Welcome to Reception. Your class teacher is Mrs O’Brien and your teaching assistants are Mrs Bailey and Miss Maidment. Your midday supervisors are Mrs Howell, Mrs Haggerty and Miss Maidment.
As we enter our final term in Reception, we continue to offer a stimulating learning environment with plentiful opportunities, which will challenge and support children to extend their learning every day.
The children are well used to the routines of the day by now and we will continue with whole class, as well as small group Literacy and Maths, alongside our topic activities. This term the children will also learn gymnastics on a Wednesday and dance on a Thursday, so will need their PE kits on these days.
To ensure a smooth transition into Year 1, we are working hard to support the children to be as independent as possible, which includes being responsible for their belongings, dressing and undressing and using cutlery correctly. Please continue to support your children with this at home. We will also begin to join the rest of the school for whole school assemblies.
Above all, we want the children to enjoy their last term in Reception and leave us with a love for learning.
We have added a video to Tapestry for home learning - please log in to your account to view it.
Once you have been out in the snow, you could also spend some time looking at photos on Tapestry with your child and talking about what they have been learning this term.
RECEPTION CLASS 2022-2023
18/5/23 - LI: To write sentences. This week our story is The Scarecrows Wedding and today we used our phonic knowledge to write sentences using pictures from the story.
8/5/23 - LI: To celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. This week's home learning was to complete a task celebrating the coronation. Reception worked hard and produced some amazing crowns, pictures, diary entries and facts.
5.5.23 - To learn about the Coronation of King Charles III. Today we dressed in red, white and blue to celebrate the coronation. We learned about what will happen and we had the opportunity to make crowns, paint Union Jack, paint golden coaches and collage the portrait of King Charles.
27.4.23 - LI: To move to a stimulus. This term we are learning to dance with Mr Sapsed. This week we were moving to the beat of the music.
21.4.23 - LI: To compare habitats. Our story this week is The Tiger who Came to Tea and today we looked at tigers habitats. We learned there are 9 species of tiger and they live in a variety of habitats. We compared their habitats to our gardens and discussed why a tiger couldn’t really live in our garden. During CIL we made some different habitats.
27.3.23 - LI: To write a sentence. This week we have been learning all about Easter and, during Literacy, we wrote some sentences using our increasing phonic knowledge.
24.3.23 - LI: To consider the feelings of others. This week we have been reading The Teeny Weeny Tadpole and today we talked about how the tadpole felt. The children thought that he would be disappointed (Daniel) at the beginning, as he couldn't jump but happy (Willow H) at the end as he could. We thought about how you can tell how someone is feeling and decided that we usually know by looking at their face. We drew pictures of different types of emotions such as happy, scared, angry, excited and shocked.
7.3.23 - LI: To plant beans. Following on from learning about lifecycles, today we planted runner beans. We used language such as bean, germination, roots, shoots and soil. We also learned that the bean would need water, light and oxygen to grow.
1.3.23 - LI: To understand the lifecycle of a bean. Our story this week is Jaspers Beanstalk and today we learned all about the lifecycle of the bean. We learned some new vocabulary, such as germinate, stem and sprout. We drew lifecycles and some of us labelled these.
23.2.23 - LI: To explore different techniques. Today we painted using forks using Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers for inspiration. We used different sized brushes to paint the vase and stems then forks to create the sunflower petals. When the paint had dried, we used glue and seeds to create the seeds in the centre of the sunflowers and to decorate the vase. We also learned a little about Van Gogh's love for bright colours and bold brushstrokes, which we think we have displayed in our artwork.
2.2.23 - LI: To find the difference. Using the language more and less, we have been practising finding the difference in Maths. Today we had fun working in pairs to choose different coloured cubes, at random, and explain to our partner what the difference is and how we know.
26.1.23 - LI: To make a finger puppet. This week we have been reading We're Going on a Bear Hunt and today we made finger puppet bears. We cut the felt and used glue to connect the pieces together and then we added eyes and ears. We will use our finger puppets to retell the story, for home learning, alongside story maps we made in Literacy.
18.1.22 - LI: To design a sea creature. This week our focus text is 'Lost and Found' by Oliver Jeffers where a little boy and a penguin sale across the ocean to the South Pole. The children used Purple Mash to design a sea creature that they think may live on the bottom of the ocean.
15.12.22 - LI: To learn about Christingle. This week we have been learning all about Advent and Christingle. We made our own Christingles, to take home, and discussed what each part of it represents.
8.12.22 - LI: To write a sentence. We have worked very hard on writing captions in Reception and, this week, some children had a go at successfully writing sentences.
1.12.22 - LI: To explore how ingredients change when they are mixed. This week we have been reading The Gingerbread Man and today we made gingerbread people. We weighed out the ingredients and mixed them. Next we rolled the pastry and used a cutter to cut the shape of the gingerbread person. Then it went into the oven to cook and finally we decorated them! We used designs we had created earlier in the week and tried to copy our designs.
24.11.22 - LI: To understand safety in the dark (Be Safe Be Seen). We have been focussing on how to be safe in the dark, especially as the nights have become darker earlier. After discussing which type of clothing is best at night time (light and reflective), we designed our own outfits.
17.11.22 - LI: To recognise different feelings. This week we have been reading 'The Colour Monster' and thinking about different feelings. We drew images to show different types of feelings, such as; calm, happy, love, sadness.
10.11.22 - LI: To create poppies. This week we have learned all about Remembrance Day and why we wear poppies. We used different painting techniques to create poppies.
20.10.22 - LI: To compare weight. This week we have been comparing measure and today we explored comparing weight. We found lots of different resources from around the classroom and made predictions about which would be heavier / heaviest or lighter / lightest. We had lots of fun trying out the balance pans.
13.10.22 - LI: To engage with learning related to 'People who help us'. This week the children have had a wonderful time during child initiated learning engaged in several different activities linked to our current topic. They have enjoyed being doctors in our role play, dressing up and emergency service workers, investigating a crime scene, making 3D emergency service vehicles and lots more.
7.10.22 - LI: To understand the role of the police. As part of our topic, People who help us, we were lucky enough to have a visit from PCSO Harry and PCSO Siannah. The children were very excited and asked questions about how they keep us safe, how they arrest people, how they use their walkie-talkie and what they write in their notepads! We got to see a police car and heard the siren.
29.9.22 - LI: To recognise features of our environment. Today we looked at our school on Google Earth and then went for a walk around our school grounds to identify some of the main features.
22.9.22 - LI: To talk about our families. This week we have been reading Full, Full, Full of Love and discussed who we love and who loves us. We discussed families, immediate and extended, and drew pictures of our families.
14.9.22 - LI: To talk about likes and dislikes. This week we have been learning all about our senses and today our focus was smell. The children enjoyed smelling different items and discussing what they liked and disliked about them. We used adjectives, such as sweet, to describe the smells. The favourite smell was the jam!
6.9.22 - LI: To paint a self-portrait. This week we have been thinking about ourselves. We used a mirror to look at the features on our faces and then painted self-portraits.
RECEPTION CLASS 2021-2022
12.7.22 LI: to take part in team and individual competitions. This week we took part in Sports Day with children from KS1. We all took part in individual races then joined our teammates to score as many points as we could for our houses.
5.7.22 - LI: To double. This week we have been recapping on doubling in Reception. The children played a game where they set out some objects behind a screen, lifted the screen for a few seconds for their partner to see, then the partner had to double the number. This was lots of fun and was more tricky when the numbers got higher!
1.7.22 - LI: To recognise that all families are different. Today during circle time, we talked about family members, how different families are and how we help one another in our own families. The children drew pictures of families. This could be their own family or any family they chose to draw. We talked about how we help each other such as washing up, tidying, giving cuddles and cleaning the garden.
21.6.22 - LI: To weave. This week our topic is Under the Sea and today the children have been weaving fish for our role play zoo and aquarium. We practised as a whole class by weaving border role between us! Then we had a go independently. The children showed good fine motor control and some children were able to make patterns.
14.6.22 - LI: To write in sentences. This week we wrote our own version of the book 'Dear Zoo'. The children used their phonic knowledge to write. In DT, the children made lift the flap pictures and evaluated them. We then stuck them all in a book together.
10.6.22 - LI: To compare animal habitats. Today we learned all about different animal habitats as part of our topic this half term on animals. We worked in groups to sort the animals into their correct habitat and we also discussed what a predator is!
23.5.22 - LI: To make distinctions between the past and the present. Today we learned all about Queen Elizabeth II and why we are celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. We ordered some photos of the queen based on whether we thought they were from the past or the present.
20.5.22 - LI: To explore water colours. Today the children used water colours to paint Little Red Riding Hood inspired pictures. They used water on the paint pallet and mixed colours to create the colours they needed.
13/5/22 - LI: To understand equal parts. This week, our focus in Maths has been on doubling and halving. Today we were exploring part and whole where the parts are equal. The children sorted objects equally into parts using a part / whole model for support.
3.5.22 LI: To sequence a story. This week we have been reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Today we had a go at drawing story maps independently and then using them to retell the story to our friends.
29.4.22 - LI: To explore different media. This week we have been focussing on the book The Three Little Pigs. Today we made the three bears houses using a variety of materials - straw, sticks, glue, plastic bricks with paint.
20.4.22 LI: To recognise Springtime changes. This afternoon in Forest School we noticed many springtime changes in our Forest School such as Bluebells, many more leaves and blossom on the trees. We observed the tadpoles, who have grown much bigger over the Easter break.
31.3.22 LI: To talk about how we celebrate Easter. This week we have been learning all about The Easter Story and why Christians celebrate Easter. Today we talked about the different ways in which we celebrate in our own families. The children drew pictures and described what they like to do.
22.3.22 LI: To identify the parts of a butterfly. This week we have been reading 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Today we carefully drew representations of butterflies, identified each part and labelled them.
16.3.22 LI: To use observational drawing skills. After studying daffodils in Forest School, the children used their observational skills to draw daffodils, selecting the correct colours and paying attention to detail.
10.3.22 - LI: To order numbers on a number line. This week in Reception we have been learning how to plot numbers on a number line. We have ordered the numbers, estimated where numbers should go and reasoned why, as well as using the number to help us see one more and one less.
1.3.22 - LI: To observe changes to food when cooking. This week we learned all about why Pancake Day is celebrated. We made pancakes by measuring out ingredients and mixing them into a batter. We then observed what happened to the batter as it cooked.
24.2.22 - LI: To learn about the lifecycle of a bean. This term our topic is 'Growing' and this week we learned all about the lifecycle of a bean. During CIL, we planted some green bean seeds. Over the coming weeks, we will care for them and observe their growth.
8.2.22 - LI: To begin to understand E-Safety. Today was E-Safety Day and we talked about keeping safe online, being kind and respectful and telling an adult if anything makes us feel uncomfortable or worried. We drew pictures of what we like to do online.
3.2.22 - LI: To talk about vehicles past and present. To link in with our topic of Transport this half term, we looked at vehicles from the past and the present. We then looked at some toy vehicles. There were some toy trains that are 70 years old which we compared to a toy train from the present. We also looked at a hot wheels car from 40 years ago compared to a hot wheels car from today.
27.1.22 - LI: To make a finger puppet. As part of our learning on We're Going on a Bear Hunt this week, we made bear finger puppets. We used cutting and sticking skills to do this.
20.1.22 - LI: To create a sea creature. This week the children designed sea creatures linked to our book of the week 'Lost and 'Found' where the boy and the penguin sail across the ocean. First, they designed their creature on paper and then referred to their paper plans when drawing it onto the laptop using Purple Mash.
10.1.22 - LI: To draw a map of the school grounds. On Thursday this week, we went outside with Mrs Magdeburg to draw maps of the school grounds. We were thinking about how vehicles and people travel around the school site.
6.1.22 - LI: To use positional language. This week we had a Maths and Science challenge called 'Flap the Fish'. We had to see which fish would go the furthest when flapped with a book. We used the mathematical vocabulary of first and last.
15.12.21 - LI: to use cutting and joining skills. This week we have been making Christmas cards. We also had a visit from Father Christmas who read us a story.
8.12.21 - LI: To learn about common British birds. For Forest School this week the children learned all about common British birds. They listened to their songs, named and identified them as well as discussing what they eat. The children then made bird feeders using lard, seed and pine cones for the birds in our school grounds.
30.11.21 - LI: To explore how ingredients change when they are mixed together. Today we made gingerbread people and the children enjoyed weighing and mixing the ingredients together to create the biscuit dough.
23.11.21 - LI: To write an invite. This week we have been focussing on family celebrations and writing party invites. We used some of the high frequency words we have been learning and focussed on using our phonics to sound out decodable words.
19.11.21 - LI: To show empathy towards others. Today was Children in Need and the children came into school in non-uniform or pyjamas. We discussed why we need to raise money and help other children within our community and the UK. We had fun doing Joe Wicks, colouring and reflecting on how fortunate we are compared to some.
12.11.21 - LI: To move our bodies in a variety of ways. Today we were very lucky to have a visit from Julia, Stevenage Sporting Futures, who came along to run 'Full of Beans' which was a PE session for Children in Need. We pretended to be all kinds of beans and then we balanced beanbags on various parts of our body.
6.11.21 - LI: To understand the benefits of exercise. In PSHE this week, we have been discussing the benefits of exercise and why it is so important for our bodies. We went to the top playground and set up some fitness challenges.
22.10.21 - LI: To make vegetable soup. This week at school was 'Grow to eat, eat to grow' week and, after learning all about where our food comes from, we made a vegetable soup. The children used cutting and peeling skills and we all enjoyed trying the soup.
15.10.21 - LI: To create repeating patterns. This week our focus in maths has been to recognise and create repeating patterns. Using concrete objects, children made a variety of patterns. We also looked at patterns within the environment, patterns with sounds and patterns with movements.
7.10.21 - LI: To talk positively about ourselves. This week we wore yellow to school on Friday for 'Hello Yellow' to raise awareness for young people's mental health. During circle time, we spent some time reflecting on being positive about ourselves. We said one positive comment about ourselves and one about someone else in the room.
1.10.21 - LI: To recognise initial sounds in words. In Reception we have now learned s, a, t, p, i and n from our phase 2 sounds. We had fun going around the room looking for words that began with the letter sound we were given.
24/9/21 LI - To talk about our family. This week our topic was 'My Family'. Children brought in photos from home and came to the front of the class to talk about their families.
17/9/21 LI: To use describing words. Today we tasted different fruits and vegetables (from snack time) and talked about how we thought they tasted. The orange was 'nice' and 'yummy' and the carrot was 'lumpy'. The lime was 'very sour and fizzy'.
06.09.21 - LI: To paint a self portrait. This week we painted our self portraits. We used a mirror to look at our features and colouring. We looked at the similarities and differences between us.
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