Nursery

Josie Whitehead’s Poems

OFF TO NURSERY SCHOOL

By Josie Whitehead

Playgroups and nursery schools bridge a big gap between home and school.

It teaches children that learning can be great fun and the social skills of being kind to

other children and, above all, sharing with others.

I love Joyce Grenfell’s “Free Activity Period” and I was thinking of this when I mentioned

the Busy Bumblebee.

Your children might like to hear this read – and I’m sure they can imagine or supply the

missing parts which are said by the children.

It’s great to be a grandparent and offer to help in the schools or playgroups.

Children love grandparent figures, and you can be so useful and learn many of the new songs

for your own grandchildren.

I’m off to nursery school today for two whole hours or so.

I’m glad that Mummy’s taking me for I don’t know where to go.

I’m learning many different words – new adjectives and nouns –

And remembering all my colours – the reds, the greens and browns.

Yes, I’m off to nursery school today – it’s hard to say goodbye.

I know I won’t be there for long and it’s silly if I cry.

There’s lots of lovely toys for us and many games to play.

But the thing I really like the best are the biscuits on the tray.

We learn to sing, we learn to dance, we climb up on the slide.

I’ve done a pretty picture which I’ll give to Mum with pride.

I’m learning how to share the toys with other girls and boys –

But It’s really hard to share with them my very favourite toys.

Action games are really funny – here’s my shoulder, here’s my knee.

I’ve met Incy Wincy Spider, and the Busy Bumblebee*.

I can clap my hands, touch my toes and jump right in the air.

It’s nice to see new children and discover what they wear.

Now nursery school has finished – Mum is waiting by the door.

The time has gone by very fast - tomorrow there’ll be more.

It’s time to say goodbye for now - “See you another day” –

Nursery School is such a lovely place to meet my friends and play.

PS *"I know you are a busy bee, but boy busy-bees don't buzz. Only bee busy-bees buzz." (Joyce Grenfell).