Our Level 2 Early Years students welcomed Year Two pupils from a local primary school to EKC Dover College in December, hosting a festive Christmas party designed to give the children a fun seasonal experience while allowing students to put their learning into practice.
Each year, around 50 to 60 children visit from Aylesham Primary School, and this annual event gives Early Years students the opportunity to plan, organise and lead age-appropriate activities in a practical setting.
From preparing the room and creating resources to running games and supporting the children throughout the day, students took responsibility for every element of the party.
The visit also plays an important role in developing students’ confidence and preparing them for upcoming work placements, helping them build communication skills, adaptability and an understanding that every child is unique.
Ronnie, a Level 2 Early Years student, told us more about the day:
“We set up a Christmas party with games, letter writing, colouring, and arts and crafts. The children got to meet Santa, give him their letters and receive a present. I was in charge of organising and running the games, which was really good fun.
“Today gave me experience in how to talk to the children and helped me learn that every child is different.
“My favourite part was playing the games and seeing the children happy. This event has given me confidence and a better understanding of how to socialise with children, and it’s really helped to prepare me for my work placement in the new year.”
Fellow Level 2 Early Years student, Ayla, added:
“Every year, children visit us from Aylesham Primary School and we get to organise fun activities and games for them. It gets them really excited for Christmas.
“I’ve learned from this event that all children are different, and that we need to adapt to each child’s likes and dislikes. I loved interacting with the children and using colour dabbers to create Christmas lights on paper with the children.
“My work placement will be at Triangles Nursery. I want to gain experience with all age groups, but I think I’d like to work in a nursery setting because I love working with little ones.”
Seeing our students engage with the visiting pupils was a pleasure and truly uplifting. Their confidence and enthusiasm were clear throughout the day as they led activities, ran games with energy and encouraged every child to take part. They also took time to support children individually, helping them sound out words and express their ideas while writing letters to Santa, before accompanying them to meet him in the grotto.
Tanya, an Early Years lecturer, shared her favourite part of the day:
“I love seeing the children come out of the grotto holding their presents after meeting Santa. I also really enjoy watching my students interact.
“My first-year students only started in September, so they’re just a few months into the course. This event really shows whether they’re willing to interact and use their initiative. They’ve done a fantastic job setting up the room and I’m incredibly proud of them all.”
Tanya added:
“Students learn so many different skills from hosting events like this – from planning age-appropriate activities and making resources, to leading sessions, building confidence and developing organisation skills. You also have to let yourself be fun and silly around children, which is such an important part of working in Early Years.”
Before the children left, they enjoyed a biscuit and a drink together on the carpet. When asked what they enjoyed most about the party, responses included “Santa”, “throwing snowballs at the tower” and “pinning the nose on Rudolph”. A big collective “thank you” was shared before the children left with smiling faces, making it a truly successful event for everyone involved.
If working with children is something you’d be interested in, take a look at our Early Years courses available at EKC Dover College. We offer courses starting next September for both 16–18-year-olds and adults looking to begin a rewarding career working with children.
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