Hello!

This week in phonics we have learnt the sounds e, l, h, r and j.

We have also continued to blend sounds to make words using the sound cards and magnet boards.

Your child could use their sound cards to make words eg . Can they show you how to do Fred Talk, Read the Word? (Point to each sound as you say it then run your finger along the sounds as you say the full word).

In maths we have been learning about repeating patterns. The children have learnt how to make an AB pattern, an AAB pattern and an ABB. They have been making patterns in lots of different ways: using printing, objects inside and outside, on the computers, in the dough. An example of an AB pattern is conker, leaf, conker, leaf, conker, leaf… An AAB pattern might be blue, blue, red, blue, blue, red... An ABB pattern might be square, circle, circle, square, circle, circle… The children also made up their own patterns with actions and musical instruments. They came up with some super ideas! You might like to try making some patterns at home. We would love to see any photos or videos of your patterns which you can upload onto Tapestry.

The children have continued with their Talk 4 Writing unit based on the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. They have learnt how to draw a story map to help them to retell the story. A story map uses symbols and pictures (with some letters and words when children are ready for that) to remind them of the different parts of the story. The children have drawn some wonderful story maps and have been using the story language brilliantly. We have also learnt how to ‘innovate’ the story by changing certain details such as a character or a setting. In RC, the children changed their bear for a dragon and in RBA the children went on a dinosaur hunt. The children came up with some great words to describe the new setting in our innovated stories, such as a fast, frothy waterfall or a hot, steaming volcano.

As part of our No Outsiders syllabus, we read ‘You Choose’. The main learning through reading this book is that children know that they are able to choose for themselves and make their own decisions based on what they like and dislike. You can carry on these discussions at home by discussing food choices, clothing choices, where to go on a weekend or what toys the children like to play with.

Next week is Equalities week and we will be learning about differences and celebrating that everyone is different. The children will learn about race equality and SEND equality. We learn about these topics through age appropriate texts and discussions.

Next week in maths the children will be learning how to represent 1, 2 and 3 in different ways.

Next week the children will be doing their phonics sessions in smaller groups. They will continue to learn sounds and blend the sounds to make words. These smaller groups will allow your child to move at a pace that is right for them. Please continue to practise sounds at home. It helps your child’s phonics journey so much to have practice at home as well as what they do in school. You might like to make words with the sound cards at home. Say the sounds eg. m..a..t Can your child blend the sounds to make the word mat? Do Fred Talk, Say the Word: m...a...t - mat. Now, can your child find the right cards and put them in the correct order to make the word? Now practise Fred Talk, Read the Word by pointing to the sounds and saying them then swiping across the word as you say the word. How many words can you make?

We would just like to say how proud we are of the children! Their behaviour was impeccable whilst we had our inspection on Wednesday and Thursday and we were able to show off our fantastic learning. Well done Reception!

Have a lovely weekend,

The Reception team