Theme of the Week: Discovering New Stories, Sensory Play, and Outdoor Adventures
This week was filled with discovery, creativity, and plenty of joy for our Baby Dragons. From exploring new stories and songs to colourful STEAM experiments, outdoor park visits, and even cookery fun, the babies had so many opportunities to learn through play. Each activity helped them grow their curiosity, communication, and confidence.
Curious about how we combine culture, confidence, and creativity in the early years?
Storytime brought excitement as we introduced That’s Not My Crocodile alongside last week’s favourite, That’s Not My Kangaroo. The babies loved exploring textures and bold illustrations.
We also introduced Makaton signs for “more” and “all done,” encouraging early communication. Many babies tried using the signs while chatting on their tummies—building language skills alongside neck and back strength.
Sensory play added extra fun with a treasure-filled bucket of soft, crinkly, and bumpy objects to explore. Our week was rounded out with joyful nursery rhymes, clapping, bouncing, and plenty of happy singing.
In art and craft, the babies created a jungle tree by tearing and sticking tissue paper leaves—exploring textures and building fine motor skills. During story time, they also coloured kangaroos, linking creativity with literacy.
We enjoyed two beautiful outings this week to Causton Park and Bessborough Park. Along the way, the babies sang an Australian Jungle Song, explored leaves and fruits, and soaked in the sights and sounds of nature. These experiences encouraged curiosity and supported sensory learning in the great outdoors.
Our little chefs had a wonderful time preparing their own snacks. With bananas, mixed fruits, and yoghurt on the menu, there were messy hands, funny faces, and lots of proud smiles as they tasted their homemade creations.
STEAM play was full of colour and wonder. We created magical swirls by mixing blue water and yellow oil, then added soap and water to make bubbly foam. The babies were fascinated, giggling as bubbles popped and tickled their fingers—learning about cause and effect through playful exploration.
Mindful Molly joined us for a Teddy Bear Picnic, where the babies served tea to their teddies, popped bubbles, and enjoyed gentle sensory play. It was a calm and happy time that encouraged kindness, imagination, and mindfulness.
Thank you, families, for your continued support. Each week, our Baby Dragons grow stronger, more curious, and ever more confident. Please remember to check the notice board for next week’s plans and return park permission slips if you haven’t already.
This week, the Blue Dragons explored math, phonics, art, and outdoor adventures through fun, hands-on activities. From counting animals and spotting shapes to colourful parachute games and seaside-inspired crafts, the children showed teamwork, creativity, and growing confidence in every area of learning
Thinking about how we bring global culture and sensory-rich learning to life for toddlers?
The Blue Dragons practiced matching animals with number cards and proudly showed the numbers on their fingers. They also explored shapes—circle, triangle, square, and rectangle—by identifying them on 3D blocks and sorting them into groups. These activities strengthened their recognition, confidence, and problem-solving skills.
For phonics, the children learned the sound W (“windy”) through sticky art, gluing and pressing while saying the sound. We even called on “Mr. Weather Man” to help us check the seasons. As they spotted yellow leaves in the garden, we chatted about the coming of autumn.
Inspired by a storybook about Australia, the Blue Dragons created seaside scenes using glue and tissue paper. Each child took turns carefully making the ocean, sand, sky, and sun. They showed patience and teamwork as they worked together on their vibrant artwork.
Sorting toys became even more exciting with a giant parachute! The children sorted Lego bricks by colour, watching them spread across the fabric. With shouts of “Look at the colours!” the activity turned into a lively mix of learning and play.
Out in the garden, the children shared what they wanted to draw, filling the ground with pictures of bunnies, flowers, sunshine, sand, and cars. With support from practitioners, they created a bright outdoor art gallery full of their ideas and imagination.
Mindful Molly joined us again for a teddy bear tea party—with a twist! This time, the children pretended to be little teapots, pouring tea for their teddy friends. There was lots of laughter and imagination as we all played together.
The Blue Dragons learned two new Makaton signs this week: “sitting down” and “stop.” We talked about when to use them, such as during circle time or when taking turns. The children practiced with enthusiasm and are becoming more confident communicators every day.
Thank you, families, for your continued support. Each week we see the Blue Dragons grow in confidence, kindness, and creativity.
Our Dragon Flights had a week full of storytelling, discovery, and hands-on learning. From exploring bear stories and phonics to investigating marine creatures and practicing life skills, the children showed wonderful curiosity, creativity, and growing independence.
Curious about how we combine culture, confidence, and creativity in the early years?
The children loved listening to stories about bears and sharing their ideas about the characters. In phonics, we focused on the letter b, practicing its sound and finding words that begin with it. Our older children also began blending CVC words, taking exciting first steps into early reading.
Miss Molly brought our bear theme to life with the story Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The children joined in with the repeated phrases and then tried out yoga poses inspired by the animals. It was a joyful mix of literacy, movement, and mindfulness.
We explored fascinating marine creatures from Australian waters. During circle time and in the water tray, the children discovered corals and other sea life. Their curiosity shone through as they asked thoughtful questions about the underwater world.
In science, we made “ice cream” by mixing foam and food colouring, observing how the materials changed when combined. The children also explored pine cones, learning how they can indicate changes in the weather. Watching the cones before and after being placed in water and sand helped them understand natural processes.
Practical life activities were a highlight this week! The children practiced caring for a “baby” by giving it a shower and washing clothes. These tasks encouraged independence, responsibility, and kindness—important skills for everyday life.
Thank you for supporting another fantastic week of learning and discovery. We are so proud of the Dragon Flights’ growing confidence, imagination, and care for the world around them.
Hatching Dragons is proud to support our founder Cenn John, running the Cardiff Marathon this October to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. Inspired by the loss of a sibling to congenital heart disease and Down’s syndrome, this fundraiser aims to help children facing life-threatening illnesses.
We would love for our Hatching Dragons community to join us in supporting this cause. Every donation, no matter how small, can help change a child's future
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