A big welcome back to all our Gems families and pupils. We hope it was a restful break as we enter the final term of this year. It has gone so quickly, and we are excited to start planning for the new building. Sometimes it can be hard to see all the work when you drop pupils at the bungalow, so do try and have a look at the wonderful space that is being created. It is just opposite the main office.

We have been planning and preparing for Hobbledown Heath this week and we had a really fun, exciting day, and the pupils recognised and interacted with animals we have been learning about.

Please do continue to explore their website and prepare pupils for the visit.

All of the butterflies hatched and were successfully released. It was an engaging experiment and one that you can repeat at home should you wish to share with other siblings.

We are working hard to improve our number recognition and you can see some lovely photos of a sensory sand tray where our pupils discovered buried numbers and identified them. We also have enjoyed Mr Burton leading us in some of our favourite Makaton inspired songs on Monday and Tuesday. 

Attention bucket makes up a large part of our timetable. Pupils have progressed and responded positively to the many stages of this process. It is a fairly easy process and something you could do at home should you be interested. 

https://www.kidztz.com/attention-bucket/

Please continue Phonics work at home if you can. But rest assured, there is no expectation to know all phonics. All pupils are on a journey, and we want them to work at the pace that suits them. 

We also recommend “reading for pleasure” as much as possible. If stories are too difficult, even just looking at the pictures and seeing what their attention is drawn to, is great for developing concentration and awareness.

We will continue to send home differentiated reading packs. Again, this is just for confidence building.

We find that LittleBig Foxes, Number Blocks and RWI songs on their websites are a great source of fun and education. 

              

                                       

Key messages

• Please pack appropriate clothing for the farm. There is a water play area there!

• Please practise writing and saying the Set 1 sounds at home, using the phonics website by Ruth Miskin to help you. 

• Would families please be so kind as to donate some general cooking supplies to help with our Thursday sessions. e.g., flour, oil, eggs, butter, lifelong milk, cupcake cases. This is not compulsory. Donations welcome.

• Pick up time for Gems pupils is 3pm. Please try to be prompt so we can maximise the time we have to set up for the next day’s learning.

• Please ensure that you have notified the school if you are going to be late. Gems registers MUST be completed by 9am.