Remembering Windrush 75
The arrival of the ship HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury docks in 1948, bringing more than 800 passengers from the Caribbean, is a moment that shaped modern Britain. On 22nd June 2023, we marked its 75th anniversary and this week in Little Cypress we have been celebrating the invaluable and immeasurable contribution that these people, along with so many others from the Caribbean, have made to re-building post-war Britain and changing the face of this nation in so many incredible ways.
We have listened to stories from Floella Benjamin, John Agard and Benjamin Zephaniah to help us understand the long and arduous journey that these brave and innovative people made to come to Britain. For many families, this was not easy; leaving behind all they had ever known to come and live and work in a place that did not always welcome them. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
Many of the children remembered that they had family links to the Caribbean and we look forward to exploring this further next week. We played games such as: ‘In my suitcase I packed…’ and imagined and talked about what we would pack if we went on a long journey. This game was great for our memories, confidence in speaking aloud to the class and in working collaboratively. We practised our cutting skills by choosing and cutting out which items we would pack and then sticking them on our ‘suitcases’.
A Windrush-themed tuff tray helped fire our imaginations and we thought carefully about boats and items that float and sink.
Makaton Sign of the Week
As usual, we have learned a new Makaton sign. This week’s is a favourite fruit for many of us in Little Cypress: apple! Click here to find out how to sign the word ‘apple’.
Outside Play
We have been making the very most of the cooler weather and the wonderful outdoor space we have here at Cypress. Rainbows and Nursery have been running, jumping and balancing brilliantly on tyres and wooden logs on the field, having fun in the Adventure Playground and being busy bees with lots of activities in the Forest.
We hope you all have a lovely weekend and please speak to a member of Little Cypress if you have any family links to Windrush – we would love to hear from you!
Miss Chapman and the Little Cypress Team
