Welcome back to the summer term in Reception. The children have settled back well and we have another exciting term ahead. 

In our topic lessons we have started our new topic for this half-term on ‘Growth and Change.’ So far we have been learning to label the different parts of a plant and thinking about what they need to grow. Our ‘handy helpers’ are making sure our class plants are watered and we have planted bean and cress seeds.  The children have been excitedly looking for any changes and making predictions about whether the bean with or without water will grow or the cress with or without sunlight. We have also been learning about and sharing different facts about minibeasts. 

The first of our ‘Vineyard Adventurer weeks’ has taken place and the children have embraced the opportunity to learn ‘hands on’ in our woodland area. They have been searching for and identifying minibeasts and learning all about the different habitats in our woodland area and who might live there.  The children have talked with enthusiasm about the activities and it has really enhanced our discussions and learning in the classroom. 

In phonics, we have learnt the first three of our set 3 special friends: ea, oi and a_e. Their reading fluency is really improving as they continue to recognise all of the sounds they know and continue to try and use ‘Fred in our Head.’  We are also super proud of them using their special friend sounds in their writing. 

In maths, we have been practising strategies for counting larger sets e.g. moving each object as we count or crossing a line through something that cannot be moved.  The children are also starting to learn about how an ‘even’ number can be made using doubles. 

It has been a wonderful start to the new term filled with nature, creativity and inquisitive minds! 

 

Talk homework 

At home, with your child, we would like to encourage you to have a conversation about the learning we are doing in school. In every newsletter, we will share with you an idea to spark a conversation with your child. 

This week, ask your child - 

• What does a plant need to grow? 
• What changes have you noticed to the bean seed? 
• Which cress has grown the most? Why do you think this is?
• How many minibeasts did you find?

   

         

Messages: 

• For more information on your child’s learning, please click here to find the latest half-termly learning bulletin on our website.

• We have a year group of very creative children, so please can you continue to bring in recycling weekly to support their love of our creation station! 

• If your child has borrowed any clothes, please make sure these are washed and returned. We are running very low!

• Every Friday, we celebrate any star moments your child has had at home e.g. learnt to ride a bike, helped their siblings at home, started a new club, used wonderful manners to a relative etc. The spare ‘Star Moments’ sheets can be found hanging on the door if you run out. 

• Please continue to bring in reading folders every Wednesday and these will be returned with new books on Thursdays. Please listen to your child read at least 5 times a week and record their progress in the reading record.  

 

Upcoming dates - Next term:

• Thursday 30th April Mini Marathon and colour run 

• Friday 8th May David Attenborough family picnic at 3.30pm 

• MANGO week beginning 11th May - please sign up via the link in your classes whatsapp group 

• Thursday 21st May - our trip to Hounslow Urban Farm