reveal colourful surprises.

Both activities supported fine motor control and sensory curiosity. The babies responded with smiles and focus as they explored texture and colour in new ways.

Bengali New Year Celebration in Central London

In celebration of the Bengali New Year, our Westminster / Belgravia nursery filled the garden with music, flowers, and bright fabric. Babies moved to the rhythm, watching educators clap and dance with interest. These experiences help introduce our youngest learners to cultural diversity. Even the smallest gestures sparked curiosity and connection.

Easter Celebration

The babies joined in mixing and patting soft dough for Easter cookies. They explored ingredients with their hands and watched the baking process closely. Sensory cooking is a gentle way to introduce early independence and social learning. The babies seemed especially proud to sample the results.

We finished the week with our cheerful Easter photo booth, full of soft pastels and springtime props. Babies posed (or wiggled!) while we captured the moment. These photos celebrate both their developmental milestones and joyful engagement. We hope you enjoy the memories we’ve shared.

Blue Dragon Celebrate Culture and Spring

Pohela Boishakh and Easter delight

The toddlers in the Blue Dragon Class had a vibrant week celebrating two special occasions—Pohela Boishakh, the Bengali New Year, and Easter! For Pohela Boishakh, the children swayed and twirled with colorful scarves, moving to the rhythm of traditional Bengali music. The room was filled with laughter as they explored the sounds and movements, learning about this joyful cultural festival. Later in the week, the excitement continued as the toddlers embarked on an Easter egg hunt. Working together, they searched high and low, pointing out hidden eggs to their friends and practicing teamwork. The thrill of discovery was evident as each child proudly collected their treasures.

These celebrations were more than just fun—they helped strengthen observation skills as the children noticed details in the music and hidden eggs, fostered teamwork as they shared discoveries, and deepened cultural awareness by experiencing traditions from different parts of the world. The joy on their faces said it all!

Culinary Creations: Zesty Orange and Cinnamon Biscuits

The air was filled with the warm, inviting scent of citrus and spice as the toddlers took part in baking orange and cinnamon biscuits. With eager hands, they measured, poured, and stirred, describing the aromas as "spicy," "sweet," and "fruity"—their vocabulary blossoming with each new sensation.

Beyond the joy of baking, this activity fostered sensory exploration, independence, and patience, culminating in the most rewarding part: savouring their delicious creations together.

Mandarin Storytime: A Springtime Tale

In their Mandarin lesson, the children were enchanted by a seasonal story introducing words such as “sun” (太阳 - tàiyáng), “flower” (花 - huā), and “leaf” (叶子 - yèzi). With great enthusiasm, they mimed the actions and repeated the phrases, their voices ringing with confidence.

Through song, storytelling, and playful repetition, language learning became a joyful and memorable experience. The children departed the session proudly sharing their new words—a delightful end to a week of discovery.

Dragon Flights: Teamwork, Tradition and Spring Rhythms

Tik Tak Toe – Learning through Strategy

This week, our little learners discovered the joy of teamwork through an exciting group version of Tik Tak Toe. As they took turns discussing moves and planning strategies, the game became more than just X's and O's - it transformed into a valuable lesson in cooperation, patience, and logical thinking. The classroom filled with cheers as teams celebrated their victories together, learning that success comes through both smart planning and working as a group.

What made this activity truly special was watching the children develop their problem-solving skills naturally through play. Some discovered clever ways to block opponents, while others practiced graciousness whether they won or lost. The game organically taught important social skills like taking turns, listening to teammates' ideas, and thinking several steps ahead - all while having loads of fun!

Rhythmic Exploration Through Flamenco Dance

The vibrant sounds of Flamenco music brought our preschool room to life as children immersed themselves in this rich Spanish tradition. Through clapping palmas rhythms, practicing zapateado footwork, and swirling with colorful scarves, our young dancers connected with the passionate spirit of Flamenco. Their faces lit up with excitement as they discovered how movement can express emotion and tell stories without words.

This cultural exploration went beyond dance steps - it became a holistic learning experience. Children developed coordination and rhythm while also gaining appreciation for world cultures. Many continued practicing their Flamenco moves throughout the week, showing off their new skills with proud smiles. The activity perfectly blended physical development with artistic expression and cultural awareness.

Creative Fan-Making Extends Flamenco Learning

Our Flamenco studies continued with a beautiful art project - designing traditional Spanish fans. As children carefully folded and decorated their paper abanicos, they recalled elements from their dance experience in choosing colors and patterns. The classroom became an artist's studio full of concentration and creativity as each child put their personal touch on their fan.

These handmade fans became more than just art projects - they turned into props for impromptu dance performances and storytelling. We observed fine motor skills developing through the precise folding and decorating, while cognitive connections formed as children linked their artwork to the Flamenco dance they'd learned. The pride on their faces when showing off their finished fans was truly priceless!

Teamwork Shines in Tube Challenge

One of the week's most engaging moments came during our Team Tubes Challenge, where groups worked together to guide a ball through plastic tubes without dropping it. The room buzzed with collaborative energy as children called out suggestions, adjusted their positions, and celebrated small successes together. This simple activity became a powerful lesson in communication and cooperation.

What began as a physical coordination exercise naturally evolved into a problem-solving workshop. Children learned to anticipate the ball's movement, adjust their strategies in real time, and support teammates when mistakes happened. The spontaneous cheers when groups successfully completed the challenge showed the true joy of accomplishing something together. These are the moments that build both skills and friendships!

Mandarin Spring Rhyme Brings Language to Life

Our little linguists blossomed this week while learning the charming Mandarin rhyme "Little Garden" (小小的花园). As they acted out planting seeds and watching flowers grow, spring vocabulary like "bee" (蜜蜂) and "grass" (草地) came alive through movement and song. The classroom transformed into a vibrant garden full of giggles and learning.

The magic happened when each child took a turn being the "little teacher," leading their peers in reviewing the new words. This approach built confidence along with language skills, as our preschoolers proudly shared their knowledge. By combining physical movement, music, and peer teaching, the rhyme stuck in their minds (and hearts) in the most joyful way possible!

Looking for a Nursery in Westminster, Belgravia, or Central London?

At our Westminster and Belgravia nursery, we provide a rich, nurturing environment for children aged 6 months to 5 years, with an emphasis on play-based learning, creativity, and personal development.

If you're seeking a preschool or childcare setting in Central London where your child can thrive through hands-on experiences, outdoor adventures, and specialist-led sessions, we’d love to welcome you. Enquire Now!

📍 Conveniently located for families in Westminster, Belgravia, and surrounding Central London areas.