Hampshire House 

Carving Out Good Times at Hampshire House

It is wonderful to observe the rich educational and social value that a single pumpkin can offer our little ones! 

Not only did the children develop their fine-motor skills by drawing the designs, scooping out the seeds and carving the pumpkins, but lovely discussions developed over plant biology and the life cycle of the pumpkin from seed to plate. The investigation did not end there, the children counted the seeds, estimated the size of the pumpkin and measured their width, engaging in mathematical concepts through fun, hands-on learning.

Carving pumpkins is a lovely social activity which encourages cooperation, sharing, and listening. In each of the rooms the children worked excitedly together, taking turns, making suggestions and respecting one another’s ideas and creations. The children discussed their own Halloween experiences and were so thrilled to light the candles and watch their creations come to life. This activity tied in beautifully with the children’s investigation into luminescence and what makes ‘my heart glow’.

We are fortunate at Hampshire House to have children from many diverse cultural backgrounds and sharing and celebrating different cultural traditions fosters inclusivity and understanding which broadens their view of the world and teaches them to appreciate diversity from a young age.

Ms Simone Cooke

Director Hampshire House

The Festival of Light: Diwali

This year the children in the Margaret White Room celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights by making clay candle holders and a collaborative Rangoon Art piece, which they used for our own class celebrations. 

This festival, with variations, is   celebrated in other Indian religions. It symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

Our Collaborative artwork was based on Rangoli, which is derived from the Sanskrit word “Rangavalli” meaning “row of colours”. It has been long practised as an ancient Indian art form with Rangoli creations presented at the front of homes, courtyards and on walls.

It is important that children are exposed to a range of cultural celebrations as this helps them to understand various traditions and customs and assist to reinforce our shared community and our common cultural ties. It provides us with the opportunity to celebrate together those things that are meaningful to others and builds understanding and a sense of belonging.

Ms Gina Panagopoulos

Margaret White Room