At the beginning of each new topic, children participate in a discussion about what they already know and what they would like to learn. They are encouraged to contribute their ideas and thoughts about what they would like to find out about. This ensures that they are genuinely excited and motivated to learn.
Topics may include ‘Around the World’ and many of the activities Topics during this year may include ‘Around the World, ‘Fairytales and Traditional Tales’ ‘Space’, Dinosaurs, ‘Changes’ and ‘Life Cycles’ The children are encouraged to share a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books to support their learning.
The children participate in daily phonics lessons. These fun, practical sessions are designed to develop their understanding of letters and sounds and the role that they play in reading and writing. Very quickly the children will be encouraged to sound out and spell simple 2 and 3 letter words alongside learning a small sight vocabulary of key ‘tricky’ words. The children will be provided with a range of activities that encourage writing in all sorts of ways including lists, captions, notes and stories.
Creative activities are woven into many aspects of each day, from art and design, to music and role-play. The children are encouraged to select and use tools and materials independently and there are plenty of opportunities for them to design and create their own masterpieces!
P.E lessons with a specialist teacher include dance, gymnastics, games and apparatus. Within the classroom the children are provided with opportunities to further develop these skills by using a range of equipment outside.
During their Reception year, the children begin to mature greatly and they are encouraged to be responsible for their own belongings and resources.
The importance of self-belief, good behaviour, manners, kindness and thoughtfulness to others is interwoven into everything that we do and rewarded positively with credits and stickers.
In mathematics the children continue to develop their understanding of numbers and the number system with an emphasis on making maths fun, encouraging them to see the patterns in numbers and to think about different approaches to solving everyday problems. Wherever possible the activities are linked to our current topic.
During the Spring and Summer we plant a range of flowers, herbs and vegetables and participate in a National Potato growing competition. They enjoy not only learning to look after our plants but to also understand where our food comes from. This helps the children to gain a better understanding of the food chain and encourage them to taste healthy fruits and vegetables.
