Hello!

Maths

This week, the children have been exploring numbers and shapes through a variety of practical activities. They enjoyed using tangrams to match and rotate shapes, developing their spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. The children also focused on the number 10, learning to recognise when 10 is shown in structured arrangements of objects. They practised representing the composition of 10 using dice frames and finger patterns, and worked hard to solve problems involving different ways to make 10. The children were also challenged to identify missing parts of 10 in structured arrangements, helping to strengthen their understanding of number bonds and early mathematical reasoning.

Next week, in maths we will be comparing numbers up to 10, considering where numbers are in relation to each other. Through practical activities and games, the children will reason about numbers and think carefully about which is more or less. They will use linear number tracks to play games that encourage them to compare numbers that are far apart, near and next to each other. (For example, 10 is a lot more than 2 but 5 is only 1 more than 4.)

Coconut ordering is a fun game to play (choose up to 10) where your child will need to order the numbers from smallest to largest. Here is a link: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ordering-and-sequencing/coconut-ordering

Understanding the World

This week the children have been learning all about minibeasts and insects. They explored the features of insects and were able to explain what makes an insect different from other minibeasts. The children enjoyed sorting a variety of minibeasts into insects and non-insects, using their observation skills to identify key characteristics. They also compared different minibeasts, discussing similarities and differences between them. To finish the week, the children carefully drew insects, making sure to include important features such as six legs, wings and body parts. Here is a catchy song we have been using in class to help identify insects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxH7NBbL9JY

Next week, the children will continue their learning about minibeasts by exploring the creatures we can find in our environment. They will go on minibeast hunts and practise identifying different insects and creatures in the outdoor area. The children will also learn about why bees are important and the special role they play in helping plants and flowers to grow. They will compare a tarantula and a common garden spider, discussing similarities and differences between the two. Later in the week, the children will discover why worms are important for our environment and how they help keep the soil healthy for plants to grow.

We hope you have a lovely weekend,

The Reception Staff