Cloth ears and telescopes

'Knock, Knock, Knock, we're knocking at the door!' 

No, the little Sunnyside learners haven't accidentally locked themselves out of their Reception classroom, no.....these are the words to one of several songs they're busy learning and practising each day in preparation for the Sunnyside Nativity performance. 

To help these tiny little thespians get into the Nativity mode, the home corner has been transformed into a stable. In the stable, (a large painted cardboard box complete with wood effect finish,) there is a lamb, (stuffed of course) a manger, (in which lays a swaddled baby doll,) and a mound of Nativity costumes to facilitate a spot of Nativity role play.

From the moment it was created, this humble shelter has been a great hit with the little learners, and the queue to don a shepherd's tunic and, or, a pair of jewel encrusted angel wings, has at times stretched the length of the classroom. 

This afternoon as Mrs Crayon was hastily fashioning some gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the three Kings to present to the Baby Jesus in the Nativity production, a little learner approached her and boldly announced that he was going to make and wrap a telescope to give to the baby "Cheesus". His proclamation subsequently caused the waiting nativity role players to abandon their spot in the queue and to start scouring the classroom for items to wrap up and give to the baby.

After half an hour of feverish parcel wrapping, baby Jesus' crib was crammed with parcels containing; one large magnet, a dry wipe pen, various farm animals, a set of pastry cutters, an empty box of cappuccino sachets, a glue stick, a plastic lemon, a hole punch, Mr Potato Head, and Mrs Crayon's glasses. 

All this gift wrapping sparked much talk of birthday celebrations among the participating little learners, and the discussions soon turned to the all important milestone of turning five.   

"And when is your birthday poppet?" asked Mrs Crayon to the little learner beside her struggling to wrap an ironing board. "Well...!" he began, wrestling the sellotape dispenser, "Mummy keeps telling me when it's my birthday....but I keep don't knowing!" 

Mrs Crayon on the other hand, is at the stage now where she makes a point of 'don't knowing' her birthdays! 

So, from birthdays to Christmas, and the Sunnyside crew (young and old) would like to wish you, dear readers, a very merry Christmas, and a very happy New Year!

        

When is my birthday Mum?

When is my birthday mum?

'Cause I don't know

I had a birthday once before,

But that was long ago.

I feel I'm due a birthday soon,

But don't know when,

Although I've asked you lots before,

I'm asking you again!

When is my birthday mum?

'Cause I regret,

Me ears are on the blink,

And so I forget.

I feel I'm due a birthday soon,

But don't know when,

Although I've asked you lots before,

I'm asking you again!

When is me birthday Mum?

'Cause I'm not sure,

I can't recall the date,

Because I'm only four.

I feel I'm due a birthday soon,

But don't know when,

Although I've asked you lots before,

I'm asking you again!

When is me birthday Mum?

I haven't got a clue.

I sense my constant asking tho'

Is really testing you.

I can't remember days and months,

And yet I've really tried,

They seem to go straight in one ear,

And out the other side!

When is my birthday Mum?

Forgive me for the crime,

Of asking you this question now,

For the one hundredth time.

The art of being patient

Is too hard to comprehend,

So I'm sorry if I've driven you

Completely round the bend!

"I'll try again later!"