Year 1 Harvest Festival - 19 Oct 2026

There was a buzz of excitement at Garlinge Primary School and Nursery this week when our Year 1 parents and carers were treated to a heartwarming Harvest celebration. The assembly was full of autumn colour, cheerful music, and the spirit of giving as the children shared their learning and creativity through song, sign and storytelling.

Year 1 children took to the stage to perform a very special retelling of the much-loved traditional tale The Little Red Hen, brought to life with the help of Makaton. Their handmade hats, each representing a character from the story added colour and character to the performance.

“I love singing the I Can See Conkers song!” said India, aged 5. 

“Our Harvest assembly was a wonderful celebration, and the children worked incredibly hard to learn and retell the story of the Little Red Hen,” said Mr Piper, Year 1 teacher. “Using actions and Makaton really helped them understand the message of helping others and working together. The Little Red Hen is a perfect story for Harvest. It helps children understand that food does not just appear and that it takes effort to grow, and it is important to share the rewards with others.”

In the lead-up to the assembly, the children took part in a hands-on baking session, following a simple bread recipe inspired by the hen's hard work in the story. With eager hands, they kneaded, shaped, and baked their own bread.

“One of the highlights for our children was making their own bread, just like the Little Red Hen. They loved getting involved in mixing, kneading and shaping the dough – and were so excited to taste the warm bread they had made themselves. It was a fantastic hands-on experience that brought the story to life and helped them understand the value of hard work and sharing,” said Mrs Cope, Year 1 Teacher.

During the performance, several of the young bakers proudly took the opportunity to reflect on their experience and present their homemade bread to the audience, beaming with pride as they shared their hard work.

“We made bread just like the Little Red Hen and got to eat it with butter.” said Robin, age 6.

Following on from their storytelling performance, the children also delighted the audience with autumn favourites such as Oats and Beans and Barley Grow and I Can See Conkers. Parents and teachers smiled proudly as the children sang with confidence and great enthusiasm. The event ended with a short harvest prayer followed by warm applause.

The assembly also included a Harvest table which was beautifully decorated and overflowing with canned goods, pasta, rice, fruit, and vegetables. The table reflected a strong sense of true community spirit and kindness shared by all families who were able to generously donate food to support Thanet Food link, a local charity focused on linking those with enough to those in need.

"What a fantastic Year 1 Harvest Assembly! The children spoke so clearly and confidently, shared some wonderful words, and sang and signed beautifully. It was a joy to see their enthusiasm, growing confidence and teamwork shine through. We are incredibly proud of them all and grateful for such a heartwarming celebration of harvest,” said Mrs Northrop, Head of School.