EYFS – Newsletter – 04.10.24

Friday again after another week of fun and frolics in Reception! We have really enjoyed learning more about our own bodies as part of our ‘All About Me’ topic and the children have has lots of opportunities to join in with activities related to the human body. Lots where interested to have a go at a map-reading challenge, whereby they were tasked with using map of out outdoor area to find different body parts and bring them back to build a complete body. We had activities in the creative area to build a face (we had some VERY strange faces completed!) and use our fingers to paint caterpillar pictures of different lengths. Learning the names and positions of different body parts and organs was lots of fun – especially with many rounds of ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.’ We also set up a very popular ‘Finger Gym’ which presented six different opportunities for the children to put their digits to work (stealthily building up hand muscles for grip strength and general finger dexterity which will help as we learn to write). On Friday we talked a bit about how some people’s bodies might need a little help because they don’t always work as they could. The children were very engaged in our discussion on disability and enjoyed sharing what they knew. We finished this session by learning a few Makaton hand language signs (maybe they can show you at home?!).

Our phonics sessions have introduced the new sounds ‘p’ (puppy) ‘i’ (insect) ‘n’ (nut) and the children have really impressed us with their efforts in rehearsing how to write these letter sounds and how to hear them as the initial sounds in words. We have also taught and practised blending simple words together using our ‘phonics fingers’ strategy. If any parents of carers would like more information on how we teach phonics and how you can support your children with their learning at home, we are holding a workshop on Thursday 17th October at 5pm after school (children can accompany if that makes things easier – we’ll put some books and colouring out!). Book a place on the EYFS page of the school website.

In Maths this week, we have been considering shape, space and measure. The children have got to explore the concepts of weight, capacity and length/size in different way and having lots of opportunity to use talk related to these with words of comparison such as heavier/lighter and bigger/smaller. 

Reading buddies on Monday was as lovely as ever. The Reception children are really starting to make lovely relationships with the older children and they enjoy spending this time sharing books together. 

PPA morning on Tuesday saw the children engaging in DT, Music and Art. Mrs Arnott led the DT Food Technology lesson all about healthy food choices, Mrs Durrant had some fantastic musical patterns to enjoy together and Mrs Ledda helped everyone make their own spider and spiderweb!

We’ve been busy as ever all over Reception, practising skills and developing our strengths in ways that will help us as we learn. There’s been lots of chances to practice letter and number formation; gross motor challenges to build the children’s strength, agility and co-ordination; the teamwork of building houses and towers together; and even some road safety work for the bike track, with a crossing installed by the children and traffic lights made to keep everyone safe!

See below for upcoming dates of note. For those who are already asking, there will be a two afternoon/evenings of Parent Consultations immediately after half-term break and details of how/when to book appointments for these will be announced soon (when we know, you’ll know!).

PLEASE NOTE – School will be closed to pupils next Friday (11th October for a teacher training day).

Have a great weekend!

The Reception Team 

Dates for the Diary:

Thursday 10th October –  Hello Yellow Day: dress in yellow (or bright colours) for World Mental Health Day (see website post for more details).

Friday 11th October – School closed for staff training day

Thursday 17th October – Reception Parents Phonics Workshop (5pm). Form to book on can be found on the EYFS page of the website.

Friday 25th October – Last day of Autumn 1 before half-term break begins.