We have had another busy and engaging week in Reception, with lots of fantastic learning taking place across all areas.

Phonics

In phonics, we introduced the new tricky word “my”. The children worked hard to read and recognise this word and then practised using it in their own sentences. It was lovely to see them applying their phonics knowledge independently in their writing. We also learnt the short “oo” sound, as in “book” and “look”. The children practised reading and writing words with this sound and are becoming increasingly confident when spotting it in words. To consolidate previous learning, we played a Level 3 sounds bingo game. The children listened carefully to each sound, read the sounds on their boards, and identified the correct one to colour in.

Maths

In maths, we began the week by revisiting doubles from last week. The children showed growing confidence when recognising and recalling doubles. We then moved on to recapping odd and even numbers. Using practical resources and visual models, the children sorted numbers into odd and even groups. We had some great discussions about how even numbers can be made into doubles, while odd numbers cannot, which helped deepen their understanding.

Later in the week, we explored different strategies for counting larger sets. We used a collection of stickers and worked together to decide whether there were enough for everyone in the class. The children suggested different ways to count accurately, including touching each sticker as they counted. We then counted the children themselves by standing up and sitting down once counted, which helped ensure nobody was missed. When looking at pictures on the board, the children came up with the idea of circling each item once it had been counted. They were brilliant at spotting when something had been missed because it had not been circled. We also practised counting to 20 regularly and the children enjoyed the challenge of finding 20 different objects around the classroom. In addition to this, we continued working on building numbers beyond 10, using a range of practical resources to support understanding.

Understanding the world/Drawing club 

In Understanding the World and Drawing Club, we read Handa's Surprise. The children learnt that Handa lives in Kenya, and we explored what her environment might be like. We discussed similarities and differences between life in Kenya and the UK, thinking about things such as weather, homes and surroundings. The children then drew one similarity and one difference, showing thoughtful observations and great attention to detail in their work.

People who help us

As part of our “People Who Help Us” topic, we were very lucky to have a visit from a nurse. The children were fascinated to learn about how nurses help people and keep us healthy. We also discussed how hospitals and nurses’ uniforms have changed over time. The children then had a hands-on experience using real-life equipment, including bandages, syringes, a thermometer, a stethoscope and an otoscope (a special tool used to look inside ears). They showed great curiosity and asked some fantastic questions.

We also focused on dental hygiene this week. We talked about why it is important to brush our teeth, how to brush them correctly, and how long we should brush for. The children then practised brushing their own teeth for two minutes while looking in a mirror, taking care to use the correct technique.

PE

In PE, during our dance sessions, we used the song The Wheels on the Bus to inspire our own creative ideas. The children came up with new verses and actions, showing lots of imagination. We also continued practising our transport dance, using a range of movements and actions to represent different types of transport. In gymnastics, we focused on developing rocking and rolling skills, exploring different ways to move safely and with control.

RE

In RE, we discussed why Christians might place a cross in an Easter garden and what it represents. We talked about the Easter story and shared our thoughts and feelings about it. As a class, we then worked together to create our own Easter garden, carefully adding different elements and discussing what each part represents. The children showed great thoughtfulness and respect during this activity.

We are very proud of all the children and the enthusiasm they have shown in their learning this week.

Star of the week: Due to a missed celebration assembly, Congratulations to Archie, who was our star of the week last week for his amazing sentence writing in drawing club. 

Congratulations to Daniel, who is our star of the week this week, for demonstrating fantastic perseverance and participation in phonics! Daniel will be taking home his certificate and Wilfred the Elephant to write in the book all about his time spent with Wilfred over the next week and will bring him back next Thursday.

Please remember to read with your child, even for just 5 minutes! Please also remember to record it in the reading record. We will only change your child's book if you have read with them 2 or more times in that week! Reading books are changed on Tuesday's and Friday's. Please also remember to have the library book in your children's book bag on Thursday to be changed. 

Any issues or concerns we need to know about, please speak to the Acorn team before and after school or email at: acorn@st-barnabas.kent.sch.uk