Weekly Class Updates

Friday 22nd July 2022

Well done to Oak Class for a fantastic year in Reception. We have had an amazing year filled with lots of learning and laughter. I am so proud of all the children and the journey they have had over this past year. The children have put in an incredible effort and have never given up on challenges.

During our final week we enjoyed lots of Summer themed activities- they were so much fun! We also thoroughly enjoyed Giraffe Day- including lots of bouncing and dancing!

Finally myself and the other staff in the class would like to thank parents for their kind, thoughtful and generous gifts. I know I will certainly treasure my lovely frame forever.

Please have a fantastic and restful break.

Miss Atkinson, Miss Slater, Ms Robinson and Mrs Smith :)

Friday 15th July 2022

This week we have enjoyed lots of different activities linked to our topic 'Animals around the World'. The children enjoyed listening to the story 'Somebody Crunched Colin'- which highlights the importance of looking after the environment and the animals that live in it.

We have been creating mosaic turtles and taking part in different animals crafts. The children have also been creating amazing posters about protecting endangered animals.

Friday 8th July 2022

In maths this week, we have been practising creating repeating patterns. We have created patterns, using materials we have collected during our outdoor learning. We have also used different mathmatical equipment to explore patterns.

This week, we have combined Literacy and PSHE. We have been talking about our favourite memories of Reception this year and we have been talking about the children's journey into Year One. We discussed our emotions around this transition- which were very mixed!

This week we released our butterflies into our outdoor garden. Some of the butterflies even landed on some of the children! We have also began learning more about endangered animals and about the purpose of zoos. We will be continuing this throughout the last few weeks of school.

I hope you have a gorgeous weekend and lots of rest!

Friday 1st July 2022

In maths this week, we have been replicating models and manipulating shapes using Duplo. Later in the week, we focused on our problem solving skills and continued to deepen our mathmatical understanding.

In literacy, we used our plans to write our new version of the story 'Mr Gumpy's Outing'. The children did some fantastic writing. I am so impressed with how they are able to apply their phonics knowledge to their writing and read their sentences back to an adult.

This week we continued to mini-beasts. Our caterpillars are doing well and have now formed chrysales. We have been categorising and sorting different mini-beasts. We also created some amazing bumblebees using yellow balloons, black tapes and tissue paper.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Friday 24th June 2022

It has been a hot and tiring week in Reception but we finally made it to Friday-hurray!

In maths this week, we have been learning about odd and even numbers. The children have been using Numicon to learn about odd and even numbers this week. We started by taking part in a feely bag activity, where the children felt the shape of the Numicon, to identify if it was an odd or even number.

In literacy, the children planned the changes they were going to make to the original story 'Mr Gumpy's Outing'. We changed the character, where they lived and what vehicle they used. The children had some fantastic suggestions and I think their finished result will be better than the original. They finished the week by plotting their new ideas onto the text map, ready to write up next week.

This week we continued our topic 'Animals Around the World' and changed our focus to mini-beasts. The children loved a range of messy play activities, including digging in shredded paper to find hidden mini-beasts. We have also watched our class caterpillars grow and together we named them. Welcome to Oak Class... Dotty, Spotty, Colin, Wiggle and Katie Caterpillar.

Enjoy your weekend and remember to keep cool from the heat!

Friday 17th June 2022

What a fabulous week! The children did a fantastic job on Sports Day and I am so proud of their efforts.

In maths this week, we have been learning about grouping/halving. First the children explored equal grouping using different types of food. Then we explored grouping using a variety of equipment. Finally at the end of the week we had a go at halving- we will keep practising this next week to secure our skills.

In literacy, created a class text map of the story 'Mr Gumpy's Outing'. We decided on the appropriate pictures together and learnt actions to go along with them. The children really impressed me with their ideas- they were much better than Miss Atkinson's ideas! The children then had a go at trying to remember the order of events by creating their own text map of the story in their books.

This week we continued to learn about farm animals. We continued to watch real life farm videos and we learnt different facts. We were very interested in why pigs enjoy the mud so much! We also learnt about the names of baby farm animals and played some matching games. The children also made paper plate farm animals, which looked lovely in the end.

I hope you have a good rest this weekend- I think we all need it after the glorious weather and following Sports Day!

Friday 10th June 2022

The children have had a great start back at school and have enjoyed taking part in new and exciting activities. They also had a fabulous time at Messy Church on Tuesday.

In maths this week, we have been learning about doubling. First the children explored doubling by using mirrors and blocks- they found this super exciting! Then we investigated different equipment such as dominoes and ten frames, trying to find doubles. Finally, we created our own doubles by finger printing on blank ladybird templates. The final result looked really good.

In literacy, we wrote sentences about a picture of a farm setting. The children wrote some fantastic sentences. We also started reading our new class text 'Mr Gumpy's Outing'. We explored the characters in the story and completed a reading and matching activity.

Our new topic is 'Animals Around the World'. This week we started to learn about farm animals. We learnt the names of various farm animals and watched videos of them at the farm. We created different crafty farm animals, wrote sentences about what we saw in the video and had lots of fun playing with our farm toys.

Have a lovely weekend!

Friday 27th May 2022

In maths this week, we have been continuing to learn about subtraction. The children worked at solving some pretty tricky subtractions. Towards the end of the week, the children worked on manipulating 2D shapes by folding them to create new shapes.

In literacy, we have created story mountain for our 'spinner stories'. The children then had a go at writing a simple story, using their plans and story mountain for support. Miss Atkinson is very proud of the children's writing and how much progress they have made in writing.

This week we been very busy with various activities. We erupted the volcano we created the week before and we were amazed. The children have also been enjoying lots of Jubilee themed activities such as, biscuit decorating, crown making and lots of fun crafty jobs.

I hope both parents and children have a fantastic week off and a well deserved break.

Friday 20th May 2022

In maths this week, we have been learning about subtracting. We began by learning how to subtract using practical objects and equipment. Then we attempted to solve 'First, Then and Now' subtractions number sentences. The children then had a go at creating their own subtraction number story.

In literacy, we have started the week by matching simple sentences to pictures of various dinosaurs. We then using an 'online spinner' to select random characters and settings for our new stories, which we will continue next week.

This week we have been continuing to learn about dinosaurs. We discussed the environment that dinosaur lived in. We also talked about the likeliness of finding a dinosaur walking through the streets of Barwick! As a class, we created a volcano using paper mache techniques- we are super excited to explode the volcano next week!

Friday 29th April 2022

In maths this week, we have been learning about counting on from given numbers. We have continued exploring and representing numbers 1-14. The children had a go at filling in the missing numbers in number tracks.

In literacy, we have been continuing to read the story 'Harry and the Bucketful of Dinosaurs'. At the beginning of the week the children wrote character descriptions about a character of their choosing from the story. As a class we created a text map of the story and learnt actions for the story. The children then drew their own text maps of the story.

This week we have been continuing to learn about dinosaurs. We continued to learn the names of the dinosaurs and began to describe their physical features. The children created crafty dinosaurs using a range of materials. They also created their own dinosaur fossils by imprinting small dinosaur toys into salt dough.

Friday 25th March 2022

In maths this week, we have been learning about 3D shapes. We have been learning the names of the shapes and considering where we can find them in everyday environments. The children have also been manipulating the 3D shapes by- rolling and pushing them, print using paint and using playdough to recreate the shapes.

In literacy, we have been writing instructions for 'How to Plant a Seed'. The children were able to recall the steps they took to plant their own seed and were able to use their plan they had created the previous week. They used their phonics knowledge to write captions and sentences. Miss Atkinson was really impressed.

This week, in our topic lesson, we learned all about spring flowers. The children had lots of fun observing daffodils and other spring flowers. They drew pictures of the daffodils, taking note of the shapes and colours they should use.

Friday 18th March 2022

In maths this week, we have been learning about number bonds to 10. We practised making number bonds using our fingers, Numicon and coloured counters. The children really enjoyed pushing the 10 Numicon into play dough and finding different combinations of number bonds.

In literacy, we created a text map in Talk for Writing. We orally rehearsed our instructions for 'How to Plant a Seed'. The children created lovely plans for their instructions, which they will be writing next week. We also did a matching activity where the children had to match captions to pictures from the instructions.

This week, in our topic lesson, we continued to learn all about growing and plants. The children enjoyed messy play with flowers in the tuff tray and had a go at creating flower and leaf rubbings with crayons.

Please remember that it is World Down Syndrome Day on Monday. More information can be found on the school newsletter.

Friday 4th March 2022

What a busy first week back!

In maths this week, we have been learning about the numbers 9 and 10. We have been learning about how to represent the numbers in different ways and matching pictorial representations to numerals. We have been ordering numbers to 10 and creating our own pictures using 10 black dots.

We have really enjoyed our hook lesson, which linked well with World Book Day. The children enjoyed a range of activities such as fishing beans out of slime, going on a golden egg hunt, creating crafty characters, making playdough beanstalk and we even planted our own beans!

Have a lovely weekend!

Miss Atkinson.

Friday 28th January 2022

In maths this week, we have been exploring 6, 7 and 8 in more depth. We have been learning about how to represent the numbers in different ways and matching pictorial representations to numerals.

At the beginning of the week in literacy, we have planned changes to our story 'How to Catch a Star'. We had some fantastic suggestions like 'How to Catch a Unicorn', 'How to Catch a Cowboy' and 'How to Catch a Welly Boot'. Towards the end of the week the children added their plans to a story mountain, making sure they ordering the events in the correct order.

This week, we continued our space topic. We have been learning all about aliens. In class we have been making craft aliens and sketching ideas for what aliens might look like. This week the children's home learning is to design and draw the best alien you can think of- the more creative the better.

Have a lovely weekend!

Miss Atkinson.

Friday 21st January 2022

In maths this week, we have been learning about capacity, mass and measuring. We have had fun with lots of practical activities. We especially loved getting messy measuring capacity in the water area.

In literacy, we have continued learning about our class text 'How to Catch a Star'. We have been creating a text map for the story and learning actions to go with it. As a challenge the children were then provided with strips of the text map and asked to put them in order- the children did so well!

This week, we continued our space topic. We have been learning all about Earth. We have been discussing what colour Earth is and what the colours represent. The children had a go at using oil pastels to create pictures of the Earth- they really enjoying learning about the 'smudging' technique.

Please remember to have a good rest this weekend, I can't wait to see what next week in class brings.

Miss Atkinson.

Friday 14th January 2022

In maths this week, we have been learning about the composition of numbers to 5. We have been exploring how numbers can be made up in different ways. First, we explored the composition of numbers represented on dominoes. Then, the children had a go at creating their own number bonds to 5, using ladybird templates.

In literacy, we have continued learning about our class text 'How to Catch a Star'. We have been investigating the characters and what they do in the story. Then, we ordered the events in the story and discussed the vocabulary that was new to us. After that, we wrote labels for parts of the story.

This week, we continued our space topic. We discussed the different planets and began learning some facts about them. We then created paper mache planets, which we will be decorating/ painting next week.

Well done for a great week in school and for trying so hard!

Miss Atkinson.

Friday 7th January 2022

Well done to the children for a fantastic first week back at school. I have enjoyed talking to the children about their Christmas holidays and all the adventures they have been up to during their two weeks off.

In maths this week, we have been continuing to compare numbers. The children have enjoyed learning the song 5 currant buns. They were able to join in with the song and began to learn the actions. After learning the song, we discussed the concept of taking one away, using language such as more and less to compare. We also learnt about equal and unequal groups, discussing whether chocolate buttons have been shared equally.

In literacy, we have been discussing and writing about what we did during the holidays. It sounds like the children had lots of fun! The children also had a go at writing words about a space themed picture. Well done!

We began our space topic this week. We discussed what we already knew about space and made a record of this- so we can see what we have learnt at the end of the half term. The children enjoyed exploring the new role play area- a space station! We created lots of artwork showing what we know about space so far. I can't wait to see how the children progress throughout the next few weeks.

A big thank you from all of the Reception team for your gorgeous Christmas gifts. They were very generous and so thoughtful. Miss Atkinson really enjoyed the life of luxury with these lovely gifts.

Miss Atkinson.

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!

We have had a wonderful week in Reception. The children have enjoyed lots of Christmas themed activities such as making salt dough Christmas tree decorations, making homemade wrapping paper, writing Christmas themed words, and of course making calendars and cards.

I am so proud of how hard the children have tried so far this year and what a fantastic first term it has been. I have had the pleasure of watching the children grow and develop of love of learning.

Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New Year!

Friday 10th December 2021

We have had such a busy week in Reception.

On Tuesday, the children enjoyed taking part in Messy Church. They created lots of fun crafts and had a fantastic time. We also made Christingles, ready for the service at the church the following day.

On Wednesday, the children took part in the Christingle service at All Saints. The children enjoyed singing hymns and lighting the Christingles they had created.

On Friday, the children took part in Elf Day. The children dressed up as elves and enjoyed lots of elf themed activities. They especially loved the elf run, where they enjoyed games such as parachutes and musical elf statues!

Friday 3rd December 2021

In maths, we have been learning about repeating patterns. We started by finding 2 shape repeating patterns and 2 colour repeating patterns. We have been taking part in lots of hands on practical activities and have made patterns with equipment such as compare bears, cubes, buttons and toys. We even had a go at making repeating patterns on the interactive whiteboard!

In literacy, we have been learning about instructions. We discussed how instructions are bossy and tell you what to do... the children came up with some brilliant examples of bossy instructions! The children were then able to follow instructions and made jam sandwiches- delicious! They also began attempting the write their own instructions (simple words).

We began celebrating Christmas in class and throughout the school. We have a class elf named 'Mischief' and decorated our class tree. We will continue enjoying the Christmas activities over the next few weeks!

Friday 26th November 2021

In maths, we have been learning about finding one less. The children took part in lots of practical activities to help us understand one less, using resources such as ten frames and number lines.

In literacy, we changed our text map and created the story 'Brickman' instead of the classic 'Stickman'. The children then had a go at innovating the story to create their own version. They all had fantastic ideas! They changed the main character and the problem that they faced during the story. We then practised orally rehearsing our new versions!

The children took part in a science experiment, following their learning about hibernation. They were able to recall which animals hibernated and why animals need to hibernate during colder months.

Friday 19th November 2021

I am so proud of the children this week for the efforts they have put into their learning.

In maths, we have been learning about adding one more. We found this concept difficult at first but the children have tried really hard and have made some fantastic progress. The children enjoyed lots of practical activities to help us understand one more, using resources such as ten frames and number lines.

In literacy, we continued learning about Stickman. We made a text map as a class and drew pictures to represent the parts of the story. The children came up with their own actions for the story and they were even able to remember some of the phrases from Stickman.

The children enjoyed learning about Anti-Bullying Week and we discussed acts of kindness and how we can help others. We also continued to learn about Autumn and painted pictures to show how trees are affected by the different seasons.

Well done Reception!

Friday 12th November 2021

This week, we learned all about Remembrance Day. We learned all about the importance of the day and the significance of poppies. The children worked really hard to create a poppy wreath, which we displayed in the classroom.

In maths this week, we have been learning all about the composition of numbers. We learnt that numbers can be made up of smaller numbers. The children enjoyed a range of practical activities, where they could apply their learning. We enjoyed exploring Numicon and played a 'aim game', which they loved.

In phonics, we continued practising our speed sounds and focused on developing our blending skills. A letter has been sent out to parents today to explain the next step of our phonics scheme and how you can support your child's learning at home through their home learning.

In literacy, we continued to learn all about 'Stickman'. We were able to understand the story well and were able to sequence the events in the story. The children were able to draw their favorite type of Stickman and had a really good try at labelling their picture.

Note: In Early Years it is extremely important for the children to explore the outdoor provision. Outdoor learning provides fantastic opportunities for children to develop their motor skills and strengthen their social skills. I am aware that due to the change in weather, the children have been rather muddy! If you would like to provide your child with waterproof trousers or a pair of trousers designated for muddy play, please feel free to do so from Monday and we will support your child with putting them on before the outdoor play session.

Remember any photos shared on Tapestry are welcome, we go through these together as a class on a Monday. The children love to see what adventures their friends get up to on a weekend!

Friday 5th November 2021

Well done to all the children in Reception for such a positive start to the new half term. Thank you to all the children and families that submitted science experiments, we all enjoyed watching them together in class.

The children settled in really well but then something mysterious happened on Wednesday- someone broke into Reception! Miss Atkinson came into school to discover that the classroom was a mess... there were leaves and sticks everywhere. The children investigated the classroom and made some predictions about who might have been in our class. After lots of detective work, we solved the mystery- it was Stickman. We shared the story 'Stickman' by Julia Donaldson and the children were thrilled to find out this is the book we will be focusing on over the next term.

The children enjoyed learning all about Bonfire Night and the story of Guy Fawkes. We got really creative in the afternoon and made glittery bonfire pictures and experimented with black paper and chalk. It was a huge success!

We have also been learning about Diwali and how it is celebrated. The children enjoyed listening to the story of Rama and Sita and understood the story well. They loved creating Diya lamps, using clay and paint.

What a creative week for Oak Class!

Friday 15th October 2021

This week, we enjoyed Spanish Day. We tried Spanish food for lunch and even practised Spanish dancing.

In maths this week, we have been learning all about the number 4. We practised recognising pictorial representations of numbers up to 4. We also learnt all about 2D shapes. We had a hunt around the classroom for the shapes and even made shapes using lollypop sticks and pipe cleaners.

In phonics, we have been learning about the sounds ‘j’, ‘v’, ‘y’, ‘w’ and ‘z’. Please remember to complete the Green Sounds this week (more information can be found on the home learning page).

In literacy, we have continued changing aspects of the story 'Owl Babies'. Last week, we changed the character and this week, we changed the setting of our story. The children really impressed me with their creativity, drawings and writing.

Note: Over the past few weeks we have experienced a lot of mixed up jumpers and PE hoodies. Please check your child's clothing over the weekend and ensure that their names are written in clearly. Please also be aware that many parents who have used the sticky name labels have said that the names have been removed when washed.

Remember please feel free to post pictures on Tapestry of any wonderful adventures you have at the weekend- I would love to see them.

Friday 8th October 2021

Well done to Reception for another brilliant week of learning.

In maths this week, we have been learning all about the number 3. We have been practising the formation of the number, as well as learning about how numbers can be represented differently. We have been matching and sorting numbers to 3, using pictorial representations.

In phonics, we have been learning about the sounds ‘e’, ‘l’, ‘h’, ‘sh’ and ‘r’. Please remember to complete the Green Sounds this week (more information can be found on the home learning page).

In literacy, we have continued to read the story Owl Babies. We added actions to our class text map. We began to change aspects of the story, initially focussing on changing the main characters, which we will continue next week. Well done everyone for some fantastic suggestions!

We also read the story The Colour Monster and discussed our emotions. The children enjoyed making monster slime, using colours to show how they were feeling that day.

Please remember it is Spanish Day at school on Tuesday. More information can be found on the school newsletter.

Please feel free to post pictures on Tapestry of any wonderful adventures you have at the weekend- I would love to see them.

Friday 1st October 2021

Thank you to everyone who logged on for Parents' Evening. What a positive start to our year together in Reception!

In maths this week, we have been learning all about the number 2. We have been practising the formation of the number, as well as learning about how numbers can be represented differently. We have also been comparing objects, focusing on weight. We used language such as lighter and heavier and really enjoyed using the scales.

In phonics, we have been learning about the sounds ‘c’, ‘k’, ‘u’, ‘b’ and ‘f’. Please remember to complete the Green Sounds this week (more information can be found on the home learning page).

In literacy, we have continued to read the story Owl Babies. We began the week by making Owl Baby stick puppets and recreating the story using them. Towards the end of the week, we have created a text map of the story, using pictures to represent the main parts of the book.

Please feel free to post pictures on Tapestry of any wonderful adventures you have at the weekend- I would love to see them.

Miss Atkinson

Friday 24th September 2021

What a busy week we have had in Reception!

In maths this week, we have been learning all about the number 1. We have been practising the formation of the number using craft materials, as well as learning about how numbers can be represented differently.

In phonics, we have been learning about the sounds ‘i’, ‘n’, ‘p’, ‘g’ and ‘o’. We have continued to practise our letter formation throughout the week. We absolutely love Fred the Frog!

In literacy, we have been beginning to read the story Owl Babies. We created owl masks and explored the characters from the story. Using the photographs from last week's homework, we compared the family from the story to our own. We even drew some beautiful pictures of our families.

Please feel free to post pictures on Tapestry of any wonderful adventures you have at the weekend- I would love to see them.

Miss Atkinson

Friday 17th September 2021

Well done to the children for their first full week in Reception. We have done lots of learning and have had so much fun together.

This week we enjoyed taking part in Roald Dahl Day. We dressed up as our favourite characters and took part in various Roald Dahl themed activities. Our favourite activities were tasting peaches and creating BFG ears for our sound walk.

In maths this week, we have been learning all about matching. We have matched counting bears and tractors and even took part in a welly hunt around the classroom.

In phonics, we have been learning about the sounds ‘m’, ‘a’, ‘s’, ‘d’ and ‘t’. We have tried really hard in these lessons. I am so proud of the effort the children have put into listening, joining in and with beginning to write the sounds.

Make sure to get lots of rest and have a fantastic weekend!

Miss Atkinson