Literacy

This term, we have had a productive and engaging time in our classroom. We began the half term with a focus on recognising and writing new digraphs and some tri-graphs. Moving through Phase 3 phonics, the children practised blending and segmenting words, and we started to structure these words into short sentences, which has been exciting for everyone!

In our English lessons, we explored the delightful books ‘What the Ladybird Heard’ and ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’. Our discussions around these texts were lively and allowed the children to express their own thoughts and ideas we have created shooties and have had fun with fruits. As we delved into these stories, we learned about patterns, repetition, punctuation, and expression while also making predictions about what might happen next in the stories.

We encouraged the children to document their discussions and insights, fostering a sense of ownership in their learning. The interactive nature of our lessons really engaged the children, and it was heartening to see them grow in confidence and curiosity. Overall, this term has been full of enriching experiences that have laid a solid foundation for their continuing phonics and literacy development.

Maths

This term in maths, we focused on numbers 1-10, using a variety of manipulatives to really get to grips with each number. The children engaged in number recognition activities, counting everything from toys to snacks, and even split numbers into parts to help them understand addition and subtraction. They had a great time writing numbers and matching them to the correct quantities, which really reinforced their learning.

In our provision area, we implemented maths challenges that encouraged the children to continue exploring mathematical concepts in a fun way. These challenges sparked their curiosity and allowed them to apply what they had learned in practical situations. Overall, it was a productive term, with lots of hands-on activities that helped solidify the children’s understanding of basic maths concepts while keeping their enthusiasm for learning alive. I’m excited to see how they continue to develop their skills in the next term!

Understanding of the world/ Expressive art and design

(R.E, Geography, History, Science, Art, DT)

This half term, we explored a fabulous range of topics in Understanding the World. We experienced Chinese New Year, discovering its rich traditions and vibrant celebrations, we shared in the diversity of our classmates traditions and welcomed new celbrations and ideas through food, art, music and culture. We looked at our similarities and differences in food, clothing, celebrations, colours, flags, and the unique traditions of each culture.

In history, we learnt about Winston Churchill and discussed why he is such an important figure; his leadership during the war really stood out. We also delved into the general election process and examined the qualities that make a good Prime Minister. To make things even more engaging, we held our own class election, where everyone had the chance to vote for their class Prime Minister. It was a fun and informative term, giving us a better understanding of democracy in action!

In Forest School, we engaged with nature, connecting our learning through hands-on activities. Overall, it was an enlightening experience that helped us appreciate diversity and fostered a sense of community among our classmates. We truly enjoyed every bit of our exploration, creating lasting memories along the way!

Physical Development

This half term has been all about enhancing our children’s physical development in fun and engaging ways! We’ve focused on daily gross motor sessions, tailored to each child’s progress and growing independence, ensuring that everyone is getting the most out of their experience.

Additionally, our weekly Forest School sessions have encouraged the children to venture outdoors, where they can explore and discover the natural world all on their own. It’s truly wonderful to see them embracing this challenge with such enthusiasm.

Our outdoor play area has been a hub of activity, brimming with crates, planks, and tires. These resources not only facilitate creativity but also promote risk-taking, which is crucial for building confidence and physical skills. Overall, it’s been a brilliant half term, and we’re excited to continue nurturing our children’s physical development in the weeks to come!

Personal Social and Emotional Development

This half term has been filled with delightful opportunities for the children to explore their personal, social, and emotional development through various activities. We kicked off with Chinese New Year, where the children learned about the significance of the celebration and created beautiful lanterns. Valentine’s Day followed, inspiring discussions about friendship and kindness, culminating in card-making for loved ones.

Shrove Tuesday brought the fun of pancake-making, where the kids not only cooked but shared stories about their favourite toppings, promoting teamwork and communication. Our Animal Day was a highlight; the children dressed up as their favourite animals and enjoyed baking themed treats, while also embracing their differences through face painting. Additionally, the creative use of junk modelling and painting allowed them to express their individual ideas, fostering their creativity. Each activity reinforced the importance of collaboration, empathy, and self-expression, making this half term truly memorable!