We did a penalty shout out!

Bronze, Silver and Gold! The fastest runners in our class.

We have been experimenting with different jumps, stretches and apparatus in P.E.

We watched videos from the Greatest Showman and had a go at some gymnastics.

Then we got up on the stage and performed to songs from The Greatest Showman. What a fun day!!

Amazing work, Reception!

For our last two weeks in Reception class we will be learning about different festivals. We will learn about Chinese New Year, Mardis Gras and other ways people celebrate together.

We have introduced a new ‘Circus’ themed provision. This includes a ticket office role play, snack stand and circus tent. The children have loved it so far! We are making tickets, decorations and ID badges for our own celebration next week. We will dance to songs from The Greatest Showman and play lots of games.

Keep checking the blog for updates on what we get up to!

At Forest School I challenged the children to make a den for a cuddly toy.
It had to be big enough to fit ‘Pusheen the cat’ inside, have a roof or shelter and somewhere for him to sleep!

We all took on the challenge and got very creative in building little houses for him!

We tested if he could fit inside.

E: “This is his sofa, this is where he can play, and this is his bed.”

R: “This is his roof and it keeps the rain out. There’s his front door.”

S: “This is his house and that’s his slide to get out! He can slide down it when he’s leaving for the day.”

Today we have been baking gingerbread.

First we got all the ingredients out and weighed them. We made sure to follow the recipe.

Then we mixed all the ingredients together.

After that we rolled out the dough and cut out our shape.

Ta da! We put them in the oven for 10 minutes and then let them cool.

Finally, it was time to decorate!

We did a taste test once they were ready and can confirm they were delicious. What a fun morning! Well done, Reception class.

After receiving the letter from the Gingerbread man some children decided to write back. They told him they were happy to help!

We designed our sails and then constructed our boats. This involved a lot of trial and error as the masts kept falling over. We added lots of decorations too!

Finally we tested them!

The most successful ones were made out of plastic and had a large sail.

Well done, Reception class. I am sure the Gingerbread man will be thrilled with the boats you have made – a much better option than riding on the back of that sneaky fox!

Today we received a letter from the Gingerbread Man. He has asked for our help in building him a boat or a bridge to help him cross the river.

Before we could help the Gingerbread man we needed to find out which materials float and which ones sink… We did this experiment in small groups. We used a tick sheet on a clipboard to keep track of which materials float and which sink.

We discovered that wood and plastic float the best! Now we can start making our boats…

This morning we went on a summer flower hunt on the field. We know the names of different flowers like bluebells, daisies and buttercups!
What a beautiful day in the sunshine… We love working with our friends in Reception class.

Well done Ava for achieving your bronze, silver and gold certificates. Fantastic work.

After retelling the story (see the videos in previous blog posts!) we made our own books.

Some children needed prompting to write the next word but most of these were done independently! Wow!

Look at all that writing!

It wouldn’t be Friday if we didn’t have a dance to the Friday song!

Today we got into small groups and acted out the story The Three Little Pigs. We had 3 pigs, a wolf, a narrator and someone to record the acting!

We are really enjoying ‘The Three Little Pigs’. We have been listening to the story, acting it out, retelling it and sequencing the events.

First we were given a selection of pictures and we worked together to put them in chronological order.

Then we went away and independently put them in the right order ourselves. Everyone did a fantastic job and it is clear we all understand the beginning, middle and end of the story.

Have a look at some snippets of us retelling the story from memory, only using our pictures as prompts… We used amazing expression and remembered key vocabulary like ‘snarled’.

What brilliant story tellers we all are!

Our next step will be to try and write some parts of the story ourselves… I know we can do it!

In Reception we are focusing on spotting digraphs in words and understanding sentences we have read.
Some of us find this easy and some of us still need support in spotting digraphs but EVERYONE has a go and we love love love reading!

Take a look  – we are so proud.

Fantastic work as always.

Special well done to Ronnie for achieving a silver certificate as well as a bronze.

Our new story… The three little pigs!

Once again we have lots of small world and finger puppets to encourage talk and the retelling of stories. We also have real straw, bricks and sticks to build houses with!

Today we did phonics outside. We were all given a page with three bubbles on. One had the ‘ur’ sound in, one had the ‘sh’ sound and one had the ‘ai’ sound.

We had to find the words outside and write them in the correct bubble – so rain would go in the ‘ai’ bubble.
We had a competition to see who could write down the most words in the correct bubbles- to make it even harder you only got the points if you could read them too!

Some of us worked with a partner, and others chose to work independently. Miss Wright and I could not believe how hard everyone worked and EVERYONE got involved and had a go. We are starting to realise that the more we practise our phonics, the easier it gets!

Well done, Reception!

We have been making castles – just like in the story ‘Jack and the beanstalk’.

We are starting to write simple sentences. These were done independently after it being modelled to the whole class. Some of us find this easy, whereas others find it more challenging. Practise makes perfect!

We have had a lovely day exploring our outdoor area in the sun!
We have been writing with chalks, reading in the tents, balancing, exploring the sand, drawing and cleaning our chalk boards ready for Monday!

Isobel: “It feels like summer today!”

Sonny: “I like the tents, we haven’t seen them before.”

Today we went on a hunt at forest school for different pictures of animal poo!!!! We had to find the hidden cards, read what they  said and then match them up with our list… Every single child could point out the ‘oo’ sound and tell me that to write “oo” you need an “o and an o” the end of the session!

A very silly but very effective way of making phonics memorable!

IMG_6568

George: “We just need to find the p-i-g pig p-oo poo… pig poo and then we have got them all!”

Esme: “f-o-x p-oo fox poo! This is the fox poo, let’s find it on the page.”

Reuben: “Is this one the dog poo?”

MC: “I don’t know. Read it and see..,”

Reuben: “C…a…t cat p-oo… cat poo! Ahhhh it’s cat poo!”

R and I even made the oo sound out of dandelions! What a good idea.

It was so nice seeing everyone applying their phonics and having that “I can read this and understand it” moment! Super work, Reception.

Uh oh…. A giant has made an appearance in our classroom!!!

Can you spot us all climbing up? (Maybe we should be climbing down!)

We are reading ‘Jack and the beanstalk…’
In the story Jacks climbs a beanstalk and his ‘limbs get very tired.’ To understand this we had a go at climbing or swinging on our own beanstalk!

We really enjoyed this but it made our arms very tired!!!

Well done Caleb and Ava for achieving certificates during the Easter break.

We are so excited that the caterpillars have changed into butterflies! We have been watching them and drawing them in class.

We have started our new topic ‘Once upon a time….’

We will listen to fairy tales, re tell stories and eventually tell and write our own stories!

We are starting with the story ‘Jack and the beanstalk’ and we have lots of brand new small world resources that Miss Wright has kindly made for us! Wow!

What a lovely three weeks we have had together!

To end the term we had a party. We have played pin the tail on the bunny, pass the parcel and went on an Easter egg hunt!

Our first party game…

Pass the parcel…

And the Easter egg hunt! We listened to the clues, decided where we thought the next clue would be and RAN to it.

We all agreed it must mean the pirate ship….

Of course it means the field… 

Then we went to the rock climbing wall…

We have bird boxes at forest school!

Ruby realised if we need to make a wish, we must have to go to the wishing well!

Next to each clue there was a little something from the Easter Bunny – J carried the basket for us!

We made it to the wishing well for the final clue…

Finding the prize was tricky and took us three times to find the correct wooden palette!

Hurray! We found the eggs!

What a great end to the term. Enjoy your 2 weeks off every body! See you on April 12th.

We found a butterfly struggling outside. We got it a little piece of orange and kept it safe while other boys and girls were playing outside. We have been learning all about the butterfly life cycle so we really enjoyed seeing one up close.

I hope our caterpillars turn into butterflies soon!

We have had some visitors in class today! How cute are these ducklings and chicks that Robyn brought in?!

We had a good look and asked Robyn lots of questions about them.

Today we went on an egg hunt at forest school! We used a shape net to make a little easter basket and then set off to the field.

Teachers were blown away by how kind and considerate everyone was. Some children that had found lots of eggs shared them with children who had not found any, and others worked together to find as many as possible.

What a lovely afternoon in the sunshine!

H: “I had 4 and L had none so I gave him one and now I’ve got 3.”

N: “N had 2 and I had lots so I gave her one and now she has 3!”

Well done Ava and Caleb for achieving silver certificates, amazing work.

This week we have been thinking about how we treat bugs. We started with a bug hunt at forest school.

Then we wrote some rules…

We have been playing phonics games.

In maths we were thinking about numbers up to 10. We acted out 10 in the bed and thought about one less.

And we all dressed up for Red Nose Day!

We have caterpillars in class! We can’t wait to see them change.

We designed bugs and then made them.

Here are some of our creations!

Today we just enjoyed being together!
We played out, read books, painted and made friendship bracelets for the people we have missed.

Then we had a visit to forest school.

Happy World Book Day!!

Why not share a story today? What is your favourite book? Why not send in a picture.

In school we vote for a story every afternoon and just ENJOY listening to it.

Hello Reception. This is (hopefully) your LAST DAY of home learning! Try to enjoy it.

Phonics:

Phase 2:

Phase 3:

Can you read these sentences and decide which picture matches?

Maths:

To start have a go on the maths game. Select 1-10. Count out the right number of cakes. (Do you recognise all the numbers up to 10?)

Now have a go at writing the number 10.

Why not play a game to check if your child can recognise all the numerals from 0-10?

Use little pieces of paper or post its and write the numbers on and hide them around the house or garden. Now send them off on a number hunt! Once your child finds a number, see if they know which number they have found. If they get it right they can keep it, if they do not it gets hidden somewhere else!

Topic – Bugs:

We will start with our story – if you have the book at home read then use that one instead.

Yesterday we made some superhero masks and capes. If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Have a think… Would you want to fly? Turn invisible? Be super strong? Turn into an animal? Be super fast?

Choose a speech bubble and have a go at writing down what your power would be. Use your phonics to sound out your words. You could just write your power or write a full sentence.

Example: “I want to fly.” “Invisible” “I would like to be fast.”

P.E.

Just a reminder that tomorrow is an emergency inset day at school, so there will be no home learning as we prepare the school for your return.
Please enjoy your time at home, have some fun together and Miss Wright and myself will see you on Monday. (And we can’t wait!!!!!!!)

Good morning! I hope you are having a great week of home learning.

Phonics:
Phase 2:

Phase 3:

Phase 3 digraphs in words.

Tasks:

Read the words and point to the right picture (or draw a line if you have printed them off)

Phonics games:

Choose a game and practise your reading… What is your highest score?

Maths:

Today we will be looking at the number 10. Start by watching the Numberblocks episode: Ten

Can you show ten fingers? Can you do ten jumps? Ten hops? Ten claps? Can you find the number 10 in your house?

Now have a look at the objects below and decide is it showing 9 or 19?

Topic, Bugs:

Listen to our story, Superworm.

Ask:
Can you remember two things that Superworm does to help others? 

Why do the other  bugs help rescue Superworm?

Is the Wizard Lizard kind? How do you know?

Superworm is a bug superhero. Do you have a favourite superhero? Why are they your favourite?

Design your own superhero mask and cape.

This is what you would wear if you were a superhero like Superworm!

Can you be a superhero today? Can you help your grown up?

You could wear you mask and have a go at joining in with the dance below:

Name writing:

I hope you have been practising writing your name while you have been at home. If you haven’t – do that today please! We need to know how to write our name independently before we go to Year 1.

Good morning, Reception.

Phonics:

Phase 2:

Now let’s practise recognising digraphs in words.

Tasks:

Can you read the captions and draw what is missing?

Tricky words, can you spot ‘me’ ?

Have a go at writing it.

Maths:

This week we are looking at the numbers 9 and 10. To start, count to 10 forwards and backwards.

Now have a go at writing the number 9.It is just a loop and a line! If it looks like a p, you have done your loop on the wrong side.

Now have a go at tracing these numbers. Which one is 9?

Activity:
Go on a hunt round your house to find the number 9. (On a clock, microwave, books, phone etc)

Now go and find 9 toys, 9 socks, 9 cups, 9 books etc… (any object as a set)
Make sure you do careful counting!

Topic – bugs:

Listen to our story.
Can you remember what it is called? Who is the main character?

Worm facts:

Questions:

Where do worms spend most of their time?

Is a worms skin smooth or rough?

Are worms good for the soil or bad? 

Task:

Think about which bugs you found on your bug hunt last week. Find them on the picture or draw them yourself.

Cut them out and add it to your leaf. If you see new bugs on your walk, add them too!

Reading:

Have a go at reading this ebook. If it is too fast, pause the video when needed. Ask the questions at the end to check for understanding.

If this is not challenging enough, use oxford owl to choose a different story.

Good morning, everyone. Happy Monday! I hope you had a nice weekend and enjoyed the sunshine.

Phonics:
Phase 2 first:

Have a go at the game below – this is great for consolidating the learning of the sounds ‘ch’ ‘sh’ ‘th’ and ‘ng’. If you don’t have any building blocks you could just match the words to the pictures, or put all the ‘sh words in a group, the ‘ch’ words in a group… etc..

We are looking at a new tricky word tomorrow. Listen out for the tricky word ‘me’.

Maths:

Today we are learning all about the number nine! Can you count up to 9? Can you count from 9 back to 0? What is one more than 9? What is one less than 9?

Have a look at the Numberblocks episode – Nine.

Now have a go at counting the empty squares. Can you read out the number sentence once you have filled in the missing number? Example: “One plus eight equals nine.”

Topic – Bugs:

This week are going to be focusing our learning around a different insect. A worm! …but not just any worm, it is Superworm!

Listen to the story first.

Ask:

Why is Superworm so super?

Can you remember who he helps in the story?

Why is it important to help others?

What does a worm look like? What do you know about worms? (Where do they live, what do they eat?)

We will find out more about worms tomorrow!

Worm painting:

You will need:
Spaghetti or pieces of string
Paint
Paper

Use the worms (spaghetti) to make fun paintings. The spaghetti will feel slimy and gross which always goes down well with children!

If you don’t have paint, why not see what shapes or letters you can make with the worms? (spaghetti!)

Understanding the world: facts about insects

Have a listen to these videos. Find out what makes an insect an insect!

Did you know all these facts!?

Happy Friday, everyone! I have got another busy day planned for you.

Phonics:

Now we are going to have another look at the ‘ai’ sound.

Tasks:

Complete the ‘ai’ challenges.

Design a snail shell and try to write the word ‘snail’. Remember the new digraph!

Look at this picture and write a sentence about what you can see. Try and do this without any help from your grown up.

Example: “The snail is wet.” “The snail has a shell.” “A snail.”

Maths:

Have a go at counting or matching the ladybird’s spots.

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/ladybird-spots

Topic – Bugs:

Listen to the story again.

Ask:

Can you tell me what food the caterpillar ate?

Which ones are healthy/not healthy?

We have already made our own life cycles – can you remember the order? Do some careful cutting.

Art and design:

Have a look at these butterflies.

What do you notice about butterfly wings? (They are symmetrical – this means they are the same on both sides)

Draw or paint your own butterfly. See if you can make it symmetrical (so it looks like same on both sides!)

Reading:

Have a listen to the story – the worlds smallest secret agent!

Fine motor skills:

Cut out the shapes and piece them together to make a symmetrical butterfly! Try your best to control the scissors and cut around the lines carefully.

It might look something like this when you are finished.

Have a lovely weekend, every body!

Good morning, Reception!

Today we are learning another new sound, measuring height and finishing off our butterfly life cycles.

Phonics:

Phase 2 sounds first:

Now we are going to learn a new digraph – ‘ai’

Can you read the ai words as the alphablocks sound them out? What ‘ai’ words do they say? (train, trail, wait, chain etc…)

Maths:

We are looking at measuring height today.

Choose some objects and see how tall they are in blocks.

Example:

“The timer is 6 blocks tall.”                                                “The dice is 4 blocks tall.”

If you don’t have blocks you could use anything stackable!

Encourage your child to make comparisons in their measurements.

Example: “The timer is 6 blocks tall and the dice is only 4 blocks tall so the timer is taller.”

When you’ve done you could watch this Numberjacks episode where they measure length.

Topic – Bugs:

I have loved seeing your eggs, caterpillars, cocoons and butterflies! Now we are going to arrange them on a table or on a piece of paper. It needs to be in a circular shape so we can clearly see it is a cycle that goes on and on!

Once you have arranged them you can draw on your arrows so we know which direction the cycle goes in. (The caterpillar doesn’t turn into an egg does it!?)

Then the final step is for you to label the stages. Use your phonics and decide what sounds you need for each word.

(Egg, Caterpillar, Cocoon, Butterfly)

I can’t wait to see your final product! Can you tell your grown up about the butterfly life cycle?

P.E. 

We’re going on a bug hunt! Go for a walk in your local area or garden and see how many insects you can find. Tick them off your chart as you find them.

Which ones did you not see? Why do you think that is? Where did you find the worm? Is this different to where you would find a butterfly? 

Happy Wednesday.

Today we are recapping the ng sound, learning the days of the week and continuing with our work on the butterfly life cycle.

Phonics:

Phase 2:

Now lets recap ‘ng’.

Complete the ‘ng’ challenge below! (Click the picture)

Have  a go at filling in the empty boxes. Write what you think the picture is of!

Can you find anything in your house or garden that has an ng sound at the end? (Hint: ring, swing, wing, crown for a king etc..)

Maths:

In our maths lesson today we are going to be learning the days of the week.
Which days are we at school? Which days are we at home? Which day do we have P.E.?

Can you cut up the cards and then put the days of the week in the right order?

If you want you could draw a picture of what you did on each day.

Topic – bugs:

Listen to the story and ask:

Can you remember the stages of the butterfly life cycle? What is the first part? Then what happens?

What is the caterpillar’s protective layer called?

What did the caterpillar do on Sunday?

Now we are going to finish our butterfly life cycles by making a cocoon and a butterfly!

Ideas for the cocoon:

Ideas for the butterfly:

Tomorrow we will put them in the correct order and then add our arrows and labels!

Reading: 

Have a look at this alphablocks episode on the digraph ‘ng’ – can you blend the words the alphablocks are sounding out for you?

Have a go at reading these sentences to your grown up:

The ring is big.

A wing on a bat.

I can sing a song.

Good morning, Reception. Today we are learning a new digraph, making playdough caterpillars to measure length and learning about the life cycle of a butterfly!

Phonics:

Phase 2 first – doing these every day will make recognising the sounds so much easier.

Now we are going to look at a new digraph – ‘ng’

Now have a go at the tasks:

Point to the ng sound!

Have a look at the pictures below and write what they are in the box. Use the words at the bottom to help you.

Maths:
Today we are looking at length.

To make this link to our topic you could make some playdough caterpillars instead!

Topic – Bugs!

Ask:

What is the story we listened to yesterday?

What happens in the story?

Can you remember the days of the week?

Now listen to the story – The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

What happens to the caterpillar? Does he stay a caterpillar? How does he change?

Life Cycle:

Watch the video to see the life cycle of the caterpillar!

Now let’s watch it happen for real! It starts with a tiny egg that a caterpillar hatches from… The caterpillar then eats and eats until it is big enough. Then it forms a protective layer around itself called a cocoon. After around two weeks a butterfly emerges out of the cocoon! This butterfly then lays eggs and the cycle starts all over again.

Task:

We are going to make our own butterfly life cycle. Today I want you to have a go at making an egg on a leaf and a caterpillar. This will go towards our final product.

Ideas for your egg on a leaf.

Ideas for your caterpillar:

Music:

Have a listen to these songs and see if you can join in with the chorus!

A huge well done to the children who achieved these certificates over the past 2 weeks.

Good morning, Reception. I hope you are all rested and happy after your week off! Let’s jump straight back into learning.

Before we do phonics lets warm up our bodies and join in with this song. Can you do the actions too?

Now let’s do phonics. I am hoping you have remembered all the sounds we have done so far!

Phase 2 first…

Now watch the new video and have a go at the tasks below.

Take a look at the new tricky word song.

Did you spot the tricky word ‘you’ ?

Have a go on this game. Press the tick if the answer is yes, and the cross if the answer is no.
Click ‘CVC’ or ‘CVCC’ as this only uses words with the sounds we know.

Tell a T-Rex. Question game.

Writing task (can be completed later in the day)
Can you draw a picture of what you did on your week off?  Try to label your picture or if that is too easy then write a short sentence about what you did.

Example: (use your phonics to sound out the words!)
I went for a walk with my dad.
I watched a film.
I played with my dog.
I went to the shops with my sister.

Maths:

This week in maths we will be looking at comparing height, comparing length and the days of the week!

Watch the video first, then try the activity.

Why not measure yourself?

How tall are you? Can you find something taller/shorter than you? Who is the tallest and smallest person that lives in your house?

Topic:

We are starting a brand new topic this week! We will be learning all about bugs. Also known as insects or mini beasts.

This week we will be focusing our learning around the text ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ – if you have this story at home then have a read together. If not, watch the video below to get familiar with the story.

Once you’ve watched/read the story ask these questions:

What was the story was about?

On what day did the caterpillar change into a butterfly?

What do we call the shell he was inside while he was changing? (cocoon)

We are going to be learning all about the life cycle of a caterpillar this week.

Expressive art and design:
Caterpillar name craft.

Count how many letters are in your name and write it on your caterpillar!

Once you’ve made your own caterpillar name you could do your whole family! Will the grown up caterpillars be longer than you?

Physical Development:

Have a go at the hungry caterpillar yoga. Stretching and balancing is so good for our posture and making us strong as we grow!

Our final week of Spring 1!

This week we have been turning old plastic into something brand new, learning the digraphs ch, sh and th, exploring the numbers 7 and 8, making sea creature fact file books and writing about who we love for Valentine’s day. Another busy week!

I just want to say again how PROUD I am of all of you for keeping a positive attitude, trying your best and showing your grown ups just how much you are capable of.

We will be starting our new topic all about bugs when we come back! Have a lovely week off and stay safe.

Good morning, Reception. Happy Friday! You have made it an entire half term learning from home… how amazing are you?

Let’s have a fun last day before we have a week off.

Phonics:

Now have a go at the tasks below!

Let’s practise reading words with our new sounds in. Can you match them to the right picture?

Now I want you to write what you can see. Remember to use finger spaces and full stops!

Example: ‘A chicken on the path.’

Can you circle the right word?

To finish listen to the new tricky word song.

Maths:
Watch the video and have a go at the game.

Have a go at playing the game yourself…

If you would prefer to play a board game you have at home then do that instead! Or try snakes and ladders.

Topic: Valentine’s day

It is Valentine’s day on Sunday ♡ ♥

Let’s make a Valentine’s day cards for someone that you love. This could be for one of your friends or a member of your family. You can make as many as you want!

The first step is to fold your paper in half to make your card shape.

Now we need to decorate it. You can choose how to do this but usually Valentine’s day cards have hearts on them!

Once you have decorated it you need to write inside.

When we write a card we start with the tricky word ‘to’ and then write who it is for.

‘To Mum’ ‘To Dad’

Then you choose your message, you might write ‘I love you’ or ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ or ‘I like you’…

Then you need to write who it is from, a good time to practise writing your name!

I can’t wait to see your cards and your lovely writing!

FUN:

It is also pancake day shortly after Valentine’s day! (Tuesday 16th February)

Make your own or decorate using toppings.

You could add chocolate spread, syrup, strawberries, bananas, blueberries… anything!

Story:

Good morning everyone! Are you ready for another day of home learning?

Let’s get started, I have a busy day for you!

Phonics:

Now let’s recap ‘th’

Let’s look at the tricky word ‘you’

Phase 3 tricky word song! 

Have a go at the th activities.

Click the link below.

The th sound.

Can you read these words? Choose a colour for real words and a different colour for alien words.

Maths:

Click the link and watch the video to explain the learning.

Combining two groups

Watch the video and then have a go at the activity.

Easy peasy? Have a go at this:

Be careful with your number formation!

Topic: Valentines day ♥

It is nearly Valentine’s day. This is on February 14th and it is a day when we tell people we love them! This is done by giving cards or doing something nice for the person you love.

Design a love heart.

What colours will you use? Can you write the phrase ‘I love you’?

Song break!

Literacy:

Have a think about what or who you love.

I want you to draw three pictures of things you love. This could be a person like your mum, dad, grandad, brother etc… or it could be a thing like paw patrol, sonic, sweets, dogs, playing out, football etc..

Once you have drawn your pictures I want you to caption it with ‘I love….’
Remember to use your phonics! If you sound out the word love and it sounds like ‘l…u…v’ write this!

Example:
I love Sonic.

I love Dad.

Use this heart paper if you like!

P.E.

Have a relaxing yoga adventure.

Will you do the minecraft or trolls yoga?

Namaste!

Happy Wednesday , Reception class!

Phonics:

Phase 2:

Now we are going to learn another new digraph!

Tasks:

Label these items, rememeber we are using the ‘th’ sound:

1.   2.3.

Have a go on a phonics game to practise blending.

Pick a picture

Maths:
Follow the link and watch the video ‘Making pairs’

Making pairs

Now choose a task to do:

Mix up pairs of socks and see if your child can match them back up again.

Topic:

Listen to commotion in the ocean again.

Have a go at filling in the blanks and drawing a matching picture. 
Expressive art and design:

Finish off your fact file book if you didn’t complete it yesterday.

If you have already finished it – why not use some household items you would have thrown away to make an underwater creature craft?

Reading:

Log on to oxford owl and have a go at reading a book in the pink or red book band.

Username: birdwellreception
Password: Read

Alternatively if you have decodable books at home, choose one of those!

Fantastic work Robyn you have worked really hard to achieve your bronze and silver certificate.

Good morning, another snowy start!

Please find Tuesday’s learning below.

Phonics:

We will recap our phase 2 sounds live on our meeting!

Today we are having another look at the digraph ‘sh’.

Tasks:

Complete the sh sound challenges.

The sh sound.

Have a go labelling these pictures:

1.    2. 3.

Now try and write down a wish!

Example: I wish I had a dog, I wish I had a doll, I wish I was on holiday, I wish for a dress…

To make this more fun why not make a wand?

Maths:
Today we are going to be matching amounts. There are many different ways of representing 6, 7 and 8.

Watch the first video and then have a go at the task.

Matching 6, 7 and 8.

Topic – Under the Sea: 

Have a listen to commotion in the ocean!

We are introduced to lots of sea creatures in this story – many of which we have been learning about.

Task:

Can you remember five animals we meet in the story? Have we been learning about any of them? (turtles, octopus, fish, whale)

We have been learning all about creatures under the sea and how we can protect them if we recycle and use less plastic. Today we are going to make little books all about the creatures we have been learning about.

1. Choose a sea creature you think is interesting and tell your grown up what you know about it.
   (E.g. Fish: There are lots of different fish, a fish has gills, a fish has a fin, a fish can swim)
2. Then use a piece of paper to make a little book.
   This could be folded in half like a card

or folded into fours and cut at the top to make a mini book with more pages,

or folded like a closed gate. You choose!

3. Draw your sea creature and label it.
4. Inside your book I want you to write THREE facts you know about that sea creature. (E.g. a fish can swim)
5. Then decorate the inside with underwater things like seaweed, fish, shells and colour it in.
6. Put your name on the back.

This task doesn’t need to be completed today – if the front cover design is coloured in and labelled, they can write their facts tomorrow.

Scavenger hunt:

Go on a winter walk and see how many things you can find on the list. Give them a tick once you have found them.

Or if it is snowy where you are, have a go at this one!

Good morning, Reception. This is our final week on our topic ‘Under the sea’.

Phonics:
As always, start with phase 2.

Now we are going to learn the ‘sh’ sound.

Tasks:

Now can you write the words in the box? Is it ch or sh? (If the full word is too challenging, encourage them to write/say which digraph it has – sh or ch) 

Can you design flag for a pirate ship?

Maths:

Today we are thinking about 1 more and 1 less. It is important that your child understands this vocabulary.
To link to our topic you could cut out some paper fish and put them in the bath/in a hoop/in a box. What happens if one fish swims away? What happens if you add one more fish? Does it matter which fish you remove?

Encourage your child to explain their thinking. How do they know? Use mathematical language to explain what has happened.
E.g. “I had 6 fish and one swam away so now I have 5.”

“I had 4 fish and then we added one more so now I have 5. One more than 4 is 5.”

If this is not challenging enough use bigger numbers with or without a visual. Get your child to prove they are right by showing you with counters, sweets, toys etc…

E.g. “Can you tell me what is one more than 10?” “Can you tell me what is one less than 9?” “Can you prove it?”

Topic:

We are going to have a think about what WE can do to help the sea creatures and reduce the amount of plastic going into our environment.

Can you think of anything else you could do, or we could do in school to help?

Watch the video to give you some more ideas.

Just for fun:
I want you to get creative and design your own reusable water bottle. You might put Sonic on it, LOL dolls, rainbows, fish… whatever you like!

Music:

Reading:

Can you read this Alphablocks book? Give it a try! (If this is too challenging see if they can read the words on the first page to practise blending)

(written by Caroline Harris, Illustrated by Neil Sutherland, Blue-Zoo and Tony Trimmer)

This week we learned the sounds ‘qu’ and ‘ch’, the numbers 6 , 7 and 8 and continued learning about recycling.

As always, Reception class have blown me away with their effort and positive attitude. Fantastic work, everyone.

Phonics examples:

Maths examples:

Topic examples:
Litter picking, recycling posters and sorting out what belong in the recycling bin.

And of course the snow:

Happy Friday, Reception class.

Another week finished, I can’t believe it! One week closer to being back together again.

Phonics:
Look at the phase 2 sounds first to help you with your phonics job today.

Watch the video below and read with me!

Now let’s read some captions and decide which one matches.

Task: Have a go at unscrambling the caption below. Read the caption and decide if it makes sense. Alternatively, write your own caption!

Maths:

This week we looked at the numbers 6, 7 and 8 and I am hoping you now recognise these numerals.

Test yourself on Underwater Counting (select 1-10)

• Then you could have a go at this game – you will need a dice!

• Can you complete the number sentences? Count the clothes on the top clothes line and write the number in the first box, then count the clothes on the bottom clothes line and put it in the second box. How many altogether?

Can you say the number sentence? (“Four plus three equals seven.”)

Topic:

I said last week to collect any plastic/cardboard you would have thrown away so we could use it for art and crafts. Even if you only have one plastic bottle you can make something!
It makes sense to turn it into something new instead of throwing it away – just make sure it’s clean!

Here are some ideas:

1. You could use a plastic bottle to make a rocket!

2. You could use the bottom of a bottle to make prints with paint.

3. You could turn a plastic bottle into a mini beast!

4. You could turn your plastic/cardboard bottles into bird feeders and watch the birds come and eat!

5. You could use an egg carton and lollipop sticks to make some binoculars/glasses.

6. You could use plastic bottles to make a game of bowling! (Fill them with a bit of water to make it harder!

7. Use the bottom of bottles to make a turtle craft.

The possibilities are endless. What can you make out of plastic/cardboard instead of throwing it away?

PSHE:

Have a look at this video.

What was this story about?

How does the whale feel at the end?

Never forget that team work and helping others is really important. It is easier to tackle problems when we work together.

Reading:

Mermaid tales on at 1:30 – follow the link.  National Marine Aquarium 

Here is last weeks episode if you want to listen.

Have a great weekend everyone. Enjoy the snow if the weather forecast is correct!

Goooooood morning, Reception! I hope we are all feeling happy and full of energy today. It is nearly Friday, we can do this!

Please find Thursday’s learning below.

Phonics:

First things first, you need to say all the sounds we know so far!

Did you get them all right?

What was the sound we had a look at yesterday? Now we are going to recap it.

The ch sound

Writing doesn’t always have to be with a pencil and paper. Why not try a few different ways of writing the ch sound or ch words?

Can you write these words for me –

rich, chip, chick, chuck, chin, chill, chop

•  If this is too challenging: write the words for your child and ask them to circle or underline the ch sound.
• If this is not challenging enough: say the word or short sentences to your child and see if they can write them independently.

You could try:
In the shower on the glass when it steams up.

In some flour, salt, sand or glitter on a tray.

In paint, shaving foam or slime.

Maths:

What numbers have we looked at this week? Can you write those numbers for me?

Choose an activity below – or do all three if you like!

You could also:

• Use playdough to make 6, 7 or 8 balls/cakes/sausages..
• Use blocks and build with 6, 7 and 8 blocks.
• Go on a number hunt and see if you can see the number 6, 7 or 8 in your house or outside (clocks, food packaging, phone, TV, street signs, in the car etc..)

Topic:
Have a look at this Peppa Pig episode that shows clearly how Peppa recycles.

Ask:
What does this symbol mean?

Why is it important that we recycle? Who does it help?

If we recycle that means there is less rubbish in our environment and less in the sea! This helps to save the animals and allows plants to grow.

Have a look at the pictures below and point to the one you like more. Why do you like it more?

    or     

or 

or 

I like the clean beach, the happy turtle and the wood where all the flowers are growing. It makes me happy! If we recycle more then we can help make our planet better.

Task:
Have a go at making a poster/picture about recycling.

You should have already drawn the recycling symbol and some of the materials you can recycle. Cut these out and stick them on your poster.

You might have a go at writing ‘Save our ocean’ or ‘help the turtles’ and draw an underwater picture, or you might write ‘Recycle’ and draw a picture of a recycling bin with a tick next to it, or you could draw some flowers and a happy sun and write ‘Do not put it in the bin, recycle please’

You decide.

Watch the video to help you.

Send them to me and I will print them off and put them around school! Here are some examples from older children. I can’t wait to see your pictures.

P.E.

Have a go at Norris the baby seahorse yoga! Enjoy the adventure.

Happy Wednesday! I hope you enjoyed the snow yesterday.

Phonics:

Now we are going to learn a new digraph – ‘ch’.

Point to the ‘ch’ sound.

Now show off your drawing skills and label it. You might draw a chicken, some chips, chocolate, someone playing catch etc…

To really challenge yourself have a go at writing a simple sentence.
E.g. I can dip a chip. The chicken is on top. I play catch.

What can you find in your house that has a ch sound? (chocolate, cheese, chips, chair, chain, cherries, chicken etc..)

Maths:

Today we are looking at the number 8! This is one more than 7.
First, watch the numberblocks episode to find out about the octoblock!

Numberblocks: Eight

Can you count to 8? Can you count backwards from 8?
Let’s look at how we write the number 8.

Now have a go…

Extra maths challenge:

Topic: 

Do you have a recycling bin?

Can you draw the recycling symbol?

Can you remember which materials can be recycled? (Glass, cardboard, plastic etc…)

Can you draw and label the materials you know can be recycled? (We will use these for a poster tomorrow so do your best drawing and writing!) 

Want to help?
It has been brought to my attention that there is a local ‘tidy team’ who want to help keep the local area tidy. If you want to do some litter picking they can supply you with a pack and will even collect your rubbish afterwards!

Contact volunteerwithtidyteam@gmail.com, call 01226 749119 or check out their facebook page ‘Tidy Team’.

If you already have gloves, bin liners and litter pickers at home why not make a start and see if you can pick up some rubbish in your area? Remember to always do this with an adult so you aren’t handling anything that could hurt you.

In school we went hunting for litter on the school field and managed to fill this crate within 10 minutes! Yuck! We were shocked.

Mental health awareness:

This week is mental health awareness week. It is so important to support your child’s mental health (and your own!)

It is a strange and confusing time for everyone right now, especially young children. This anxiety surrounding the unknown may present itself in a range of different behaviours.

Listen to this lovely story all about how we can spread happiness and feel happy ourselves by ‘filling our bucket’.

Have a discussion with your child on what makes them feel happy. As an extension you could find a bucket/cup/container and write down who makes them happy (mum, dad, grandma etc..) and what makes them happy (bikes, LOL dolls, paw patrol, tablet, food, games etc…)

Good morning, Reception. Today we are recapping the ‘qu’ sound, looking at the number 7 and learning about recycling.

Tuesday’s learning can be found below.

Phonics:

Choose a ‘qu’ task: Will you design a crown for a queen? Or colour in Sonic and write a sentence using the word ‘quick‘ ?

Can you write: ‘Sonic is quick’ or ‘Sonic can run quick’ etc…

Now let’s try a fun tricky word game. Listen to the song first and look at the words.

Tricky word game:

Place a tricky word on each step (if you have any) and see if you can remember each word as you go up and down the stairs. Or you could put them on every other step and roll a dice to see how many steps up or down you need to go and see which word you land on! (be careful though!)

Maths:

What number did we have a look at yesterday? Do you know what is one more than six?

Today we are looking at the number seven. Watch the numberblocks episode first.

Numberblocks: Seven

Now let’s count together!

Do you know how to write the number 7?

Can you try and write the number 7? Can you find 7 objects?

Can you choose 7 different colours and colour in the rainbow?

Topic – Plastic:

How many objects did you find with the special recycling symbol on? I bet you see it everywhere now!

Why not sort the objects – which ones go in the bin and which ones can be recycled? You could cut and stick the objects or make two piles of real objects you have found.

Health and self care:
It has been very chilly outside recently. I hope you have been trying to get dressed yourself, just like you would in school.

Can you think of what kind of clothes we wear when it is cold outside?
(hat, gloves, scarf, thick socks, jacket, jumper, coat etc..)

If you still find it tricky to zip your coat, get your gloves on, take your shoes off etc… why not take this time to practise?
Get your grown up to show you how and then have a try yourself – it might be difficult the first time have but if you try each day you will be able to do it in no time! I believe you can do it.

Hello Reception. I hope you had a great weekend.
We have made it to week 5 – only two weeks until you get a whole week off!

Today we are learning the sound ‘qu’, exploring number 6 and writing speech bubbles. I have put a lot of jobs on for today so make sure to spread these activities out over the day and have lots of ‘choosing’ time inbetween so it isn’t too much at once.

Phonics:

Today we are going to be learning a new sound- ‘qu’.

Have a go at the activities below.

The qu sound.

Maths:
This week we are having a look at the numbers 6, 7 and 8!
Start by watching the numberblocks episode – six

Numberblocks – Six

Colour in Numberblock 6! Can you write the number 6? (watch the video  with sound on for a quick tutorial)

Topic: Under the Sea/Plastic

Listen to me reading the story: The Messy Magpie

Literacy/Writing:

After listening to the story watch the video where I discuss what a speech bubble is and what I want you to have a go at doing next.

Examples of what you could write:
I am stuck, I am sad, I can see the rubbish, the rubbish is bad, I want to help, I can help, What is this mess?

Have a go at your own speech bubbles:

Wow!! I continue to be amazed by the fantastic work you lovely lot are producing. Scroll down to the bottom to see a message from Mr Bailey.

A message from Mr Bailey:

Good morning, Reception! Have you got the Friday feeling?

Let’s start with phonics.

Phonics:
Have a go at this activity first. You will need a pen and paper or a whiteboard and pen.

(I am aware I say “this will be quick” and the video is 11 minutes long – apologies!)

Now I want you to have a go on lots of fun phonics games (it is Friday after all!)
I will put the links below:
Match cards – phase 2
Help a hedgehog
Buried treasure
Pick a picture

Bonus phonics game:

Phonics splat 

How to play:
Write down or print out some letters OR short words. Cut these out and put them on the floor.
The adult says the sound or the word and the child has to hit the correct word/sound and say ‘SPLAT!’  (You could use a ruler, spatula or just your hand to be your splatter!)

Maths:

As we are looking at measuring I thought it would be nice for you to do some baking.
We have already made playdough but I will put the simple recipe below if you want to do it again.
Or you could have a go at pancakes, chocolate rice crispie/cornflake buns or something trickier if you’re a better baker than me! Anything that involves measuring will be perfect.

Chocolate krispie cakes recipe

Topic – Under the Sea:

In school we have watched ‘finding nemo’ as it shows lots of the sea creatures we have been learning about – we see lots of different fish, sharks, whales, jellyfish, turtles etc… Give it a watch if you have it at home.

As we were looking at turtles yesterday we are going to attempt to make or paint a turtle. Here are some ideas which involve a range of resources – hopefully something everyone can access!

What will you name your turtle? What design is on his/her shell?

Reading:

1:30 live reading from the mermaid!
Here is last weeks story if you missed it.

Choosing:

You have worked so hard these last four weeks so YOU choose what you would like to do for the rest of the afternoon.
Go and get busy doing your favourite activities at home, and have a lovely weekend!

Morning, Reception. I hope you’re having a good week. Here is Thursday’s teaching!

Phonics:

Now let’s do some blending together- we can never do enough!

If this is too easy – write the word or write a sentence using that word.

Enjoy this alphablocks episode. Can you hear the tricky word ‘the’?
Can you write ‘the cat sat on the mat’ independently?

Maths:
First you could have a go at the tasks on bbc bitesize (link below)

What is capacity?

Then take a look at the video for session 4 – measuring capacity and then try the activity.

Session 4 – Measuring capacity – how many fit inside?

(If you do not have a matchbox, any small container will be fine! It is about the estimating and understanding of size and capacity)

Topic – Under the Sea:

Take a look at the pictures of the end of the story.

Ask: What is happening in this part of the story? Who does the boy help? Why does he need to help?

Do you know what sea turtles eat? What else can you tell me about them?

Watch the video on sea turtles and see if you learn something new.

Unfortunately just like in the story – sea turtles often eat plastic bags and straws as they mistake them for food. This makes them very poorly.

                               
What can we do to help? 

A very easy way to help the turtles is to use a bag for life or bring your own when you go shopping. You can also ‘skip the straw’ or buy straws that you can reuse.
        

Art:
Can you design your own bag for life?

You might choose to put your favourite sea creatures on it or an underwater scene, or something totally different. It is up to you! I can’t wait to see your designs.

P.E:

See if you can complete 1, 2 or 3 of these Joe Wicks workouts!

Can you feel your heart beating faster? Do you feel warmer? What else do you notice about your body when you exercise?

Happy Wednesday, everyone.

Phonics:
Phase 2 sounds…

Now let’s spot some phase 3 sounds and do some blending together. Can you spot the alien words?

Tasks:

Have a go at this phonics snakes and ladders game. Board games are great for maths (recognising the amount on the dice, moving forward that many etc…) and in this version it will be great for blending practise too!

Label the pictures:

1.        2. 3.

Maths:

Measuring capacity.

Watch the video below and then have a go at the activity – you don’t need to use soil, you could use sand, flour, sugar, salt, rice… anything you have at home!

Session 3 – Measuring capacity

Topic – Under the Sea:

We always read our class text after lunch to get us ready for our topic session, so first listen to ‘Somebody Swallowed Stanley’.

Ask:
Can you tell me which animals swallowed Stanley? (look back through the book if needed)

Why were they trying to eat Stanley?

What did we learn about yesterday? What were some things you found in your house that were made of plastic? Have a look at the picture below. Look at all that rubbish! What do you think?
Then watch the video to learn about why plastic is good and why it is bad.

Can you remember one thing that is good about plastic?

Can you remember one thing that is bad about plastic? Tell your grown up!

Challenge:

Start collecting plastic bottles, bags and packaging that you would have thrown away – we will be using this to make art next week! 

Understanding the World:

Go for a walk in your local area. Can you spot any litter? Can you see any plastic? Where should the rubbish have gone?

What did you see the most of? (crisp packets, plastic bottles, paper, sweet wrappers?) Why not make a list of how many you have spotted.

Example:

Bottles – 7
Food packets – 6
Coffee cups – 9
Plastic bags – 4

Reading: 

Class favourites:
  

Choose a story you have at home to read for pleasure.

Ask them: What is your favourite story? What do you like about it?

Why not send in a picture of your child enjoying a story?

Apologies to the Mathletics Superstars from Week 3 due to slip of the finger I uploaded the certificates to our Sports Blog instead. You are superdooperstars because you have had to wait a week to see your certificates.

Hiya Reception! Today we are having a look at the phase 2 tricky words, exploring language linked to capacity and finding out what plastic is.

Phonics:
Start with the tricky word song!

Now watch the video where we recap the sounds we know and have a look at tricky words.

Task:
Have  go at building the words – the letters are there for you!
– If this is too challenging then focus on the initial sound (h for hat) and if this is not challenging enough then try a short sentence (a red hat) – 

Maths:

Full or empty?

If needed – watch the video for guidance before trying the quick activity to se if your child understands the vocabulary full, empty, nearly full, nearly empty.

Session 2 – full or empty

Now try the task – encourage your child to use the language when describing and comparing the cups.

Topic- Under the sea:
Have another listen to our new story.

Stanley is a plastic bag. Do you know what plastic is? Can you find any plastic in your house? (I bet you find lots and lots!)

What plastic did you find in your house? Does it always look the same? (a plastic bag compared to a plastic car etc..)

Music:

Have a listen to this song about a plastic bag – tomorrow we will be learning about the good and bad things about plastic.

Understanding of the world:

Have a go at this ‘What am I?’ activity. Here are some descriptions of animals that live in the sea.
Read out the sentences and see if your child can tell you which animal you are describing. This will be really good for their listening, understanding and talking skills.

1. I can swim in the water and walk on the sand. I have a very hard body and two sharp pincer claws. When I walk I look like I am scuttling sideways. What am I?

2. I float in the water and have eight long legs. My legs are called tentacles and they are covered in little suckers. I have three hearts and when I am in danger I can squirt ink at the creature who is attacking me, to make them leave me alone. What am I?

3. I cling to rocks and I have 5 pointy arms. I feel rough if you touch me. I actually have no brain but I can move using lots of little tube feet attached the underside of my body. What am I?

4. I am quite a big animal and I am usually grey or greyish-blue. I make clicking and squeaking noises to talk to my friends and I can jump high up above the water, twisting and turning before I go back underneath again. What am I?

How many did you get right? 

Hello Reception! I hope you had a great weekend and are ready for another week of learning.

Today we will be practising blending in phonics, introducing mass in maths and reading a new story for our topic ‘under the sea’.

Let’s start with phonics!

Now let’s practise segmenting and blending. (If this is too easy you could write your own words/sentences and ask them to read them)

Tasks:

1. Phonics game –

Write down some letters on post its or little pieces of paper. (To make this harder, write down some simple words)

Once you have done this set a 1 minute timer and hide these pieces of paper in the room you are working in (children to cover their eyes so there is no cheating!)

Once the timer has finished send your child off to find the pieces of paper – every time they find one ask them to tell you the sound or the word on that piece of paper. If they say the correct sound – they can keep it, if they get it wrong they give it back to you. Every card they have at the end is a point. Repeat as many times as you like, you could change the letters each round to make it more interesting.

How many points did you get?

2. Now have a go on pick a picture. What was your score?

Maths:

In maths we are looking at comparing mass. This just means we are going to be comparing objects and deciding which is heavier or which is lighter.

Watch the video and then have a go at home!

Things you could compare:

A teddy and a pencil

An apple and a straw

A book and a piece of paper

A tin of beans and a paperclip

Get creative and choose whatever objects you have at home! Can they predict which one they think will be heavier? When they test it are they right?

Topic – Under the Sea:

This week we are going to look at a new story – ‘Somebody Swallowed Stanley’. We will be having a think about what plastic is, how it affects the environment, how it hurts the sea creatures we are learning about and how we can help!

After listening the story ask:

Stanley was not an animal – do you know what he was?

How do you think Stanley ended up in the sea?

Have you got any ideas on what we could do to stop rubbish getting in the sea?

Unfortunately, just like in this story, lots and lots of plastic really does end up in the sea and can hurt sea creatures who get stuck in it or think that it is food, just like in these pictures.

This makes me feel very sad. But don’t worry – we are going to find out this week how we can do our bit to help.

Understanding of the world – sea creature facts:

Have a think about what we have found out so far about sea creatures. Have you found out something new?

Can you record your child telling you a fact about a sea creature we have learned about?

(Examples: Whales eat krill, an octopus has three hearts, a jellyfish has tentacles that sting you, fish have gills that let them breathe under water, whales sing songs etc…)

I can’t wait to see your videos.