Reception Autumn
We hope the information below gives you a good understanding of what experiences your child will have over the coming term. We have two Reception Classes; the Giraffes and the Zebras.
We hope by explaining some of the teaching and learning objectives we will deliver over this term, you will be able to work with us to ensure your child has an enjoyable and productive first year. However, if you need to discuss any issues please email or call the school office (after 3pm) to chat to us. We also regularly send out Reception News Letters via Parentmail informing you of new topics and events. Copies can be found in the Reception letters section of the Learning Platform or stuck on the Classroom window/or boards outside our classrooms.
Autumn Term
Each term we explore different topics. This term’s Topic is ‘All About Me!’ This will cover Families, Our Senses, including colour, Healthy Eating and Keeping Safe. We also look at Autumn Weather and Nocturnal Animals. Later this term we look at Winter Festivals and continue with Seasonal Changes. We will explore these topics through all Seven Areas of Learning and Development in a variety of ways.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
As the children are starting their first year of full time education, we want them to develop confidence, independence and self-esteem. In class we are encouraging them to maintain attention, concentrate and sit quietly when appropriate and to respond to questions. We encourage children to take turns when they want to answer a question or contribute to sharing ideas. Assemblies, Circle time and Religious Education all contribute to the children’s development in this area.
By making and keeping friends we want the children to understand that friends/people have different views, cultures and beliefs that need to be treated with respect. We encourage all the children to become sensitive to the needs of others and to form polite and respectful relationships with adults and children alike. We plan outdoor visits to the local area to encourage children to be aware of their environment and how to care for it. It also promotes independence and co-operation as children learn to work as a team to complete activities.
Physical Development
Structured Physical activities take place weekly. Please ensure that your child does not wear earrings as they will play out every day and help your child to learn to dress and undress themselves as this is an important part of becoming independent.
There are daily opportunities to develop both fine motor and gross motor skills and we encourage children to become confident movers and able to handle and manipulate a variety of tools independently. We are learning about the importance of keeping healthy and the factors that contribute to this (sleep, diet, hygiene and exercise) and recognise some of the changes that happen to their bodies as they grow or exercise.
During this term the children will be developing their physical skills such as climbing, balancing and moving safely. They will also have daily access to small equipment such as skipping ropes, balls, hoops, bikes, stilts and bean bags. Weather permitting we try and get out every day. Having appropriate clothes is very important.
Language Development
Language Development is divided into three areas; Communication and Language (which includes listening, attention, understanding and speaking, Reading and Writing. We follow the National Programme of ‘Essential Letters and Sounds’ and we use Oxford Reading Tree books to support reading development.
Communication and Language
The children will be listening to and responding to stories, songs and poems around our topics. We will be encouraging the children to speak clearly, audibly and with confidence, we want them to show an awareness of the listener by using strategies such as polite greetings, looking at the person who is speaking to them and not interrupting. We want them to organise and clarify their own ideas and thoughts before they speak.
We have a home corner in both classrooms. This is where children can engage in role play activities, social skills, writing and recording and reading based activities. We also have a puppet theatre to encourage role play and social interaction. The children will engage in imaginary play through different activities that are selected each week.
Linking Sounds and Letters
We will be introducing the children to new phonic sounds every week. The children will use these sounds to read simple CVC words such as ‘cat’ ‘run’ and ‘red’. We are starting with Phase 2 sounds and moving on to Phase 3 sounds such as ng ,sh, th and ch. We go over sounds every week so please ensure reading bags are in school.
Reading
We have started using the School Reading Scheme and children will be bringing home each week new letter sounds, new word lists and books to share with you. Please encourage your child to discuss the pictures not just learn the sentences. Reading should be a fun time together and please continue to read your child’s own story books together. Please write a short comment on your child’s progress as this helps us enormously in planning their next stage of development. Books are changed on a Friday. We really appreciate your comments as they support your child’s learning.
Your child will get a new library book from our school library every week. Please remember to send in your child’s library book on a Thursday to ensure that they can choose another one. The local library also has a wide selection of books to encourage your child’s interest in reading.
Writing
This term children are learning to write their own names and simple words and captions. They will be learning how to hold a pencil correctly and use correct letter formation. We encourage children to write their own name on their independent work. Colouring, cutting and list making at home all help them develop their confidence and enjoyment.
Mathematics
As part of the Maths curriculum we look at Numbers and Shapes. The children are encouraged to use and apply the skills they have learned when engaging in problem solving activities.
This term the children in Reception will engage in number recognition and counting games, measuring, sequencing and number writing. They will continue to consolidate their knowledge of numbers up to 10 and beyond. As children recognise and understand the patterns in numbers to 10 we will progress to numbers to 20 over the year. The children will be comparing quantities using language such as ‘more’, ‘less’, ‘longer’, ‘shorter’, heavier’ and ‘lighter’. They will use the vocabulary of time, by sequencing events and learning days of the week and seasonal changes. Work will be a mix of practical, guided and independent activities. We sometimes send home supporting work for you to try out with your child. Work at your child’s pace.
Understanding the World
This term we are exploring how we use our senses to find out about the world. The children will be finding out about different cultures within our society by exploring different festivals that occur at this time of year. We are encouraging the children to talk about their families and memories. We will look at seasonal changes to encourage your child to be aware of their environment and appreciate the passing of time. We will be going out to the Park and looking at a Park Keeper’s role as part of exploring our local environment. We look at how nocturnal animals behave.
ICT/Technology
The children will be using computers and the interactive whiteboards in the class to support their learning in all areas on a daily basis.
Expressive Arts and Design
We want the children to respond and offer their opinion to what they see, hear, smell, touch and feel through creative development. We link much of our Design and Technology and craft activities to our topics. This term we will be engaged in dancing, singing and music making in addition to a variety of Art projects.
The children will be given the opportunity to experiment with various media and explore the different textures, shapes and effects they can achieve using paint and collage. The children will be developing their fine motor skills by engaging in many cutting and sticking projects. Look out for their own creations that they will regularly bring home.
Assessment, progress and parental feedback
Over the year we will be assessing each individual child’s progress. The children will not know that they are being assessed, as the teachers record their findings by observing the children as they work and play and by examining their work. We also assess their characteristics of Effective Learning. By understanding how your child learns we can provide the environment and activities that interest and challenge your child. We will send you photographs of your child trying out new activities every four weeks via ParentMail. Please check your emails regularly.
We hope this information has been useful and if you wish to discuss anything further please email the office.
These are useful websites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/numberjacks/games/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/games/#/lb/alphablocks/alphablocksgame
https://vimeo.com/641445921/9382cf6db0 (Correct Pronunciation of Phase 2 sounds)
https://vimeo.com/642342878/59d233684c (Correct Pronunciation of Phase 3 sounds)
For more information please click the link to see a Parents Guide to the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
