On October 8th, the Fireflies group from Colliers Wood – Willows Pre-school had the pleasure of spending a fun-filled morning at the Polka Theatre. Known for its engaging and diverse activities, Polka Theatre provides not only paid events but also a welcoming, free space for children, parents, carers, and teachers to explore and enjoy together.
The day began with the Fireflies gathering in a cozy corner for a healthy snack. Seated comfortably on the carpet, the children savored delicious pieces of apple and crackers, all washed down with refreshing water. This calm and friendly start set the tone for the exciting adventures ahead.
The group then split into three smaller teams, each eager to discover the theatre’s large playroom. They were not alone—parents, carers, and other children were already enjoying the space, but the Fireflies quickly blended in and began exploring.
Some children excitedly dressed up in costumes, while others gravitated towards storybooks. A few were drawn to the rocking toys—a duck, a dolphin, and a rocking lion—delighting in the gentle back-and-forth motions that supported their physical development and enhanced their spatial awareness.
Role-playing quickly became the highlight of the day. The children transformed into a variety of beloved characters—from a princess to Postman Pat, a dragon, a unicorn, and even the famous Gruffalo! This imaginative play not only brought laughter and joy but also contributed to the children’s personal, social, and emotional development.
Next, the Fireflies discovered the magnetic shapes board, igniting their creativity. Working together, they constructed houses and even recreated their families using the colorful shapes. This collaborative effort fostered teamwork and communication, allowing the children to share ideas and take pride in their creations.
After their artistic endeavors, some children took a break in the soft play area, where they could relax and unwind. Others, meanwhile, were full of energy, jumping, crawling, and practicing their balance by walking along the soft bench. The soft play environment not only encouraged physical activity but also provided a safe space for the children to explore their boundaries and improve their coordination.
The fun continued with plenty of role-playing, giggling, and chasing games, including a spirited round of hide-and-seek. Laughter echoed through the playroom as friendships deepened through shared adventures. As the day went on, the children also enjoyed quieter activities. A few gathered around the coloring table, where they enthusiastically used pencils to scribble on printed papers, further developing their literacy and listening skills.
Through listening to stories, the Fireflies practiced critical thinking and exercised their right to make independent choices, choosing which stories to hear and how to engage with them. The interaction sparked discussions among the children, enhancing their conversational skills and encouraging them to express their thoughts and ideas.
As the day drew to a close, the excitement continued to bubble as the children reflected on their experiences. They shared their favorite moments, from dressing up as their favorite characters to the fun of building with magnetic shapes. Their faces were lit up with joy, showcasing the impact of a day filled with creativity and friendship.
But as all good things must come to an end, it was soon time to head back to nursery. The children were thrilled to board their new minibus, eagerly discussing their favorite moments from the day. With smiles on their faces and memories of a fantastic adventure, the Fireflies are already looking forward to what exciting activities await them next month!
Stay tuned for more adventures! The Polka Theatre experience not only enriched their imaginations but also solidified the bonds of friendship within the group, reminding everyone of the joy found in shared experiences. This outing truly exemplified the spirit of exploration and learning, laying the groundwork for future adventures.
