Each week Tootle the Turtle returns with his suitcase to tell us all about his adventures and bring back a few souvenirs to show us.

The idea of ‘show and tell’ has been used throughout nurseries and schools for years and is a really great way to teach children in an interactive manner.

The children are introduced to the theme of the week and then invited to talk about their own experiences. Asking the children to bring things in to show everyone also allows the theme to be continued at home and means that what they have learnt in the session has a greater chance of making it into their long-term memory thus preparing them for the learning process once they begin school.

To get to know our new friends we have a special ‘Name Song’ that we sing at the beginning of each lesson. With set actions this song encourages the children to co-ordinate their words with simple dance steps. The main aims of this song is to develop the children’s confidence and teach them to interact with those around them whilst encouraging them to be independent during their ‘turn’.

Music and Movement is further introduced to the children in a number of ways. During sessions we hear a special ‘Listen’ song, reminding the children they need to sit quietly and really listen to the sounds around them so they can try to guess what noises they can hear and therefore where Tootle may have been on his adventure this week! ..........