Thursday, November 25, 2010

Hello Parents

It’s November. It’s time to reflect on self again! It’s time we sit and think how the year has progressed: whether we have achieved our goals, have had a quality time with our family and friends or being responsible towards the community we live in. It’s also time to reflect the impact we have on the environment: how we dump refuse on it, how much we ask from and how little we give in return!!
Think about your children and minimize the negative impact you have on the nature all times!!!

“Dump no garbage just anywhere
Block no drain with polythene or ware
Cut no trees; please grow more in your lands that are bare
Help your child to learn from you pair”
Author: Neelika Edirisinghe ‘2010

Welcome: We are delighted to welcome little Michelle, Max & Aniq to our play circle. It makes us very happy to see the playway family grow steadily and healthily, where the children have a first class experience through the year.
Also we warmly welcome Ms Anagi Seneviratne who joins us from mid October to strengthen our team further. She is a product of Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala. She has a Diploma in Montessori Method of Education from Havelock Garden’s Training Center, Colombo. She is a very proud mum of two adorable daughters.
November & December Birthdays:  Pretty little Raisa celebrates her fourth birthday on November, 23, while Ms Navanjana celebrates her 21st birthday on November, 13. Congratulations!!!
And in December two pretty girls, Ruwanya & Vasilisa celebrate their 3rd birthdays together on December, 06 while little Aditya celebrates his fourth birthday on December 19. Hope all of you will have super Birthdays with loads of FUN and Surprises!!

 Flash Back
Celebrating Grands at the playway: the playaway celebrated the grands in a grand way!
Both children and grandparents played & sang together, enjoying every minute of the day. the playway  kitchen band was the highlight of the day. The staff witnessed the happy grandparents enjoying the tea party, the grandchildren have organized as the final event for the day!

Cookery, fresh fruit salad… Children and the teachers got together to collect, count, sort, wash, peel, cut, chop, mash, mix and stir the fruit to make the BIGGEST fruit salad that was enjoyed by the playwayers on October 15, at the playway. Thank you for your contributions parents.

My favourite food (brunch) at the playway: Oops only a few parents had taken a note to prepare the child’s favourite brunch  on  October 20.

Field Trip to Nuga Gama- Cinnamon Grand, Colombo: This event was simply loved by all the children and the adults alike who attended. We missed the ones who didn’t make it. Please log on to the playway blog site for the pictures taken at the site. A special write up on the day out will be out on the blog as soon as I get a chance to sit and write…

Deevali Celebrations at the playway… Let’s dance to Rhythm of  Kaawadi : The parents should surely envy the ones who witnessed the cute dancers that day. Please do not worry. We shall invite you for another spectacular Kaawadi Dance before we break for this year. Please keep the Kaawadi tool the children were bought safely for later use. Thank you Ms Rammogan, Aditya’s mum for serving the playwayers with traditional home made cuisine. It was scrumptious!!! Thank you Yoga for all the arrangements you did with such enthusiasm

Our Current Theme: “My Healthy Mind in My Healthy Body”- the connection of food, mind and body: The topic of inquiry will continue till the end of November with lined up activities to enhance the children’s enthusiasm on the food they eat.

A very special note for the parents…
Please read all the notes that are sent to you regarding your child/ children and the playway. In many cases the parents request me to explain the same thing I have clearly explained ( taking a lot of interest and time) on notes sent home on daily basis.
I would love to talk to you regarding anything at any length on appointment, but at the cost of your child’s programme. It is very important that children are not disturbed inside the playway. We cordially request the parents to refrain from coming in and talking to children uninvited. Once you pick your child you are kindly requested to take him /her away considering about the others at play. This message comes to you because we care for your child’s precious time with us!!!

Charity begins at the playway :
It’s time again to clean up your cupboards. Please go through the nearly new clothes, books, toys and other basic necessities that you are no more interested in having in your cupboards. We are planning to distribute them among needy children in the crèches in the estate sector this Christmas.  

Dates for your Diary: Please refer to this on daily basis…
November 17
Public & Bank holiday, no play
November, 26
Project Day “ This is how I Like to Eat to Grow Strong and Healthy”– Nursery Group
December 3,
Cookery
December 7
Nativity Show and more
December 8, 9
Student led Conferences
December 10,
Christmas Break Starts Christmas party

Have a Nice November& a Delightful December,
 Neelika Edirisinghe,
Director, the playway nursery

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Hello Parents

Every year October breaks with a beautiful meaning, connecting children and elders of the society together as the  October 01 is named as the Universal Children’s and Elder’s Day. This day is special because it is named as the Universal Children’s and Elder’s day and everyone focuses on children and elders, but is it right that we celebrate the children and elders only on this day? They both deserve our focus and attention everyday as they represent the future and the past respectively!!! Could the present stand alone without the future & the past?

the playway celebrates children every day because we recognize the importance of the childhood, especially early childhood – their needs, their thoughts, their interests and their individuality. Let them learn about their surroundings through play. Play is vital for them just like work is for us.
the playwayers are practicing for Grands’ Day…

Thank you for choosing the playway nursery, where children get a first class experience: plenty of opportunities, productive play sessions with highest quality toys, love and professional care & freedom to express and develop as young individuals. It is our responsibility as care givers that we give them what makes them independent, happy and confident because the future holds so much more for the ones who have a great degree of self esteem.

In contrast the children of William Blake’s era and before had untold sufferings as you could see through the world famous poem I have shared with you below. Please enjoy the strength of the poem & join Blake to stand against the prevailing abuse on children…

The Chimney-Sweeper -Author: William Blake


When my mother died I was very young,
And my father sold me while yet my tongue
Could scarcely cry "Weep! weep! weep! weep!"
So your chimneys I sweep, and in soot I sleep.

There's little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head,
That curled like a lamb's back, was shaved; so I said,
"Hush, Tom! Never mind it, for, when your head's bare,
You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair."


And so he was quiet, and that very night,
As Tom was a-sleeping, he had such a sight! --
That thousands of sweepers, Dick, Joe, Ned, and Jack,
Were all of them locked up in coffins of black.

And by came an angel, who had a bright key,
And he opened the coffins, and let them all free;
Then down a green plain, leaping, laughing, they run,
And wash in a river, and shine in the sun.

Then naked and white, all their bags left behind,
They rise upon clouds, and sport in the wind;
And the Angel told Tom, if he'd be a good boy,
He'd have God for his father, and never want joy.

And so Tom awoke, and we rose in the dark,
And got with our bags and our brushes to work.
Though the morning was cold, Tom was happy and warm:
So, if all do their duty, they need not fear harm.



Welcome: We are delighted to welcome little Evan, Chithayu and Shanuk to our play circle. Hope you will have a first class experience at the playway.



Happy, Happy Birthday:   Little Dimitri celebrates his fourth birthday on October 03 ! Hope he will have a super Birthday with loads of FUN and Surprises!!

the playwayPhilosophy

We shall provide the children with a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere where they will feel secure, loved and happy.
•We shall provide qualified & caring teachers who show genuine love and concern for the children under their care.
the playway caters to the needs of all children and will encourage the development of physical, emotional, intellectual and social skills.

•at the playway the children will be exposed to small group, whole group and individual learning experiences throughout the day , which will be developed from the needs and interests of each child.

•We shall provide opportunities for the children to explore language, music and movement, science and the arts, to help them make sense of world around them.

•All children will be given adequate time for meals, rest and relaxation because above all the young children need to grow both physically and mentally in their own pace.

•We shall create a learning environment, which will encourage children to interact, take on roles, be responsible and develop relationships with others through play.

•We shall encourage children to value and respect each other’s differences while promoting the development of their self-esteem.

•We shall encourage children to be respectful, sensitive and thoughtful towards their natural environment.

•We shall respect the rights and opinions of parents and the community and encourage parent participation and a broad interest in the community.


Flash Back 

September 7, Ramadhan celebrations Children at the playway came to the nursery dressed in their salwar cameez to celebrate Holy Rhamadhan. They made cards to wish their families an Eid Mubarak. Ms Sifan, Amani’s mum visited the playway to tell a story about the Holy day and shared some juicy dates, sweets  and loot bags with them. Also Hanaa, Yousuf , Ayan, Amaan, Amirkhan  and aunt Farina shared goodies with the friends through the Holy Season. Thank you everyone for showing kindness and the spirits of brotherhood this way.

September 9, Purple Day:
Everyone came to the playway dressed in Purple and made a lasting memory in the minds of the little ones. Thank you parents, for finding super purple kits and remembering to send them in purple.

September 15, Bikes and Trikes Day: The children had a super experience when they brought their bikes and trikes to the playway on that sunny day. We witnessed the enthusiasm as they rode, raced and most importantly learnt how to share their bikes with the peers. My eyes were wet throughout with tears of happiness.

September 21, Look Like a Fish Day: Oh what a finish to the theme…! Thank you parents, for being creative. The costumes were truly interesting. The children were so proud to come to the playway as their favourite sea creature. The children paraded, sang and watched on screen the habitats and the behavior of the sea creatures and decided that they should warn the community not to pollute the sea & rivers where the fish and other water creatures love to live! They created a poster and put it up on the front bulletin board. Hope you noticed it!!!

October 01, Children’s  Day:
Thank you again for giving the opportunity for the children to choose their favourite kit to wear to the nursery. When they paraded in those they had something nice and meaningful to tell about their kit that day.
Also, the children became an exited audience when the teachers acted out some all time favourite tales to make the children happy on this special day. Thank you very much Ms. Uthpala, Ms. Navanjana, Ms. Farina, and Ms. Harshini, for being super actresses. Yoga too took part in these dramas making children more fascinated. The costumes were hand - picked and the dialogues were edited to suit the gentle young audience.
With your generous contributions the children were invited to have a typical children’s party with goodies of their choice. The children enjoyed the food and music. They were more excited when they were given the lollipop to take home.  All the children did their own portrait as well to mark the day. 

Our Current Theme: “My Healthy Mind in My Healthy Body”- the connection of food, mind and body
The children will be encouraged to have a healthy diet through this theme and the importance of the food pyramid will be introduced. They will be allowed to touch, taste, smell and cook different types of food and encourage avoiding food that has no importance inside the pyramid. Please encourage your child to inquire about the food items you buy at the super market and whenever possible make it a point to take them on those visits. Encourage them to sort what you buy into vegetables, fruit ,meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and cereals etc…  

Our Mini Theme
(Gamaralage Kotuwa) continues…Await for exiting news on a field trip to a real village in the heart of Colombo!!!

Dates for your Diary: Please refer to this on daily basis…
Tuesday, 5 October
Celebrating Grands at the playway from 9.00 am at the auditorium
Friday, 15 October
Cookery, Fresh fruit salad…
Monday, 18 October
Bring pictures of good food items to school for sticking by Monday
Wednesday,20 October
My favourite food (brunch) at the playway
Thursday, 21- Tuesday 26 Oct
Mid Term Holiday, play halts at the playway
Friday , 29 October (Tentative)
Field Trip to Nuga Gama- Cinnamon Grand, Colombo
Thursday, 04 November
Deevali Celebrations at the playway… Let’s dance to Rhythm of  Kawadi
Friday , 05 November
Holiday, In lieu of Deevali


Have an auspicious October, Neelika Edirisinghe,
Director, the playway nursery

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

the playway News for a Supper September

Hello Parents

It is already September! This indicates that we are running towards the end of the year 2010. Was there a hint about it? Not for us who were so… busy playing with your children.

Eid Mubarak!! Ramadhan is around the corner.
I take this opportunity to wish the families who are celebrating Ramadhan, a Very Happy and a Prosperous Ramadhan! May Peace Rein Throughout & Everywhere!!!
Welcome: A warm welcome to little Aken and Michel who are joining the playway in September & October respectively! We are waiting to have you in our play circle!! Hope you will enjoy playing with us so much!!!

September Birthdays: Mikayla celebrates her third birthday on September, 12 and Apoorva her fifth on September, 16 while Akaash celebrates his fourth birthday on September, 24. We wish you all loads of FUN and every happiness throughout. May All your Birthday Dreams Come True!!!


Our Current Theme: We shall continue with the Dip & Dive into Deep Water till the mid September as we strongly believe that the children enjoy this topic of enquiry as much as they did the previous topic of inquiry ‘d’ as in Dinosaurs. We are delighted to have been able to take the children on a field trip that gave them a better understanding about the Sea and River Creatures.

Dates for your Diary:
September 7      Ramadhan celebrations at the playway
September 9     Purple Day Please come to the playway in purple
September 10   In lieu of Ramadhan the playway halts play- holiday
September 15   Bikes and trikes Day- Please bring your child’s bike or trike to the playway
September 21   Look Like a Fish Day
September 22   In lieu of Poya the playway halts play- Poya Holiday
October 01      Children’s and Elders’ Day- Children of the playway celebrate their Grands …


Thank you: A big thank you, little Amani’s mum for coming forward to present a children’s story on Ramadhan festival. Thank you for bringing us juicy dates which we know is a great source of energy during the season of fasting. We really enjoyed the story and the treat.
Thank you Mrs Sifaan for your participation in this cultural event, the playway appreciates the cultural diversity in our play circle!

REMINDER Fruit Break: Don’t forget our fruit breaks!
Please note that on both Tuesday and Thursday usual break time is given a special twist with the playway Fruit Breaks. Send your child a fruit and/or fresh fruit juice that he she will enjoy. Please let me know if your child is allergic to any kind of a fruit or other food item as children sometimes share food during breaks.

REMINDER Chocolate Wednesday: Every other Wednesday we enjoy chocolates during our break time as chocolates have been proven to be good for children occasionally and in small quantities. Please send your child’s tooth brush (labeled with name) along with the chocolates to brush their teeth after eating the chocolate.

REMINDER Friday Brunch: Please send a ‘green meal’ containing plenty of vegetables coupled with rice or pasta etc. for the children’s brunch. A dessert will be a delightful addition.

REMINDER Physical Education: During Wednesday and Friday mornings the 3 Plusses (Nursery) will engage in 15 minutes of PE in the garden. Tuesday morning is the time for the 2 - 3 year olds (Infants) to have their PE lesson. Please send them in their the playway T- shirts with shorts and sneakers on the right days.

REMINDER Book Pool: We are extremely happy to note that our “A Book A Home” Program is doing extremely well. The response from the children and parents is great. The aim is to arouse curiosity and love for books in children. A book read aloud by the mummy or the daddy can develop pre-reading skills and highly recommended. Your child is at his/her peak considering language absorption. Please read as many books to them as possible. And also you could set an example by reading for your own enjoyment in their presence.

While saying a big thank you to the parents who send books regularly to the book pool, a reminder is sent to the others who have not yet done so. Please send one of your child’s favorites so he/she can share it with his/her friends. Books shared thus far have been returned to the owner in their original condition. Books submitted will be noted and returned at the end of each week. Please send a book once a week and take a book home daily.

Have a Super September
Neelika Edirisinghe
Director, the playway nursery, Colombo

Saturday, July 24, 2010

the playway News in Awesome August !

 Hello Parents

Welcome back everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful summer break!! The staff and I are refreshed and looking forward for a busy, challenging yet a rewarding semester with your child.
I‘d love to take this opportunity to thank so many individuals and groups of people who helped us through our first semester which was full of different types of events and lovely memories. Thank you every one who came forward to support the playway each time we were in need.

Flash back

January: the playway celebrated her second birthday- the playway reached her full capacity as she turned two years! Our vision is to be the most sought after nursery in the island and continue to be so

February:
Independence Day of Sri Lanka which brought all of us together in a colourful parade, the prerahera (procession) – Each of us felt unique and was proud be a part of the Sri Lankan community.

March:
Field Trip to the Zoo- the playwayers and parents together with teachers had a busy day at the zoo

April: Sinhala and Hindu New Year celebrations- was extremely memorable

May: Mummy’s Day Celebrations- was full of warm feelings and art and craft activities
Meal for Dinosaurs - the playwayers dressed as herbivores and carnivores and sat in two different tables to have different types of meals cooked for the two types of dinosaurs
Vesak Celebrations- the playway became colourful with Vesak lanterns the playwayers made. Hirantha from the Russian Centre showed the children how to make a lantern

June: World Environment Celebrations at the playway-the playwayers became aware that the earth gets sad when humans pollute intentionally and continuously. The children actively participated in the activities offered showing great interest in saving the earth
Dino Projects- the parents and the playwayers showed that they are true dino- lovers
Daddy’s Day Celebrations- Mr. Cader, little Amaan’s dad gave the playwayers a warm fatherly touch by reading , drawing and being with them
Sports Day at the front garden- Both colourful and eventful- Everyone was a winner!
Parent Conference- both parents and teachers were overwhelmed by the positive observations

Special Announcements:
We are delighted to welcome Ms Farina Suleiman who joins the nursery group as a teacher. Ms Suleiman has completed her education in the UK and is currently residing in Sri Lanka with her family.

The photographs taken by the official photographer, Mr. Nishendra at the Dino dance can be purchased individually from him on request. He will be visiting the Russian Centre with the photographs on weekdays and the photographs will be displayed on a bulletin board at the entrance.

July: Summer Time Dino Dance
The Summer Time Dino Dance was Spectacular…


Thank you: Thank you so… much parents and grandparents for your continuous support for your child/ grand child’s progress. Thank you taking time off and being there for them and encouraging them. Thank you for providing them with materials at request and for visiting the playway on many invitations. It is encouraging for us to have a committed circle of parents/grandparents who are willing to help the children around the year.

Feed Back: We are honestly proud as a team to get positive feedback from the parents throughout the year. The parent conferences in June2010 was a time we actually got time to sit and talk with each and every one of you for longer period of time on various matters that matter with your child’s progress through the year. We thank the parents who promptly sent us the completed feedback forms with a high degree of positive remarks. However; some of them have not come back to us. Please fill and send them back as fast as you can as your comments are very important for us to grow as a team. Please take a few minutes of your schedule for this purpose and treat that as one of the priorities as a parent. We are waiting…
As discussing about pre reading skills, at the parents’ conference became the most popular topic I thought giving more insight into the same would be appropriate in this edition.

Stages of Reading: Pre-reading Skills
© Heather Goldsmith

It's important to recognize each of the different stages of reading kids go through. You will have a better sense of which stage your child is at right now. This will enable you to see the process they need to undergo before they accomplish all of the relevant reading stages. This particular article will deal with the first stage of reading, one often not associated with the act of reading itself, but vital in teaching reading skills needed in further stages. It might be easier to consider this stage as a pre-reading stage. Certain skills are established that have nothing to do with words or knowing their alphabet.
This is when, usually from birth to three years of age, you spend time with your children. You take time out to read to them, showing them picture books, reading them simple and short tales, cuddling together, talking about what you read and see, answering questions. It's a stage of togetherness and any parent should make the most of it. During this time you can establish good habits and routines, such as story time before bed, which can help in later years when the habit of independent reading is establishing. Your child will also begin to associate books with comfort and contact with you. It will become something they look forward to. If you start with books before they are able to read one word, one of the first few words they utter will quite possibly be book.
This is also a time to get down on the floor with them and play act, build blocks, fit shapes together, tickle and giggle, draw and paint, play with balls and many other activities that delight and excite children. While not immediately related to reading or books, these activities are vital in teaching them skills for life, not just in preparation for reading. The coordination needed from kicking a ball, or placing a block will go a long way towards helping them manipulate pages of a thick card book. They gain understanding from these activities which make sense when they begin to decipher and work out pictures and stories.
Some of the best books to start with for children in this stage are wordless picture books. This give the parent and child an opportunity to discover what is happening in the story together. Even a chance to make new stories up on each reading. When a child is very small the sound of your voice is enough, but soon they'll begin to see the pictures and curiosity will bloom. Take advantage of their questions and no matter how many times they point out the teddy or the dog, appear interested. They are establishing a naming and identifying skill needed in early reading.

Our Current Theme: Dip and Dive into Deep Water: The children will be exposed to the colourful and interesting facts about water, water plants and animals with this topic of inquiry. The children will be exploring about their favourite sea water and river water characters and the threats that shadow them. Mean time the children will learn songs, stories and a few dramatic movements on the theme and will develop their stock of vocabulary with related words.
Furthermore the number, language, basic science, PSE, PE and Art and Craft activities also be integrated with the topic bringing about an oceanic life into the classroom.

Mini Theme: (Introductory - Sinhala) Gamaralage Kotuwa ( Farmer’s Yard) On a popular request from the parents of the nursery group the children will be exposed to Sinhala language through the mini theme Gamaralage Kotuwa ( Farmer’s Yard). The underlying idea is to introduce the Sri Lankan day to day words and materials to the children in a more creative way. The stock of vocabulary will be developed through the same and will give a touch of locality to the children. The children will be introduced to the Sinhala alphabet and numerals and continue to develop this area through this approach.

Dates for Your Diary:
Monday, 02 Play begins for children at the playway- new semester starts
Friday, 06 Show and Tell- Bring objects/ pictures related to sea, river, fish or water animals/plants
Friday, 13 Swim like fish day
Wednesday, 18 Cookery Day
Tuesday, 24 Nikini Poya. No play. Poya Holiday
Friday, 27 Field Trip to Water World, Biyagama, Sri Lanka

Have an Awesome August,
Neelika Edirisinghe,
Director the playway

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Joyous June 2010- Dates for your Diary
Hello Parents

June is here. We have run for six months through 2010 already. Did you feel it? We at the playway were too busy with the children, we didn’t feel it!
Our Topic of Enquiry remains the same for the month of June -‘d’ as in dinosaurs.
The World Environment Day: Friday, 4 June the playway celebrates “A Cleaner Earth” - Going back in Time - Pre Historic Lands with “NO” Polythene
Special Assembly on Projects : Children ( 3+- Nursery children) bring their projects on dinosaurs for a special assembly by Monday,14 June
• A note in this regard has already being sent to you.

Parent Conferences are Back : Please keep the date free. (Sign-up sheets will be kept at the entrance)
When: Wednesday, 16 / Thursday, 17 / Friday, 18 June 2010

We have been busy through the past months working with your child/ children and it is time that you sit with us to go through their work, talk about their progress, discuss any concerns and plan the next step with us.

June Birthdays: Hanna celebrates her second birthday on June 20
Milena celebrates her third birthday on June 21
Nikitha celebrates his third birthday on June 26
Daddies’ Day: the playway celebrates daddies on Monday, 21 June


• Please send a new, plain, white (men’s) Handkerchief with your child to school (on Monday, 14 June 2010)

Sports Day: Thursday 24, 2010
Summer Time Dino Dance: Friday 02, July 2010
Summer Break: Friday 02 July – Monday 02 August 2010

Have a joyous June! Neelika Edirisinghe

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Dear Parents

Suba Aluth Avurudhdhak Vewa ! (May this New Year bring you every success!)
Welcome back everyone! Hope all of you had a great Avurudhu holiday together with your family and extended families. It is very important to spend time together with your loved ones, sharing and caring for each other. This season is a great time to renew bonds and friendships. As for me I was very fortunate to visit Jaffna with my family to stay in and celebrate the New Year with people of Jaffna. As I believe all Sri Lankans are one family and to love and care for each one is our prime duty.
“Your family and your love must be cultivated like a garden. Time, effort, and imagination must be summoned constantly to keep any relationship flourishing and growing” -- Jim Rohn.


Bonds begin at nursery… Let them build strong bonds to stand as one strong family!


Welcome:
We are delighted to welcome little Aadam to our play circle this May and hope he will enjoy his time here. Also we welcome Ms Navanjana Nandasiri who joins the playway as a Trainee Assistant Teacher. She is a product of Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo. She is currently following a certificate course on Early Childhood & Primary Education at the Open University, Nawala, Sri Lanka. She takes part in National Drama Festivals at her leisure and enjoys visiting other countries with her troupes.
Also we welcome Mr Dan Fernando as our music teacher. Mr Fernando is a senior teacher of music at the Russian Centre. He enjoys providing music and teaching new songs to the young children at the playway. The children adore him.

Farewell:
Thank you and bye, bye: We are sad to say bye to Ms Sashika, our music teacher who was teaching music to the playwayers. She was with the playway for two years and was loved by the children. We congratulate her and wish her every success in her new career as a budding Lawyer. Thank you Sashika!
Congratulations and bye, bye to Venessa, who was with us for the last three months working as an intern. She has obtained very good O/L results and joins the A/L class for higher studies. The children really enjoyed Venessa’s presence and in return she gained immense experience being with the children as an intern at the playway. We thank and wish her every success in her future endeavors. Thank you Venessa!



Happy, happy birthday: Little Amirkhan celebrates his first birthday on the 29th April. We wish you a very happy birthday Amirkhan.
Ishaq celebrates his fourth birthday on the 22nd of April and Adhithri her third birthday on 5th May. Hope you will have loads of fun with all your loved ones. We wish you all many, many Happy Returns!!

Our Current Theme: “d” as in dinosaurs. This is an all time favourite theme among preschoolers/ young and old learners. The topic will enquire into the pre historic animals and their habitats mainly focusing on a few favourite dinosaurs. The children will inquire into the eating habits of these giants, their young and how they became extinct.



You would be amazed to find the enthusiasm the children will develop to learn the names of these pre historic favourites and how keen they will be to teach you with their findings. Please be ready to assist your child to explore and talk about their favourite dinosaurs. Also if you are a resource person please come forward to assist the playwayers quench their thirst in finding answers to all their questions about dinosaurs.

The language, number, PSE, basic science, art &craft and rhythm &music will be in cooperated to the theme. We hope to turn the playway into a true habitat for pre historic animals.
Dates for your Diary

April 20, Tuesday Work starts for teachers
April 21, Wednesday Play starts for children
April 28, Wednesday Poya holiday. No play
May 04, Tuesday Bring your favourite dinosaur – show and tell
May 14, Friday Cookery- A meal for a Dinosaur
May 26, Wednesday Vesak celebrations at the playway
May 27 & 28, Thursday & Friday Vesak. No play

Have a memorable May,
Neelika Edirisinghe, Director the playway
Director the playway

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

News March- April 2010

Hello everyone

Mummy's Breast.

Baby gurgles of sheer delight,
As mummy kisses your toes.
Baby makes each day so bright,
More beautiful than a rose.
Contented smiles slowly show,
As Mummy gives you her breast.
An aura of the purest glow.
Of a Mummy at her best.
Rewards come with Baby’s face,
Reflecting innermost content.
For Mummy’s breast is baby’s place
Her caring is well spent.
Each day Baby bathes in love,
Mummy radiant with her child.

I hear cooing of a Heavenly Dove,
As all around are beguiled.
Strength of a mother’s deepest feeling
I see in this picture of mine.
My very senses are reeling,
At a love that is divine.

Bernard Shaw

Welcome to the playway

We warmly welcome little Amirkhan, Leon and Limath to our play circle and hope very much you enjoy your time here.

Thank you and Bye, Bye! We are so… Sad.
A very big thank you to Ms Harshini Wijewardene for being a great strength to the playway from October 2008. She was truly loved by all the children and the staff at the playway and the Russian Centre. She genuinely loved her profession and developed tremendously as a professional. She has set professional goals and desires to achieve them. And therefore has requested leave for higher studies and it is our pleasure to assist her at achieving her goals. We get together to wish her great success in her future endeavors. We shall miss her so much. She leaves on March 10, 2010.

March Babies, Happy Birthday…

Yeshara 2 March
Thayba 12 March
Yousuf 19 March
Kehathi 25 March
We hope all of you will have loads of fun and laughter with your friends on your birthday!

Our Current Theme remains as Mummies and Babies through the month of March. We shall be discussing the topic further with the children and a heap of activities are lined up with the same theme.

Flash Back: February 5, the children came to school in their traditional costumes and joined in the ‘perahera’ and singing and dancing on stage. It was a very colourful event which showed the strength of the unity in diversity in Sri Lanka.

Children fell in love with nature this Valentines when they were exposed to the beauty of the well preserved environment. They coloured their heart shaped cards for their Valentines in GREEN showing interest in preserving a greener world for them. They watched a documentary on how man can damage the beautiful eco system.

During my absence at the playway : Ms Amaal took up duty as my substitute and joined other teachers as a strong team. Thank you, Amaal and the team for being extra vigilant and caring. The children went on their regular play without getting disturbed. The whole process was closely monitored by Amaal and kept me informed.
Messy Paint sessions on 24 Wednesday was so full of fun and expressions!
Role play session as Mummy and Daddy was amazing! The photos will be uploaded shortly.

The water day was an absolute favorite!
Reminders: Brunch Please send a Brunch on every Friday as we witness a great enthusiasm in children having a change in their snack. Please send an additional dessert too if desired. The children will only have brunch around 11.00 am therefore we request the parents to give them a super breakfast at home as early as possible.
Reminders: Collection of Children the play ends for children less than three years at 11.15-11.30 am and parents are reminded to collect the children at that time. And the children who are above three should be collected by 12 noon. Your corporation in this regard is appreciated.

Also you are kindly reminded to collect your child at the door by gently knocking at the door and a teacher in charge will hand your child over as the remaining children (nursery children) should not be disturbed at each time. Please refrain from coming in and sitting, observing the children and talking to them unless there is a prior appointment. This request comes to you with the greatest interest in your children.

Dates for your Diary

March 4, Thursday A pregnant mum visits the playway
March 10, Wednesday A mum with a baby visit the playway
March 26, Friday Field Trip to the Dehiwala zoo
April 6, Tuesday Sinhala and Hindu New Year Celebrations at the playway.
Holiday starts
April 21,Wednesday The play begins for children

Have a Merry March,

Neelika Edirisinghe,
Director the playway

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Unity and Diversity at the playway’s Independence Day


Thank you for joining your child at the Independence Day Celebrations at the playway. It was a very colourful event, which showed the diversity of Sri Lankan community. This is indeed the picture we must paint in order to bring about an understanding among our people. Unity in diversity is the key for development, for preserving the beauty of our country.

It strengthens the economy, culture and bonds. At the playway we enjoy diversity and encourage children under our care to respect and learn about the each others’ beliefs and cultural differences.
Thank you for all those costumes you made for your child so caringly. It was evident that the children were very proud to be dressed in them.

Happy Birthday
Many Happy Returns to Jailen who is celebrating his 3rd birthday on February 24. Hope you will have loads of FUN with your friends!!!




Welcome
Welcome Yeshara! You are now officially a playwayer and we know you are loving it!

Our Current Theme: Mummies & Babies

We shall be inquiring into this theme to gain an understanding about who we are, how alike we are and how different we are. The topic of inquiry also will help us to find how we are connected to our families and with others in our environment. This exploration will lead into the world of animals, where children will learn about various animals and their young.
Please be informed that your child will be talking to the class about him/herself and his/her family, illustrating their discussion with photographs. Please help and guide them. You may have to part with a few photographs for the duration of the theme, as your child will need to include them in a little project book they will compile themselves. Photos will be returned safely after use.
If you would like to join our team for a day or a session to present a story about your family or show an album of your baby/babies or anything else that connected to our theme you are welcome to do so. Please talk to me regarding this possibility.

Fashion Re-Design! the playway’s new PE kit (t-shirt, cap and shorts) will be out shortly.
Dates for Your Diary

Feb 9, Tuesday Red Day – Cooking Red Jelly
Feb 11, Thursday Sticky Day – Please send a Family Photo
Feb 12, Friday Fall In Love With Nature this Valentine
Feb 24, Wednesday Paint Day – Messy Play
Feb 25, Thursday Play House – Role Play as Family Members.
Feb 26 Friday Water Day – Please send your child’s water toys (If available).

On Overseas Leave
I shall be accompanying my daughter on her move to attend University on February 16 and only return on the 23rd. Ms. Amaal Junaid will be my substitute during this period. Amaal and the team will ensure the best care for your child and keep things running smoothly.
The schedule for each day of my absence has been planned in advance to ensure maximum productivity. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns. I shall remain contactable through email throughout the trip.
Please remember to let Ms Amaal know of any changes of contact details or transport arrangements.

REMINDER Fruit Break: Don’t forget our fruit breaks!
Please note that on both Tuesday and Thursday usual break time is given a special twist with the playway Fruit Breaks. Send your child a fruit and/or fresh fruit juice that he she will enjoy. Please let me know if your child is allergic to any kind of a fruit or other food item as children sometimes share food during breaks.


REMINDER Chocolate Wednesday: Every other Wednesday we enjoy chocolates during our break time as chocolates have been proven to be good for children occasionally and in small quantities. Please send your child’s tooth brush (labeled with name) along with the chocolates to brush their teeth after eating the chocolate.

REMINDER Friday Brunch: Please send a ‘green meal’ containing plenty of vegetables coupled with rice or pasta etc. for the children’s brunch. A dessert will be a delightful addition.

REMINDER Physical Education: During Wednesday and Friday mornings the 3 Plusses (Nursery) will engage in 15 minutes of PE in the garden. Tuesday and Thursday mornings is the time for the 2 - 3 year olds (Infants) to have their PE lesson. Please send them in their the playway T- shirts with shorts and sneakers on the right days.

REMINDER Book Pool: We are extremely happy to note that our “A Book a Home” Program is doing extremely well. The response from the children and parents is great. The aim is to arouse curiosity and love for books in children. A book read aloud by the mummy or the daddy can develop pre-reading skills and highly recommended. Your child is at his/her peak considering language absorption. Please read as many books to them as possible. And also you could set an example by reading for your own enjoyment in their presence.
While saying a big thank you to the parents who send books regularly to the book pool, a reminder is sent to the others who have not yet done so. Please send one of your child’s favorites so he/she can share it with his/her friends. Books shared thus far have been returned to the owner in their original condition. Books submitted will be noted and returned at the end of each week. Please send a book once a week and take a book home daily.

Neelika Edirisinghe
Director, the playway nursery

Monday, January 4, 2010


the playway turns TWO!!!




Visit the new playway Website: http://www.theplayway.webs.com/