Welcome to Reception
Exploring the Beautiful Story of Sulwe! ππ
π This week we have been immersed in the captivating story of Sulwe, who learns the true meaning of beauty. πΊ This heartwarming tale has inspired us to engage in exciting activities that not only ignited our creativity but also helped us develop essential skills for Reception children. Let's dive into the educational benefits of these activities, as linked to the Development Matters Reception statements and early learning goals! πβ¨
Our first activity was creating portraits of ourselves! πΌοΈ By painting one stage at a time and allowing the paint to dry between features, we developed our fine motor skills and patience. π§ β This activity directly supports the Development Matters Reception statement "Exploring and using media and materials." Furthermore, it helps us achieve the early learning goal of expressing our ideas and feelings through art. ππ
Next, we drew pictures of the people in our families and framed them inside photo frames! πΈβοΈ This creative task enhanced our understanding of our family members and their names. β¨πͺ It aligns with the Development Matters Reception statement "Understanding the World," as we explore the relationships and similarities within our families. Additionally, it contributes to the early learning goal of using our mark-making skills to represent ideas or objects. πποΈ
Feeling sad can be tough, so we decided to write our own letters to Sulwe to help her feel better. ππ€ This activity encouraged us to empathise with the characters in the story and practice our writing skills. βοΈπ By expressing our thoughts and emotions through writing, we achieved the Development Matters Reception statement of "Communication and Language" and the early learning goal of using our phonic knowledge to write simple words. π£οΈπ
We also indulged in the mesmerising world of transient art, creating our own night skies! ππ¨ Through this activity, we explored various materials to represent stars, clouds, and other celestial wonders. π βοΈ This hands-on experience aligned with the Development Matters Reception statement "Exploring and Using Materials" and the early learning goal of investigating different ways to create patterns, textures, and shapes. ππ
Lastly, we painted paper plates to symbolize the transition between day and night. πποΈ This activity allowed us to explore concepts of time, light, and the natural world. β°β¨ By engaging in this creative task, we achieved the Development Matters Reception statement "Understanding the World" and the early learning goal of exploring changes within the environment. ππ
π Together, these exciting activities not only immersed us in the beautiful world of Sulwe but also facilitated our holistic development in line with the Development Matters Reception statements and early learning goals. πβ¨ Let's continue to inspire and foster creativity in our little ones!
Phonics Live Lesson and Workshop
πππ€
We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing parents who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend our live phonics lesson and workshop on Monday! π Your presence meant the world to our children and showed them just how much you support their learning journey. Together, we are making a difference! ππ¨π©π§π¦
ππ
Parent involvement is absolutely crucial when it comes to children's phonics and reading development, and we saw it firsthand during our session. Research shows that children who receive consistent support and encouragement from their parents at home perform better academically and have a stronger reading foundation. ππ π
π‘β¨
By attending our live lesson and workshop, you've not only shown your commitment to your child's education but also equipped yourself with valuable tools to support their phonics and reading journey at home. The information we shared was specially designed to help you guide your child through their reading adventures, and we truly hope it proved useful to each and every one of you! π€β¨
π ππ
Remember, reading doesn't stop at school. Together, we can create a nurturing environment at home, filled with books, stories, and engaging activities that spark their love for reading. Let's continue to work hand in hand to empower our children on their path to literacy and beyond! ππͺπ
You can access the workshop information here.
With the help and support of The Friends, our EYFS team has created an Amazon Wish List. This list comprises items that we use on a daily basis, which often run low or become worn over time and need replacing. By taking a look at what we use to support the children's play, we believe you will gain an interesting insight into their learning!
We would be incredibly grateful if you feel able to contribute something towards your child's learning. Not only will your contribution enhance your child's educational experience, but it will also benefit the other 59 children who share the same setting.
For those who are unfamiliar with how Amazon Wish Lists work, it's a straightforward process. You can access our Wish List by following the link provided below. This will take you directly to the list, where you can browse through the items we have selected. If you decide to purchase an item from the list, it will be delivered directly to us, saving you the hassle of having to bring it in yourself.
Please be assured that any contribution, no matter how big or small, will be greatly appreciated. We value your support and understand that it may not always be possible to contribute to the Wish List. Participation is entirely voluntary, and we respect any decision you make.
If you have any questions or require further information about how the Wish List works, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are more than happy to assist you.
Thank you for considering supporting your child's learning through our Amazon Wish List. Your generosity will make a substantial difference to the educational resources available to all children at our setting.
Coats
Did you know that outdoor learning can greatly benefit your child's development? πΏ Not only does it stimulate their senses and provide fresh air, but it also encourages a sense of exploration and builds resilience. However, to fully enjoy the great outdoors, your child needs to be dressed appropriately, which means wearing a coat every day! π¦οΈ
To help your child easily identify their coat among a sea of jackets at school, we recommend adding a soft, waterproof keyring to their zip. ποΈ This small addition can make a big difference in preventing mix-ups and ensuring your child stays warm and dry all day long.
Learning to put on and do up their own coats is an essential life skill that builds independence in your child. By allowing them to handle their own outerwear, they gain a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance. Plus, it saves time during busy mornings when every second counts! π
So, don't forget to encourage your child to put on their coats and do them up independently before heading out. It's a small step towards fostering their independence and readiness for the day ahead! π
Remember, learning doesn't have to be confined to the classroom. Embrace the great British weather and let your child thrive outdoors! ππ¦πΏ
"Stop, I don't like it!"
As children begin to socialise with each other, they may come across behaviour that they do not like. We have taught the children that if they find themselves in a situation like this, they should clearly say, "Stop, I don't like it". The children know that if someone says this to them, they must stop the behaviour. If the behaviour continues then children know that they must tell an adult.
Please spend time reinforcing this with your children at home, and practise saying, "Stop, I don't like it!"
Tips for a Tear Free Drop Off!
Click on this link for some helpful tips.
Drop Off and Collection
Children can be dropped off at the Reception gate between 8.40am and 8.50am in the morning.
Collection will be under the canopy between 3.05pm and 3.10pm.
Snack
The school will provide both a 'dry snack' (rice cake/cracker etc.), and a piece of fruit for your child each day, as well as water or milk. Children should bring their own water bottles in to school (no squash or juice, only water). If you have already made arrangements to send in your own snack for medical reasons, we kindly ask that you follow our Healthy School Policy
PE Day
PE day will be on a Tuesday. Children should come to school wearing their PE Kit (please label all items of clothing). Children may wear plimsolls or trainers (no laces).
If you have any questions then please feel free to speak to any of the Reception staff on the gate, at drop off or collection time, or to contact the school office to make an appointment.
Many thanks for your support and cooperation,
Miss Joseph, Miss Ponting, Mrs De Freitas and Mrs H