The Little Cottage Daycare

The start of spring is always an exhilarating time, from the vibrant artwork that captures its essence to the enchanting nature walk we went on to our nearby park. Spring brings a sense of renewal and joy as we embrace the warmer weather and an opportunity to spend more time outdoors with friends. As the season unfolds, there's also the excitement of engaging in water play and relishing the joy it brings. Additionally, delving into the life cycle of frogs, butterflies, and the birth of baby animals adds to the magic of spring, making it a season of learning and wonder.

The recent redesign and expansion of our Froggies class has infused it with even more exciting opportunities for learning and growth. Every day, we engage in a variety of stimulating sensory, fine and gross motor activities, and educational exercises that serve as valuable preparation for Grade R. Our morning circle time incorporates music, discussions about the weather and day of the week, as well as exploration of our weekly theme. In addition, the children are given weekend news books and introduction to writing books as part of their weekly program. With spring in full swing, we are eagerly anticipating increased outdoor learning experiences in our dedicated courtyard and ample playtime in our spacious garden. Social skills and creative art are also integrated into our curriculum. The Froggies class is led by the experienced and dedicated Teacher Tatum, who brings a wealth of expertise and a nurturing approach to our students.

Exploring dinosaurs through sensory activities, art, and gross motor activities is a wonderful way for children to learn and engage with these prehistoric creatures. By hopping and jumping on T-Rex footprints, kids can visualize the size and power of these ancient animals. Creating fossils from salt dough and then carefully uncovering them in sensory trays not only encourages creativity and fine motor skills, but also offers a glimpse into the world of paleontology. This multi-sensory approach allows children to fully immerse themselves in the fascinating world of dinosaurs, making learning both fun and memorable.

Such a BLAST exploring space this week. 🚀🧑‍🚀⭐️🪐🌍

Our wild animals theme has been so much fun! We set up safari’s with toy animals in play dough and sensory trays. Lots of storytelling sessions with books about wild animals and even some animal sound effects. We went on our own safari in one of our play areas and created beautiful art.
Kids have had a roaring good time with this theme.

Our Winter themes week was so much fun with all the opportunities for creativity and sensory experiences. From making snowflake crafts, setting up a winter-themed sensory bin with fake and even going on a nature walk to explore the winter landscape. There are so many ways to continue the exploration and learning!

Tadpoles class is run by Teacher Jackie
Our Babies to Toddlers class is the perfect place for little ones aged 4 months to 2.5 years to thrive in a nurturing and stimulating environment. With a focus on learning through play, the curriculum introduces educational activities such as music, art, sensory play, gross motor, and fine motor activities. The class also offers different play stations to ignite imaginative play and encourage exploration. Each child's unique personality is celebrated and nurtured, and the program is designed to support babies' milestones. With a comfortable, quiet sleep area and a high child-to-teacher ratio, every child's individual needs are fully met, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.

Teacher Tatum runs our Froggie’s class 🐸
Our classroom is designed for children aged 2 and a half to 5 years old.
The primary focus is on creating a dynamic learning environment that strikes a balance between relaxed and structured activities. The setup encourages the children to engage in free play while also providing opportunities for structured learning experiences. Throughout the day, there are many sensory activities, which are crucial for the development of young minds. These activities are designed to stimulate the senses and enhance cognitive development. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on fostering fine motor and gross motor skills through various activities. Workbooks are used to introduce writing and aid in hand-eye coordination development, while also introducing the concept of writing one's own name. Weekly themed art projects and construction activities allow for creative expression and problem-solving. Reading is also a key component of the daily routine, and outdoor play provides the children with the opportunity for adventure and physical exercise.

We are loving exploring Autumn 🍂Beautiful art, exciting sensory play and adventures in our garden.

We are loving our Easter art and some fun messy play!

Happy Valentine’s ♥️

Thank you Lance for our new sensory table, the kids are loving it. Baby-Go-Round

Lovely morning with a visit from Santa

Such an exiting time of the year, not just because holidays are almost here but a time to reflect how fast our beautiful children are growing up. 💕

Kids are loving our new space

Such excitement catching and playing with Hail this morning

Hope you all have a wonderful day

Our creative juices flowed this morning.

We used vibrant red and yellow paint to create works of art. 🖌️🎨

Art is such a wonderful opportunity to express ourselves. 💛

Happy Mothers Day to all our wonderful moms 💗

And just like that we start our Christmas festivities

A real artist in the making

Happy Boys enjoying one of our favorite floor puzzles on this rainy day.

We baked up a storm in February, crunchies, cake,pancakes and French toast!

Daymom in Diep River
After having my son I opened a small daycare where I can assure moms returning to work that their babies will be safe in a stimulating,loving and comfortable environment where our precious babies can grow and flourish. We cater for babies from 4 months - 3 years,limited spaces available as we strive to keep it small and personal to promise the individual attention each unique child needs. If you finding your child needs more stimulation and socializing but not ready for a big school environment we can help you. For more information and Enquiries contact Jackie on 0833102416/ [email protected]

Last weeks Halloween fun

Designed by me and built by my husband, PVC climbing structure. A huge hit with the Kids and even better we can bring it inside for rainy days and outside on sunny days.

What fun making scones.

These little ones had the best time… mainly making a mess and enjoying the finished product

For more information regardaring the day care or swim school based in Diep River contact Jackie on 083 310 2416 or send an email to [email protected]

A Daycare created by a mom with every baby’s best interest at heart in a safe, loving environment. We also have a fully enclosed heated Swim School.

We are very accessible just off Main Road Diepriver and follow all the COVID-19 protocol for keeping your little ones safe

We take them as early as 4 months old right up to 4 years old.

For more information contact Jackie on 083 310 2416 or email to [email protected]

5 (Of many other) Benefits to playing with Lego

 Helps kids learn Patience
 Promotes Team work
 Encourages Focus and Concentration
 Builds Physical Development with the Fine Motor Skills
 Helps with Problem Solving

My kids absolutely love playing with Lego and they have fun whilst learning.

For more information contact Jackie on 083 310 2416 or email to [email protected]