We have ended the year wrapped in Christmas magic at Storytellers..

Our celebrations began with a Christmas party filled with laughter, games, snowy play, Santa's mysterious footsteps and a delicious party lunch that set the scene for something very special.

Then came the adventure.. a walk through the valley, where excitement buzzed in the air as we followed the path to Santa's house, hidden deep among the trees. Sharp ears quickly heard the gentle jingle of Santa's bell, and before long, we were greeted by Santa himself, who welcomed the children inside his cosy home.

Santa spoke to the children about the important work still to be done before Christmas, and together they practised a wonderfully festive Santa laugh - hands pressed on bellies, laughter echoing through the trees!  Each child had their own special moment with Santa and was gifted a magical bell to take home, a keepsake filled with Christmas wonder.

After many waves and smiles goodbye, the magic continued as we gathered around the fire pit to enjoy warm, toasty marshmallows before our walk back. 

The children behaved impeccably throughout the day, and witnessing the awe, excitement and pure belief in Christmas through their eyes was nothing short of magical.

A huge thank you to our incredible Storytellers, families, and friends for your continued support throughout the year, and a very special thank you to Santa and his family for creating such a truly enchanting experience that the children will remember forever. 

 Storytellers had the most magical festive outing as we headed to Bodmin Railway to board the Santa Express heritage steam train. The excitement was sky-high as the children eagerly climbed aboard, watching in awe as the steam curled around the track and the train slowly pulled away with a cheerful whistle!

 During the journey, the children enjoyed Christmas craft activities-and then came a truly unforgettable moment. Santa himself appeared on board, greeting each child with a smile and spending time chatting with them. Every child received a special present, making the experience even more magical.

On the return trip, our wonderful PTFA made sure no tummies rumbled by providing delicious treat bags for everyone.

Back at the station, the fun continued as the children met the Elf and Rudolph, before setting off for an extra treat, a McDonald's lunch! They sat together beautifully, and even members of the public commented on how well-behaved, polite, and joyful they all were.

A huge thank you to our fabulous helpers and to the brilliant PTFA, whose support makes these memorable experiences possible for our children.

Blisland Primary's Wonderful Nativity Performance

On Friday, Blisland Primary Academy was filled with festive cheer as our pupils took to the stage for this year's nativity performance. Families and friends were treated to two fantastic shows - an afternoon performance and an evening performance - and both were truly magical.

The event began with a heartwarming film created by Roxanne, featuring clips of the children sharing their favourite parts of Christmas. Their smiles and thoughtful answers set the perfect tone for what was to come.

This year's nativity, titled The Big Little Nativity, was packed with humour, catchy songs, and plenty of festive spirit. The children's acting was outstanding, bringing the story to life in a way that had the audience laughing and clapping along. One of the highlights was the appearance of a talking donkey, which added a fun twist to the traditional tale. And, of course, we can't forget Mr Smith's memorable cameo as a Christmas tree - a moment that had everyone smiling!

After the nativity, the children showcased their musical talents by performing Jingle Bells using hand bells. It was a beautiful way to round off the evening and demonstrated just how much effort and practice had gone into every part of the performance.

The night concluded with a raffle, which was a huge success. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised an incredible £700! This will go a long way in supporting future school activities and resources.

A massive thank you goes to all the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event possible. From rehearsals to costumes, music, and organisation, your dedication ensured that the children could shine on stage and create memories that will last a lifetime

 Today, our Storytellers enjoyed a truly special morning full of festive cheer and community spirit. We began our adventure at Blisland Church, where the children proudly added their beautiful handmade decorations to the Christmas tree. It was lovely for them to see their work displayed for everyone in the village to enjoy, and to feel part of something bigger within our local community.

We then wrapped up warm and walked together to Blisland Village Shop, where the children posted their Christmas wishes to Santa in the fabulous festive postbox. It was a joy to watch them chatting with familiar faces and experiencing first-hand what makes village life so special.

 The kindness didn't stop there - the children were treated to a delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows and a gingerbread biscuit, which was the perfect winter warmer and a wonderful example of our community's generosity and care.

 With happy hearts and rosy cheeks, we strolled back to nursery in the winter sunshine, feeling proud, connected, and full of festive magic.

 We are incredibly proud of our small crew and so thankful to be part of such a warm, welcoming community. A huge thank you to Pat and Karen for helping to make this wonderful experience possible - moments like these are what childhood memories are made of. 

This week, Storytellers have been busy learning how to keep our teeth strong, clean and healthy. The children explored a special dental role-play area, complete with mirrors, toothbrushes, and friendly storybooks about visiting the dentist. They enjoyed acting out check-ups, talking about what keeps our teeth strong, and learning why brushing twice a day is so important.

The highlight of the session was using discolouration tablets. The children were so excited to chew the little pink tablets and see precisely where they needed to brush more carefully. Looking closely in the mirrors, they spotted any tricky areas and worked hard to brush away the pink! This hands-on experience helped them understand why brushing properly is essential for keeping their teeth healthy.

We also spent time studying our teeth in the mirror, talking about the different shapes, how they help us eat crunchy foods, and what happens if we don't look after them.

Everyone was incredibly proud of their clean smiles and even more delighted to take home their brand-new toothbrush to keep practising at home.

Storytellers have had a wonderfully busy day in nursery, full of baking, creativity and community spirit. The children worked together beautifully, taking turns to mix ingredients, spoon out cake batter and carefully decorate their sweet treats. Our art table was just as lively, with everyone colouring their own Pudsey Bears to help brighten up our nursery stall. When the cakes were ready, the children proudly helped set up the stall and were so excited to "sell" their bakes to families and friends. They showed fantastic confidence, lovely manners and a real sense of teamwork throughout the whole afternoon. We are incredibly proud of our little Storytellers for their hard work, enthusiasm and the joy they brought to our Children in Need fundraising.

Well done, everyone! We raised an amazing £99 as a group effort. 

Half-Term Skate Club at TR7: Rolling into Year Two

This half term has brought with it the return of one of our most exciting extracurricular adventures: the Blisland Skate Club at TR7 Skate Park. Now in its second year, the club has quickly become a highlight for pupils who are eager to swap the classroom for ramps, rails, and the thrill of learning new tricks. Over the course of six weekly lessons, our young skaters are not only developing their confidence but also building upon the skills they honed last year. For those who joined us previously, it's been inspiring to see how much progress they've made. Moves that once felt daunting are now being attempted with ease, and the determination to push boundaries is clear in every session.

The expert tuition provided by TR7's coaches has been central to this growth. Their patient guidance and technical know-how ensure that every child, whether a complete beginner or a returning skater, feels supported and challenged. The coaches break down techniques into manageable steps, encouraging pupils to focus on balance, coordination, and flow. It's not just about mastering tricks-it's about learning resilience, celebrating small wins, and embracing the joy of movement.

Of course, Blisland wouldn't be Blisland without a touch of individuality. This year, we've brought our own unique style to the park, most memorably through one of our students who has chosen to skate in Wellington boots. It's a quirky twist that has captured the spirit of the club: creativity, fun, and the freedom to express yourself in your own way. Whether in skate shoes or wellies, the important thing is the enthusiasm and energy each child brings to the ramps. Beyond the technical skills, the club fosters a strong sense of community. Pupils cheer each other on, share tips, and celebrate every achievement-big or small.

 The Storytellers have had an exciting time learning all about Bonfire Night! We began by preparing delicious pumpkin soup, using fresh ingredients that the children helped to chop and stir. This tasty treat was enjoyed later on as we gathered around our very own campfire in the field. 

Using a special "Dragon's Breath" flint, the children worked together to help light the fire, learning all about the magic of combustion and how to stay safe around open flames. We discussed fire safety rules, maintained a safe distance, and everyone had a turn with sparklers, creating sparkling swirls in the air with great care and big smiles.

Due to the bout of blustery weather, our firework fun moved indoors today, where the children got creative! They made vibrant firework pictures by blowing paint across the page through straws and using paper stamps. A sprinkle of colourful glitter brought their artwork to life, capturing the excitement of fireworks in the night sky.

To top off a truly memorable few days, we spent the afternoon making and decorating our own candy apples-sticky, sparkly, and delicious! What a fantastic way to celebrate Bonfire Night with learning, teamwork, safety, and lots of tasty treats.

Potion mixing is a particular favourite in Storytellers! The children donned their wizard hats and got busy in our "potion lab," carefully choosing from an assortment of colourful, bubbling ingredients. They poured, stirred, and sprinkled - adding sparkly dust, shimmering liquid, and a dash of fizz to see what would happen next. There were gasps of excitement as their mixtures bubbled, foamed, and changed colour, just like real magic! This hands-on fun sparked plenty of conversation, predictions, and awe as they explored how different ingredients interacted.

Storytellers had a wonderful day full of Meg and Mog-style adventures! Everyone looked fantastic in their array of fancy dress - from witches and skeletons to pumpkins and even a King's Guard! The day was packed with fun and laughter as the children enjoyed spooky stories, dancing, and games like Pass the Pumpkin and Spider Splat!

This week, the Storytellers have been exploring Diwali, the beautiful Festival of Light. The children learned that Diwali is a time of celebration for many people around the world and that light is an important symbol - it represents goodness, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The children enjoyed making their own Diya lamps, carefully decorating them to shine brightly, just like the ones used in Diwali celebrations. On the light board, they created stunning Rangoli patterns, experimenting with colours, shapes, and symmetry to make vibrant designs that welcome light and happiness.

There was plenty of music and dancing, too, as we moved to traditional Indian rhythms and celebrated through movement and joy. The children also designed their own hand decorations, learning about the tradition of mehndi patterns and using their creativity to make unique designs.

Through these fun and meaningful activities, the Storytellers not only explored creativity and culture but also learned about kindness, celebration, and the importance of light in our lives. 

Storytellers enjoyed listening to the traditional tale The Little Red Hen. The children talked about why the hen's friends wouldn't help her and whether it was kind for them to expect to eat her bread after doing none of the hard work! This sparked some lovely discussions about kindness, teamwork, and helping others.

 After the story, the children had the chance to become little bakers themselves! They helped weigh the ingredients and took turns kneading the dough, noticing how its texture changed as they worked. The room soon filled with the wonderful smell of baking, and the best part of all was tasting their very own freshly baked loaf - warm, golden, and absolutely delicious!

 We were also very grateful to get all our ingredients from our fantastic Village Shop, helping the children understand where food comes from and how our local community supports us.

 This activity was not only great fun but also a wonderful learning experience. Listening to and discussing the story supported the children's understanding of morals and empathy, while baking helped them develop early maths and science skills through weighing, measuring, and observing changes. Working together encouraged sharing and cooperation, and the sensory experience of kneading dough built fine motor skills - all while giving them a real sense of pride and achievement in what they'd made. 

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Blisland Primary Harvest Celebration

Last week, Blisland Primary came together to celebrate one of the most special times of the year - Harvest. It was a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to reflect on where our food comes from, the importance of farming in Cornwall, and the value of sharing what we have with others.

Our Harvest Assembly was held in the beautiful Blisland Church, and it was a truly heartwarming occasion. The children sang a collection of traditional and modern harvest songs with great enthusiasm, filling the church with joyful voices. They also shared poetry they had written themselves, celebrating the changing seasons, the hard work of farmers, and the beauty of the Cornish countryside. 

Parents, carers, and members of the community joined us for the event, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere that captured the spirit of the season perfectly. A highlight of the celebration was our harvest auction. The children helped to present beautifully arranged vegetable boxes filled with locally grown produce. These were auctioned off at the end of the assembly, raising over £80 for the Wadebridge Food Bank. We are so proud of our pupils for their enthusiasm and for understanding the importance of helping those in need. We were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the local community. The donations for the food bank were incredible - from tins and pasta to fresh vegetables and toiletries. It was inspiring to see how everyone came together to make a difference. We want to extend our sincere thanks to all who donated, supported, or attended our Harvest event.

Throughout the week, pupils also learned about harvest traditions in Cornwall and explored how farming continues to play a vital role in our local economy and way of life. From understanding how crops are grown to learning about sustainable farming, the children developed a deeper appreciation for the people and processes that keep our communities fed. Our Harvest celebrations truly showed the strength of the Blisland community - full of kindness, gratitude, and togetherness. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable week.

Storytellers took their learning outdoors for a hands-on, creative adventure! Armed with hammers and bright wool, the children made their very own wooden name plaques. They carefully tapped in small nails to outline the first letter of their name, then wrapped colourful wool around the nails to bring their initials to life.

It was such a brilliant activity for our little preschoolers, full of fun, focus, and a little bit of challenge! Using real tools helped them feel so grown-up while strengthening their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Threading the wool around the nails gave their fingers a great workout, building the muscles they'll need for early writing. Working outdoors made it even more exciting, with plenty of giggles and proud smiles as they admired their finished creations. The children couldn't wait to show off their wonderful wooden masterpieces!

At Storytellers, the children have been celebrating the move into autumn and the harvest season by exploring the wonderful world of vegetables and their many different colours. They enjoyed looking closely at a variety of vegetables, noticing the bright greens, deep reds, sunny yellows and earthy oranges that remind us of autumn's rich tones.

Inspired by what they saw, the children created their very own harvest-themed collages using a mixture of seeds and pulses. This activity encouraged lots of patience as they carefully placed each seed, while also helping to strengthen their pincer grip - an essential skill for early writing and fine motor development.

 The children were so proud of their colourful creations, which captured the spirit of autumn and celebrated the harvest in a fun and creative way. 

Storytellers have been busy investigating shapes in lots of fun and creative ways. We started by examining the various shapes we could use to build a house, and then attempted some challenging shape puzzles to test our problem-solving skills.

 We went on a shape hunt around our environment, spotting circles, squares, triangles and more hiding all around us. The children also enjoyed creating colourful shape pictures using paint and cotton buds - a fun way to practise their pincer grip and strengthen little fingers ready for early writing. 

 The week finished on a very yummy note - baking scrumptious shaped biscuits to share with our families.

 Activities like these aren't just fun - they help children recognise shapes all around them, build early maths skills, strengthen fine motor control, and use their imagination in creative ways. And of course, the biscuit-making was a delicious way to bring all that learning together!.

The children at Storytellers have been making the most of the autumn sunshine today by harvesting their very own potatoes!

With big smiles and muddy hands, they loved digging through the soil to find the hidden treasures beneath. Along the way, they discovered some of the amazing creatures that help the soil stay healthy - from wriggly worms to busy beetles - and even came across a tiny baby frog! The children carefully returned it to the pond area, learning more about how all these creatures play an important part in nature.