Hello!

This week, we have continued working in our phonics groups. You will receive a Tapestry update each week with links to the sounds your child has covered and any other relevant information and videos.

In maths, we have been revisiting subitising – the ability to recognise small quantities without counting through games, songs and hands-on activities. The children have been exploring the numbers 3, 4, and 5 learning to spot these amounts in different arrangements (like on dice, dominoes, and fingers) and representing them using resources such as counters and cubes.

In Understanding the World, we have been learning about Diwali, the festival of light. We have learnt about the story of Rama and Sita. Here is a video we watched in class: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/religious-studies-ks1-the-hindu-story-of-rama-and-sita/zdtmnrd

We have learnt about preparations for and the celebration of this festival. We have also thought about our own experience of festivals and how Diwali is similar to ways in which we celebrate. Here is a song about Diwali: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/lets-go-club-diwali-song

The children have enjoyed designing rangoli patterns using materials inside and also with chalks outside. They have been role-playing Diwali celebrations in the home corner and have enjoyed retelling the story of Rama and Sita with the Diwali puppets. They have been making diya pots and have made firework prints in the painting area.

After the holidays:

In maths, we will be learning comparing the number of objects in two sets. We will be using the language more than, fewer than and equal to. The children will notice similarities and differences in the sets that we compare.

Our new topic will focus on fire safety. We’ll be learning about the role of firefighters, how to stay safe around fire and what to do in an emergency. Through stories, role play and discussions, the children will explore important safety messages in an age-appropriate and reassuring way. If you have any books, photos or experiences related to fire safety that your child would like to share, please feel free to bring them in!

We will also be marking Remembrance Day in a gentle and age-appropriate way. The children will learn that it is a special time to remember and thank the people who have helped keep us safe, both in the past and today.

We hope you have lovely, well-rested half term

The Reception Team