It has been another busy and exciting week in Reception, with the children settling into their daily routines brilliantly!

In Phonics, we focused on rhythm, rhyme and voice sounds throughout the week. We spotted rhyming words while reading Oi Frog!, clapped along to nursery rhymes and experimented with changing our voice volume and tone for different story characters. The children also created simple body percussion sequences and played rhythm games using musical instruments.

In Maths, we began exploring the concept of subitising—learning to instantly recognise small quantities without counting them one by one. We practiced subitising groups of 1 and 2, represented numbers on our fingers in various ways and began spotting smaller subgroups of 1, 2 and 3 within larger arrangements.

Our topic lessons and circle time sessions focused on building a safe, kind and inclusive classroom. We discussed the importance of using kind words and kind hands, learned why indoor and outdoor rules keep us safe and reflected on what makes a good friend. Through our No Outsiders story You Choose, we also celebrated the wonderful similarities and differences between us all.

Here are a few simple ways you can support your child's learning at home, directly linked to what we have been practicing in school this week:

In Phonics and Literacy, you can practice listening for rhyming words while reading storybooks together at home, just like we did with Oi Frog! You can also sing familiar nursery rhymes together and practice clapping along to the beat, or play simple rhythm games using kitchen utensils as instruments.

For Maths, try practicing "quick-seeing" or subitising during everyday routines. You can ask your child to quickly tell you how many items they see without counting—such as 1 or 2 pieces of fruit on a plate, or small groups of toys. You can also ask them to show you numbers on their fingers in different ways.

To support their PSED learning, talk with your child about what it means to use kind words and kind hands. You can discuss simple rules you have at home and why they keep everyone safe, or chat about what makes a good friend as they build new relationships at school. Celebrating their independence and talking positively about their new school environment will also continue to build their confidence as they settle into their new routines!