This year, our Early Years Christmas Performance was titled Waiting for Santa. The children were in character as reindeers, waiting to pull the sleigh and then played elves, jumping from the sleigh to play in the snow. The elves and reindeers then enjoyed fun in the snow, in a winter wonderland 'snowflake' scene. At the end of the performance the children used bells to perform 'Jingle Bells' in preparation for Christmas, getting ready to help Santa on christmas day. A poem ran through the performance, joining and explaining the narrative. 

Pupils performed excellent renditions of Sleeping reindeers, 7 Little Elves, Snowflake, Jingle Bells and then parents joined us to sing and sign .We wish you a Merry Christmas. Rehearsals began in October, in pupils music lessons with Maria, and from November, we began to sing the songs daily as part of our class singing session, using the singing props to encourage the children to choose the song they'd like to practise. 

The highlight of rehearsals was children trying out their new costumes! They were mostly delighted to see themselves as reindeer and elves and lots enjoyed dancing in the mirror wearing their special clothes. I must say a big thank you to the Senior Support Staff in EYFS for their organisation of the props and costumes. 

The adults supported the children really well and were really enthusiastic to learn the signs to the different songs. Maria worked hard to create the script and to work with the senior support staff and I to find relevant, child friendly songs for the performance.  Parents commented on how 'child-friendly' the performance was and that it was great to see the children relaxed and enjoying performing, with all of the children involved actively in rehearsals and the performance itself.  

We look forward to other Christmas celebrations and activities happening before the end of term, including a Christingle Service with Mia, joining in with the disco, eating Christmas dinner, waiting for Santa to visit and enjoying an EYFS party as a department next week with festive music, disco lights and a few treats along the way!