The sun has definitely come out and we are really enjoying it in Gems. We are also learning about the importance of staying cool and hydrated during this hot weather. 

In YR, the topic of dinosaurs is engaging our learners and we have worked hard to write a dinosaur fact in our English books.  The Smile Shop continues to inspire our Y1 pupils and we have been acquiring new knowledge about how a market stall works, how to look after money and most importantly, understanding that a smile costs nothing! Please reinforce this work at home by watching the story on YouTube. 

In the next few weeks, we will start some transitions to our new classes for September. This will provide a relaxing taster and prepare them for a new setting as well as a chance to meet the staff in their mainstream class. We know the pupils are excited about this and it will be quite the challenge for us all, as we prepare to have Gems pupils spread across three different year groups!

Our trip to Hobbledown Heath has been confirmed for Tuesday 15th July. I will confirm all the details nearer the time, but we have no doubt it will be a great day for the whole team.

A special mention to our Y1 pupils who put so much effort into their phonics screening. We have seen huge progress and the fact that they love learning and always engage with this process is the most important thing to us. Well done.

All the Gems team.

Please email jrigby@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk with any queries and the Gems team will be happy to help.

 

               

                       

 

Please continue Phonics work at home if you can. 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

• If are late in the morning and we have gone to OT, please bring your child to the main office and someone will help you from there.

• Reading Records will be sent home weekly. Please read with your child even if the text is too difficult. Looking at the pictures and exposing them to language will always be beneficial.

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

• Drop off time is 8.40. Pick up time for Gems pupils is 3.05. 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 8.50.