Hi there my little treasures.
Have a lovely day tomorrow and hope all your wishes come true.
REMEMBER!! An early night to bed otherwise Santa may not have time to deliver your gifts.
Happy Christmas!
HO HO HO
Monday, December 24, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Navidad Feliz
Weekly update for week beginning 17th December 2007
Can you believe it? We have completed a third of the school year already, and what a term it has been! We are truly amazed at the level the children are working at and are well on their way to achieving great success. This is not only due to the hard work they are doing in school, but to your commitment to supporting your child and the every child’s enthusiasm for learning. So…it’s a pat on the back all round I think.
We had a fabulous time at the cathedral and Mr Barker was full of praise and admiration for the children. We even got to have our photograph took infront of the nativity scene. I have placed the photograph on the desktop of the Interactive Whiteboard if you want to have a look at it. The Year 6 looked after them very well.
This week is full of fun and frolics. Mmmm…so what’s different from any other week?
This week is goes very quickly but nevertheless action packed with seasonal activities. On Monday, the children will have a some-what normal morning (if it is at all possible to call the foundation Stage 'normal) but then…It’s time to PARTY!!! Yes, the children can come in their frilly dresses, glittery shoes and lip gloss…and that’s just the boys. Seriously, the children can come ready dressed to party. Many thanks for your contributions. Santa has emailed us to say he will be making a very special appearance too. No expense spared for our little treasures! We would like to thank all the parents who acted as santa’s elves last week.
Wednesday – remember those PE kits? Yes, they will come home for a good wash and iron ready for the Spring Term.
Thursday – with the last day being so action packed the children are treated to a toy afternoon. The children are allowed to bring in a toy to play with. We do encourage the children to bring in a toy that the can share with a friend e.g a card game, Buckaroo, Hungry Hippos, etc (I love those!!)
Friday is the carol service and the children have a lovely day. The Christmas Carol Concert will be held in St Joseph’s Church. We will be walking to church so if you are available to escort us then please let one of us know. Thanks. They are finally treated to a pantomime performed in the school hall by our parents. We all have a great laugh! One year I had to do a 'bush-tucker trial' involving jelly and creepy-crawlies. The children love it (and secretly so do the staff). All in all, the children go out on a high and are ready to drive you mental over the Christmas holidays. Ha ha ha!!! Please don't worry for I too have a four year old excited to the point of explosion to contend with over the Christmas break.
Also… clear space in your house for all the spectacular Christmas nick-nacks the children have made for you.
In addition to this, we will be completing our assessments of the children. WOW!!! is the word that comes to mind so far as we collate our information. Please remember to check out your child's diary for information on the letter names, sounds and numbers they need to work on as well as any other additional information we may need to pass on.
After lulling you into a false sense of security, I have found a series of websites which you can use to give your child a 'taster' of what is in store for the New Year. These should keep them busy over the holidays.
www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html - develops letter recognition and keyboard awareness
www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - love it!!
www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html - remember to keep those high frequency words going.
www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - type in your own spellings to learn
www.ictgames.com/machine.html - look at the picture then blend the sounds together to read the words and click on the matching one. Remember to use pure sounds.
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - find the number that matches the one under Bill's feathers
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/snakes.shtml - snakes and ladders for one and two players
www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/numorder.swf - ordering random numbers
www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbers
http://pbskids.org/lions/games/ears2.html - hearing the initial and final sounds in words and matching the letter symbol
www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition game
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/santa%20count.html - a little festive counting
http://pbskids.org/lions/games/pounce2.html - using the initial letter to identify words
You may have been aware of Mrs Latham’s absence from the team for the last four weeks. She has been with her family in Ireland and sadly, her father passed away Monday. We are sure you join us in our prayers for Mrs Latham and her family at this very sad time.
Finally….
May I take the opportunity to wish you and all your family a very special, happy, safe and Holy Christmas. Here’s to 2008!!
Take care
Jayne Narraway and The Foundation Stage Team xxx
PS If your little angel gets a little bored of the expensive presents you have trawled the internet and shops for, then you could always occupy them with these Christmas websites. http://www.merry-christmas.com/games/games.htmhttp://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/ Christmas resources from Northumberland Grid for Learning.
http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/xmas/xmastlinks.htmhttp://members.tripod.com/~newyearseve/
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.htmlhttp://www.star28.net/snow.html hilarious!! the penguin will write your message in the snow - perhaps you could write the high frequency words.
http://dingo.care2.com/cards/new/0422/Do-a-rain-deer.swf play the reindeer noses!!http://www.icq.com/friendship/pages/browse_page_7944.html reindeer band
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag75.html a to z of Christmas book
http://www.northpole.com/ - this is a lovely website with lots of festive activities to enjoy.
http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm -get those creative juices flowing with a little decorating of the tree.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - a great website for supporting your child’s understanding of size. The children can make a family of snowmen. Encourage them to use the language, taller, shorter and some shape names also.
Have a good one!
Can you believe it? We have completed a third of the school year already, and what a term it has been! We are truly amazed at the level the children are working at and are well on their way to achieving great success. This is not only due to the hard work they are doing in school, but to your commitment to supporting your child and the every child’s enthusiasm for learning. So…it’s a pat on the back all round I think.
We had a fabulous time at the cathedral and Mr Barker was full of praise and admiration for the children. We even got to have our photograph took infront of the nativity scene. I have placed the photograph on the desktop of the Interactive Whiteboard if you want to have a look at it. The Year 6 looked after them very well.
This week is full of fun and frolics. Mmmm…so what’s different from any other week?
This week is goes very quickly but nevertheless action packed with seasonal activities. On Monday, the children will have a some-what normal morning (if it is at all possible to call the foundation Stage 'normal) but then…It’s time to PARTY!!! Yes, the children can come in their frilly dresses, glittery shoes and lip gloss…and that’s just the boys. Seriously, the children can come ready dressed to party. Many thanks for your contributions. Santa has emailed us to say he will be making a very special appearance too. No expense spared for our little treasures! We would like to thank all the parents who acted as santa’s elves last week.
Wednesday – remember those PE kits? Yes, they will come home for a good wash and iron ready for the Spring Term.
Thursday – with the last day being so action packed the children are treated to a toy afternoon. The children are allowed to bring in a toy to play with. We do encourage the children to bring in a toy that the can share with a friend e.g a card game, Buckaroo, Hungry Hippos, etc (I love those!!)
Friday is the carol service and the children have a lovely day. The Christmas Carol Concert will be held in St Joseph’s Church. We will be walking to church so if you are available to escort us then please let one of us know. Thanks. They are finally treated to a pantomime performed in the school hall by our parents. We all have a great laugh! One year I had to do a 'bush-tucker trial' involving jelly and creepy-crawlies. The children love it (and secretly so do the staff). All in all, the children go out on a high and are ready to drive you mental over the Christmas holidays. Ha ha ha!!! Please don't worry for I too have a four year old excited to the point of explosion to contend with over the Christmas break.
Also… clear space in your house for all the spectacular Christmas nick-nacks the children have made for you.
In addition to this, we will be completing our assessments of the children. WOW!!! is the word that comes to mind so far as we collate our information. Please remember to check out your child's diary for information on the letter names, sounds and numbers they need to work on as well as any other additional information we may need to pass on.
After lulling you into a false sense of security, I have found a series of websites which you can use to give your child a 'taster' of what is in store for the New Year. These should keep them busy over the holidays.
www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html - develops letter recognition and keyboard awareness
www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - love it!!
www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html - remember to keep those high frequency words going.
www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - type in your own spellings to learn
www.ictgames.com/machine.html - look at the picture then blend the sounds together to read the words and click on the matching one. Remember to use pure sounds.
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - find the number that matches the one under Bill's feathers
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/snakes.shtml - snakes and ladders for one and two players
www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/numorder.swf - ordering random numbers
www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbers
http://pbskids.org/lions/games/ears2.html - hearing the initial and final sounds in words and matching the letter symbol
www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition game
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/santa%20count.html - a little festive counting
http://pbskids.org/lions/games/pounce2.html - using the initial letter to identify words
You may have been aware of Mrs Latham’s absence from the team for the last four weeks. She has been with her family in Ireland and sadly, her father passed away Monday. We are sure you join us in our prayers for Mrs Latham and her family at this very sad time.
Finally….
May I take the opportunity to wish you and all your family a very special, happy, safe and Holy Christmas. Here’s to 2008!!
Take care
Jayne Narraway and The Foundation Stage Team xxx
PS If your little angel gets a little bored of the expensive presents you have trawled the internet and shops for, then you could always occupy them with these Christmas websites. http://www.merry-christmas.com/games/games.htmhttp://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/ Christmas resources from Northumberland Grid for Learning.
http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/xmas/xmastlinks.htmhttp://members.tripod.com/~newyearseve/
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.htmlhttp://www.star28.net/snow.html hilarious!! the penguin will write your message in the snow - perhaps you could write the high frequency words.
http://dingo.care2.com/cards/new/0422/Do-a-rain-deer.swf play the reindeer noses!!http://www.icq.com/friendship/pages/browse_page_7944.html reindeer band
http://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag75.html a to z of Christmas book
http://www.northpole.com/ - this is a lovely website with lots of festive activities to enjoy.
http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm -get those creative juices flowing with a little decorating of the tree.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - a great website for supporting your child’s understanding of size. The children can make a family of snowmen. Encourage them to use the language, taller, shorter and some shape names also.
Have a good one!
Navidad felix
Weekly update for week beginning 17th December 2007
Can you believe it? We have completed a third of the school year already, and what a term it has been! We are truly amazed at the level the children are working at and are well on their way to achieving great success. This is not only due to the hard work they are doing in school, but to your commitment to supporting your child and the every child’s enthusiasm for learning. So…it’s a pat on the back all round I think.We had a fabulous time at the cathedral and Mr Barker was full of praise and admiration for the children. We even got to have our photograph took infront of the nativity scene. I have placed the photograph on the desktop of the Interactive Whiteboard if you want to have a look at it. The Year 6 looked after them very well.
This week is full of fun and frolics. Mmmm…so what’s different from any other week?
This week is goes very quickly but nevertheless action packed with seasonal activities. On Monday, the children will have a some-what normal morning (if it is at all possible to call the foundation Stage 'normal) but then…It’s time to PARTY!!! Yes, the children can come in their frilly dresses, glittery shoes and lip gloss…and that’s just the boys. Seriously, the children can come ready dressed to party. Many thanks for your contributions. Santa has emailed us to say he will be making a very special appearance too. No expense spared for our little treasures! We would like to thank all the parents who acted as santa’s elves last week.
Wednesday – remember those PE kits? Yes, they will come home for a good wash and iron ready for the Spring Term.
Thursday – with the last day being so action packed the children are treated to a toy afternoon. The children are allowed to bring in a toy to play with. We do encourage the children to bring in a toy that the can share with a friend e.g a card game, Buckaroo, Hungry Hippos, etc (I love those!!)Friday is the carol service and the children have a lovely day. The Christmas Carol Concert will be held in St Joseph’s Church. We will be walking to church so if you are available to escort us then please let one of us know. Thanks. They are finally treated to a pantomime performed in the school hall by our parents. We all have a great laugh! One year I had to do a 'bush-tucker trial' involving jelly and creepy-crawlies. The children love it (and secretly so do the staff). All in all, the children go out on a high and are ready to drive you mental over the Christmas holidays. Ha ha ha!!! Please don't worry for I too have a four year old excited to the point of explosion to contend with over the Christmas break.
Also… clear space in your house for all the spectacular Christmas nick-nacks the children have made for you.
In addition to this, we will be completing our assessments of the children. WOW!!! is the word that comes to mind so far as we collate our information. Please remember to check out your child's diary for information on the letter names, sounds and numbers they need to work on as well as any other additional information we may need to pass on.After lulling you into a false sense of security, I have found a series of websites which you can use to give your child a 'taster' of what is in store for the New Year. These should keep them busy over the holidays.www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html - develops letter recognition and keyboard awarenesswww.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - love it!!www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html - remember to keep those high frequency words going.www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - type in your own spellings to learnwww.ictgames.com/machine.html - look at the picture then blend the sounds together to read the words and click on the matching one. Remember to use pure sounds.www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - find the number that matches the one under Bill's featherswww.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/snakes.shtml - snakes and ladders for one and two playerswww.primaryresources.co.uk/online/numorder.swf - ordering random numberswww.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbershttp://pbskids.org/lions/games/ears2.html - hearing the initial and final sounds in words and matching the letter symbolwww.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition gamehttp://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/santa%20count.html - a little festive countinghttp://pbskids.org/lions/games/pounce2.html - using the initial letter to identify words
You may have been aware of Mrs Latham’s absence from the team for the last four weeks. She has been with her family in Ireland and sadly, her father passed away Monday. We are sure you join us in our prayers for Mrs Latham and her family at this very sad time.
Finally….
May I take the opportunity to wish you and all your family a very special, happy, safe and Holy Christmas. Here’s to 2008!!
Take care
Jayne Narraway and The Foundation Stage Team xxx
PS If your little angel gets a little bored of the expensive presents you have trawled the internet and shops for, then you could always occupy them with these Christmas websites. http://www.merry-christmas.com/games/games.htmhttp://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/ Christmas resources from Northumberland Grid for Learning.http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/xmas/xmastlinks.htmhttp://members.tripod.com/~newyearseve/http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.htmlhttp://www.star28.net/snow.html hilarious!! the penguin will write your message in the snow - perhaps you could write the high frequency words.http://dingo.care2.com/cards/new/0422/Do-a-rain-deer.swf play the reindeer noses!!http://www.icq.com/friendship/pages/browse_page_7944.html reindeer bandhttp://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag75.html a to z of Christmas book
http://www.northpole.com/ - this is a lovely website with lots of festive activities to enjoy.http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm -get those creative juices flowing with a little decorating of the tree.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - a great website for supporting your child’s understanding of size. The children can make a family of snowmen. Encourage them to use the language, taller, shorter and some shape names also. Have a good one!
Can you believe it? We have completed a third of the school year already, and what a term it has been! We are truly amazed at the level the children are working at and are well on their way to achieving great success. This is not only due to the hard work they are doing in school, but to your commitment to supporting your child and the every child’s enthusiasm for learning. So…it’s a pat on the back all round I think.We had a fabulous time at the cathedral and Mr Barker was full of praise and admiration for the children. We even got to have our photograph took infront of the nativity scene. I have placed the photograph on the desktop of the Interactive Whiteboard if you want to have a look at it. The Year 6 looked after them very well.
This week is full of fun and frolics. Mmmm…so what’s different from any other week?
This week is goes very quickly but nevertheless action packed with seasonal activities. On Monday, the children will have a some-what normal morning (if it is at all possible to call the foundation Stage 'normal) but then…It’s time to PARTY!!! Yes, the children can come in their frilly dresses, glittery shoes and lip gloss…and that’s just the boys. Seriously, the children can come ready dressed to party. Many thanks for your contributions. Santa has emailed us to say he will be making a very special appearance too. No expense spared for our little treasures! We would like to thank all the parents who acted as santa’s elves last week.
Wednesday – remember those PE kits? Yes, they will come home for a good wash and iron ready for the Spring Term.
Thursday – with the last day being so action packed the children are treated to a toy afternoon. The children are allowed to bring in a toy to play with. We do encourage the children to bring in a toy that the can share with a friend e.g a card game, Buckaroo, Hungry Hippos, etc (I love those!!)Friday is the carol service and the children have a lovely day. The Christmas Carol Concert will be held in St Joseph’s Church. We will be walking to church so if you are available to escort us then please let one of us know. Thanks. They are finally treated to a pantomime performed in the school hall by our parents. We all have a great laugh! One year I had to do a 'bush-tucker trial' involving jelly and creepy-crawlies. The children love it (and secretly so do the staff). All in all, the children go out on a high and are ready to drive you mental over the Christmas holidays. Ha ha ha!!! Please don't worry for I too have a four year old excited to the point of explosion to contend with over the Christmas break.
Also… clear space in your house for all the spectacular Christmas nick-nacks the children have made for you.
In addition to this, we will be completing our assessments of the children. WOW!!! is the word that comes to mind so far as we collate our information. Please remember to check out your child's diary for information on the letter names, sounds and numbers they need to work on as well as any other additional information we may need to pass on.After lulling you into a false sense of security, I have found a series of websites which you can use to give your child a 'taster' of what is in store for the New Year. These should keep them busy over the holidays.www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html - develops letter recognition and keyboard awarenesswww.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - love it!!www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html - remember to keep those high frequency words going.www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - type in your own spellings to learnwww.ictgames.com/machine.html - look at the picture then blend the sounds together to read the words and click on the matching one. Remember to use pure sounds.www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - find the number that matches the one under Bill's featherswww.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/snakes.shtml - snakes and ladders for one and two playerswww.primaryresources.co.uk/online/numorder.swf - ordering random numberswww.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbershttp://pbskids.org/lions/games/ears2.html - hearing the initial and final sounds in words and matching the letter symbolwww.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition gamehttp://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/santa%20count.html - a little festive countinghttp://pbskids.org/lions/games/pounce2.html - using the initial letter to identify words
You may have been aware of Mrs Latham’s absence from the team for the last four weeks. She has been with her family in Ireland and sadly, her father passed away Monday. We are sure you join us in our prayers for Mrs Latham and her family at this very sad time.
Finally….
May I take the opportunity to wish you and all your family a very special, happy, safe and Holy Christmas. Here’s to 2008!!
Take care
Jayne Narraway and The Foundation Stage Team xxx
PS If your little angel gets a little bored of the expensive presents you have trawled the internet and shops for, then you could always occupy them with these Christmas websites. http://www.merry-christmas.com/games/games.htmhttp://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/ Christmas resources from Northumberland Grid for Learning.http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/xmas/xmastlinks.htmhttp://members.tripod.com/~newyearseve/http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/teacher/christmas.htmlhttp://www.star28.net/snow.html hilarious!! the penguin will write your message in the snow - perhaps you could write the high frequency words.http://dingo.care2.com/cards/new/0422/Do-a-rain-deer.swf play the reindeer noses!!http://www.icq.com/friendship/pages/browse_page_7944.html reindeer bandhttp://www.bry-backmanor.org/actpag75.html a to z of Christmas book
http://www.northpole.com/ - this is a lovely website with lots of festive activities to enjoy.http://www.funranch.com/games/tree/index.htm -get those creative juices flowing with a little decorating of the tree.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - a great website for supporting your child’s understanding of size. The children can make a family of snowmen. Encourage them to use the language, taller, shorter and some shape names also. Have a good one!
Friday, December 07, 2007
Ooooh! Didn't they do well?
Hi there!
What a fantastic week we had last week! The performances went without a hitch and weren't the children just amazing considering they have only been in school a mere 11 weeks? We feel a reasl sense of achievement in having boosted the children's confidence so much that they will get up on the stage and have a go. Believe me, I didn't realise how scary it was myself until the mum's panto added a little extra to their performance!
Many thanks to you all for your kind comments and fantastic costumes. A HUGH thanks also goes to all the parents (and Grandparents) who helped to get the children changed. We couldn't have managed without you!
I think it is probably best to go through the diary of events for this week. Here goes...
WEDNESDAY - In the afternoon, the children will be treated to Jack and the Beanstalk. Many thanks for your contribution to this.
THURSDAY - the children will be visiting the Cathedral. The organisers have asked that we do not wrap our gifts this year. Please could any outstanding permission slips be returned as soon as possible. Thanks. We will return back to school by 4pm. You may wait in the school hall. Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the Carol Service myself as I have my own daughter's nativity to attend that afternoon. However, Mrs Higgins and Mr Barker will be chaperoning our little angels.
Lateness
I am just a little concerned that some children are often late arriving into school in the morning. The school doors open at 8.40am for Foundation Stage and school starts at 8.45am. Ideally ALL the children need to be sat on the carpet for registration by 8.50am so we can start our learning promptly. Your support in this would be greatly appreciated.
Now let's get on with what's going to be going on in class this week.
Santa's getting old
Did your child tell you that we received a letter from Eric the Elf? Yes! He asked the children to make some decorations for Timmy Tree who was very sad that all the other trees he knows have decorations. Of course the children obliged and what a 'splendiferous' job they did too! This week we reeive another letter from an elf. This time it is the chief elf 'Doc'. Santa has lost his memory and can't remember where the children live and so they may not get any presents on Christmas morning. Can you imagine their faces? Sounds cruel but it is a way into the children developing their geographical understanding of the local area. It would be helpful if you could help your child to remember their address as we will be locating your street on a map of the area.
Angels and Kings
The children will be creating angel broaches to wear at the cathedral as well as finishing off their fantastic Christmas cards.
The Christmas Story
We have been amazed at how brilliantly the children have picked up the story of the Nativity. This week, we take some children a little out of their comfort zone whilst some will be in their element. We have props and masks galore for the children to act out the story of the First Christmas. I can't wait to see them do it as the collages they have created depicting the events of the story are amazing.
The collages the children have created will be scanned this weekend and used to create a version of the Christmas story by the children. You may wish to keep your child busy by doing this at home if you have a scanner and powerpoint. Alternatively a few pictures and you as a scribe can make a lovely book. Perhaps if you make one you could pop it into school and we could share it too.
ASSESSMENT and REVIEW WEEK
This week is also assessment and review week. This is an opportunity to check the reading and spelling of the high frequency words, and assess the children for the next level in their reading. I will also be checking:
What a fantastic week we had last week! The performances went without a hitch and weren't the children just amazing considering they have only been in school a mere 11 weeks? We feel a reasl sense of achievement in having boosted the children's confidence so much that they will get up on the stage and have a go. Believe me, I didn't realise how scary it was myself until the mum's panto added a little extra to their performance!
Many thanks to you all for your kind comments and fantastic costumes. A HUGH thanks also goes to all the parents (and Grandparents) who helped to get the children changed. We couldn't have managed without you!
I think it is probably best to go through the diary of events for this week. Here goes...
WEDNESDAY - In the afternoon, the children will be treated to Jack and the Beanstalk. Many thanks for your contribution to this.
THURSDAY - the children will be visiting the Cathedral. The organisers have asked that we do not wrap our gifts this year. Please could any outstanding permission slips be returned as soon as possible. Thanks. We will return back to school by 4pm. You may wait in the school hall. Unfortunately I will be unable to attend the Carol Service myself as I have my own daughter's nativity to attend that afternoon. However, Mrs Higgins and Mr Barker will be chaperoning our little angels.
Lateness
I am just a little concerned that some children are often late arriving into school in the morning. The school doors open at 8.40am for Foundation Stage and school starts at 8.45am. Ideally ALL the children need to be sat on the carpet for registration by 8.50am so we can start our learning promptly. Your support in this would be greatly appreciated.
Now let's get on with what's going to be going on in class this week.
Santa's getting old
Did your child tell you that we received a letter from Eric the Elf? Yes! He asked the children to make some decorations for Timmy Tree who was very sad that all the other trees he knows have decorations. Of course the children obliged and what a 'splendiferous' job they did too! This week we reeive another letter from an elf. This time it is the chief elf 'Doc'. Santa has lost his memory and can't remember where the children live and so they may not get any presents on Christmas morning. Can you imagine their faces? Sounds cruel but it is a way into the children developing their geographical understanding of the local area. It would be helpful if you could help your child to remember their address as we will be locating your street on a map of the area.
Angels and Kings
The children will be creating angel broaches to wear at the cathedral as well as finishing off their fantastic Christmas cards.
The Christmas Story
We have been amazed at how brilliantly the children have picked up the story of the Nativity. This week, we take some children a little out of their comfort zone whilst some will be in their element. We have props and masks galore for the children to act out the story of the First Christmas. I can't wait to see them do it as the collages they have created depicting the events of the story are amazing.
The collages the children have created will be scanned this weekend and used to create a version of the Christmas story by the children. You may wish to keep your child busy by doing this at home if you have a scanner and powerpoint. Alternatively a few pictures and you as a scribe can make a lovely book. Perhaps if you make one you could pop it into school and we could share it too.
ASSESSMENT and REVIEW WEEK
This week is also assessment and review week. This is an opportunity to check the reading and spelling of the high frequency words, and assess the children for the next level in their reading. I will also be checking:
Shape recognition
Finding one more and one less than a given number
Number recognition
Pattern Making
Phonic knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of the language of length, weight and capacity in preparation for after Christmas.
Any of the websites from previous blogs are useful as a review exercise. Please find some of them listed below.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ - select the more counting picture with the jar of frogs. http://www.wmnet.org.uk/custom/files_uploaded/uploaded_resources/846/Teddynumbersv2.swf - This is such a cute website. The children can select the numbers they wish to work with and then select the number of sweets to feed the teddy as identified by the number given. http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/bugz.htm - This is one of my personal favourites! I remember the first time I ever saw it and couldn’t stop laughing. http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=ftank2 - I really like this one as it helps to develop mouse skills as well as counting skills. http://www.learningplanet.com/sam/cyc/index.asp - A simple but effective website. http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/colorcount.html - Click on the pictures to make them colour. http://www.wmnet.org.uk/wmnet/custom/files_uploaded/uploaded_resources/850/Count&Order.swf - On this website the children must identify the numbers on the leaves and then drag the ladybirds with matching number of spots. They can count the number of leaves on a stem and match the number to it or, order numbered snails and ladybirds. http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - this game works on ordering the numbers. http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - collect the acorns in number order. http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l2/activity2.html - The children must count the number of pieces of fruit and then click on the matching number. http://www.e-gfl.org/e-gfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/teacher/other/spark/downonfarm/downonfarm.html - Click on the link Down on the Farm and follow the instructions. http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game5.htm - This one is good. Count the items on the peacocks feathers and drag them to the number. http://www.ictgames.com/duckshoot.html - All the fun of the fair with this one! http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/farm/sounds/howmany2.wav http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/jungle.html http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_numbers - This websites needs the children to use the arrow keys on the keyboard. You can select the numbers the children are unsure of and work on them. http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - another great game for developing the children’s number recognition. http://www.ictgames.com/piratenumbers2.html - For those children with number recognition beyond 10. This is a great game for them! Count the barrels in the water and then type in the number. Let’s see if you can sink the ship.
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/maths/counting/random%20count.html - with this website, you will need to work with your child. They will need to firstly count the fish (they are moveable into a line) and then find one more and one less. http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/20050208/Mathematicaldev/Earlyyears/Number/Numberrhymes/Introduction/default.htm - this website is great for developing the children’s understanding of one less. As one speckled frog jumps into the pool, there is one less! http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/index.htm - these are great for those counting rhymes that involve one less each time.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=7# - select the animals sound one and see if you can make a musical pattern with the animal noises.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/simple_patterns/eng/Introduction/default.htm - the children have the opportunity to continue a repeating pattern using colours, shapes and pictures.
http://crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=beads - a string of beads at two levels, one with 6 beads and a second with 10 beads. The children must make repeating patterns using the colour palette provided.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/building_game/eng/Introduction/default.htm - in part two or three of this game the children have the opportunity to make a pattern for themselves.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/numeracy-explorer/powerpoint/patter.ppt - a great powerpoint to support the children’s learning of how to continue a repeating pattern.http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ - click on the pattern label to enter the correct game. Remember to start on the reception level.
Hope your Christmas shopping is coming along nicely too.
Have a great week!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Sunday, December 02, 2007
It's Christmas Time December is Here!!!
Hi there!
How fantastic is it now that we are in December? Already I am humming the Christmas tunes whilst doing my weekly shop and dusting off the Christmas tree. Now that it is officially Christmas time, it is without doubt time to get out the glitter, sequins and baubles and start preparing for the festivities.
As a treat for the children, during the time they are performing their much rehearsed and awaited Christmas Production, the whole week will be dedicated to those little keepsakes to adorn your mantelpiece and Christmas tree. No…there will be no glittered egg boxes which my mum still hangs up every year (much to my dismay). Please be very aware that the children will be very tired this week due to the performances. Tears may happen and reading time may be a challenge. For this reason there will be no homework this week. One thing to look forward to though is an early night to bed on Friday! Mr barker also allows the children to come in by 10.30 on Friday following the evening performance on Thursday. Unfortunately, this does not apply to staff so if you wish to drop your child off at the normal time then that is fine.
Christmas Tree Decoration
The week begins with the children receiving a letter from Timmy Tree. This is actually our class Christmas Tree. He is really sad because all his other Christmas tree friends have decorations and BOO HOO he is bare. Can we solve his problem? Oh yes we can…Oh no you can’t…oh yes we can (sorry couldn’t resist with the panto season and all that!) The children will therefore extend their creative skills and mathematical skills by decorating their very own bauble. This is an opportunity for the children to talk about the properties of the sphere shape of their bauble and reinforce their understanding of pattern making when they stick on the sequins etc.
Christmas Party Hats
On Thursday of this week, the children will have their Christmas dinner in the hall. Not one to miss out on an opportunity to make an occasion out of eating food, an especially Christmas dinner. The children will make their own Christmas party hat. Again, the children will use 3d shapes to print a pattern on their hat. This will give us the opportunity to develop the children’s language associated with 3d and 3d shapes. Please note that due to the demands on the kitchen on Thursday there will be no toast on sale at break time.
Christmas Cards
The Christmas cards the children will be making this year will incorporate the children’s learning in mathematical development and RE. The children will use 2d shapes to create a card depicting the Three Wise Men visiting Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Whilst making the cards the children will be encouraged to talk about their understanding of the visitors to the stable in Bethlehem. The cards will also provide the children with the opportunity to write their names and those of their family.
A class list will also be sent out via the diaries to help you with any cards your child may which to send.
Nativity Story
The children will have the opportunity to become more familiar with the events of the First Christmas through a range of activities. The aim is that the children become aware of the preparations for the birth of Jesus. Props will be provided for the children to role-play the story and take on one of the characters. The small world table now has the stable scene on it to encourage language and story telling. We will also be opening our interactive Advent calendar and our class one which has little tasks to complete each day. Here are some great websites you can look at with the children to help them remember the story.
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/christianity/nativity/ - this is a e-version of the story for the children to enjoy.
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/christmas/christmas1.html - find out about the history behind the customs surrounding Christmas.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/b-dag/ngfl-container/re-unit1-en.html- this is a wonderful website where the children can learn how to sequence the parts of the story for themselves. The children can create a nativity scene for themselves.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html - another lovely book. Perhaps we can make an electronic book as a class.
Christmas Fayre
Whilst we are busily trying to clean the cupboards, get to the bottom of the ironing basket and check on those last minute purchases, this is a great opportunity to get the children out of the house! Our annual Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 8th December. There are gifts that can be bought, face painting and even a Santa’s Grotto. Please come along as our Friends of St Vincent’s work tirelessly to raise funds for our school.
In addition to our Christmas activities the children will still continue with the ‘bread and butter’ of their learning.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week will be introducing the use of more sound/phonemes. These are: ‘o’, ‘g’, ‘c’ and ‘k’.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise the letters and say the sounds they represent;
SHOULD be able to hear the sounds at the beginning and end of sounds;
COULD be able to read and write words containing the letter.
You should have received an update on the letters your child is currently working on. I am thrilled with the progress the children are making. Thanks for your support.
Here are some great websites you may wish to visit.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
This week, we continue our two week block of work looking at shapes and their properties. Your child’s existing knowledge of shapes will determine whether they will be working on 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star) or 3D shapes (cuboid, cube, sphere, cone and cylinder). The vocabulary related to shape is very important so I hope you found the sheet I sent home in your child’s diary. A good idea is to take a shape walk around your house our local area and see how the world is made up of their shapes.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to name and describe all the 2d shapes;
SHOULD be able to name the 3d shapes and describe some of their properties;
COULD be able to recognise a 2d or 3d shape from its description.
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
Finally...
Please can you ensure that you have returned the permission slip to take your child to the cathedral. There are a few outstanding slips.
We have a student teaching assistant starting with us this week who will be working on Mondays and Tuesdays. her name is Mrs Hibbits.
REMEMBER to bring your ticket to the performance as entrance is ticket only.
Ho Ho Ho Have a great week and enjoy the performances.
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
How fantastic is it now that we are in December? Already I am humming the Christmas tunes whilst doing my weekly shop and dusting off the Christmas tree. Now that it is officially Christmas time, it is without doubt time to get out the glitter, sequins and baubles and start preparing for the festivities.
As a treat for the children, during the time they are performing their much rehearsed and awaited Christmas Production, the whole week will be dedicated to those little keepsakes to adorn your mantelpiece and Christmas tree. No…there will be no glittered egg boxes which my mum still hangs up every year (much to my dismay). Please be very aware that the children will be very tired this week due to the performances. Tears may happen and reading time may be a challenge. For this reason there will be no homework this week. One thing to look forward to though is an early night to bed on Friday! Mr barker also allows the children to come in by 10.30 on Friday following the evening performance on Thursday. Unfortunately, this does not apply to staff so if you wish to drop your child off at the normal time then that is fine.
Christmas Tree Decoration
The week begins with the children receiving a letter from Timmy Tree. This is actually our class Christmas Tree. He is really sad because all his other Christmas tree friends have decorations and BOO HOO he is bare. Can we solve his problem? Oh yes we can…Oh no you can’t…oh yes we can (sorry couldn’t resist with the panto season and all that!) The children will therefore extend their creative skills and mathematical skills by decorating their very own bauble. This is an opportunity for the children to talk about the properties of the sphere shape of their bauble and reinforce their understanding of pattern making when they stick on the sequins etc.
Christmas Party Hats
On Thursday of this week, the children will have their Christmas dinner in the hall. Not one to miss out on an opportunity to make an occasion out of eating food, an especially Christmas dinner. The children will make their own Christmas party hat. Again, the children will use 3d shapes to print a pattern on their hat. This will give us the opportunity to develop the children’s language associated with 3d and 3d shapes. Please note that due to the demands on the kitchen on Thursday there will be no toast on sale at break time.
Christmas Cards
The Christmas cards the children will be making this year will incorporate the children’s learning in mathematical development and RE. The children will use 2d shapes to create a card depicting the Three Wise Men visiting Baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Whilst making the cards the children will be encouraged to talk about their understanding of the visitors to the stable in Bethlehem. The cards will also provide the children with the opportunity to write their names and those of their family.
A class list will also be sent out via the diaries to help you with any cards your child may which to send.
Nativity Story
The children will have the opportunity to become more familiar with the events of the First Christmas through a range of activities. The aim is that the children become aware of the preparations for the birth of Jesus. Props will be provided for the children to role-play the story and take on one of the characters. The small world table now has the stable scene on it to encourage language and story telling. We will also be opening our interactive Advent calendar and our class one which has little tasks to complete each day. Here are some great websites you can look at with the children to help them remember the story.
http://www.topmarks.co.uk/christianity/nativity/ - this is a e-version of the story for the children to enjoy.
http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/christmas/christmas1.html - find out about the history behind the customs surrounding Christmas.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/re/b-dag/ngfl-container/re-unit1-en.html- this is a wonderful website where the children can learn how to sequence the parts of the story for themselves. The children can create a nativity scene for themselves.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html - another lovely book. Perhaps we can make an electronic book as a class.
Christmas Fayre
Whilst we are busily trying to clean the cupboards, get to the bottom of the ironing basket and check on those last minute purchases, this is a great opportunity to get the children out of the house! Our annual Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 8th December. There are gifts that can be bought, face painting and even a Santa’s Grotto. Please come along as our Friends of St Vincent’s work tirelessly to raise funds for our school.
In addition to our Christmas activities the children will still continue with the ‘bread and butter’ of their learning.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week will be introducing the use of more sound/phonemes. These are: ‘o’, ‘g’, ‘c’ and ‘k’.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise the letters and say the sounds they represent;
SHOULD be able to hear the sounds at the beginning and end of sounds;
COULD be able to read and write words containing the letter.
You should have received an update on the letters your child is currently working on. I am thrilled with the progress the children are making. Thanks for your support.
Here are some great websites you may wish to visit.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
This week, we continue our two week block of work looking at shapes and their properties. Your child’s existing knowledge of shapes will determine whether they will be working on 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star) or 3D shapes (cuboid, cube, sphere, cone and cylinder). The vocabulary related to shape is very important so I hope you found the sheet I sent home in your child’s diary. A good idea is to take a shape walk around your house our local area and see how the world is made up of their shapes.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to name and describe all the 2d shapes;
SHOULD be able to name the 3d shapes and describe some of their properties;
COULD be able to recognise a 2d or 3d shape from its description.
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
Finally...
Please can you ensure that you have returned the permission slip to take your child to the cathedral. There are a few outstanding slips.
We have a student teaching assistant starting with us this week who will be working on Mondays and Tuesdays. her name is Mrs Hibbits.
REMEMBER to bring your ticket to the performance as entrance is ticket only.
Ho Ho Ho Have a great week and enjoy the performances.
Best wishes
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
Sunday, November 25, 2007
There's snow business like show business!!!
Hi there!
Lots of fun and frolics are to be had this week as the excitement surrounding the month of December approaches. I just can’t wait! However, the weather is a little too cold for my liking so please ensure that your child has a warm coat, gloves and a hat for outdoor play. Please also label them so they can be easily returned to their rightful owner should they go astray.
Now, what are we doing this week?
Due to the final week of rehearsals for the Christmas Production time is still limited and therefore, we have to be realistic about how much we are able to pack into the week. Therefore, the unit of work started this week will run for two weeks.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week will be introducing the use of more sound/phonemes. These are: ‘ck’, ‘e’, ‘u’ and ‘r’.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise the letters and say the sounds they represent;
SHOULD be able to hear the sounds at the beginning and end of sounds;
COULD be able to read and write words containing the letter.
Here are some great websites you may wish to visit.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
This week, we begin a two week block of work looking at shapes and their properties. Your child’s existing knowledge of shapes will determine whether they will be working on 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star) or 3D shapes (cuboid, cube, sphere, cone and cylinder). The vocabulary related to shape is very important so I will be sending home an information sheet for you in your child’s diary.
Lots of fun and frolics are to be had this week as the excitement surrounding the month of December approaches. I just can’t wait! However, the weather is a little too cold for my liking so please ensure that your child has a warm coat, gloves and a hat for outdoor play. Please also label them so they can be easily returned to their rightful owner should they go astray.
Now, what are we doing this week?
Due to the final week of rehearsals for the Christmas Production time is still limited and therefore, we have to be realistic about how much we are able to pack into the week. Therefore, the unit of work started this week will run for two weeks.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week will be introducing the use of more sound/phonemes. These are: ‘ck’, ‘e’, ‘u’ and ‘r’.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise the letters and say the sounds they represent;
SHOULD be able to hear the sounds at the beginning and end of sounds;
COULD be able to read and write words containing the letter.
Here are some great websites you may wish to visit.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
This week, we begin a two week block of work looking at shapes and their properties. Your child’s existing knowledge of shapes will determine whether they will be working on 2D shapes (circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star) or 3D shapes (cuboid, cube, sphere, cone and cylinder). The vocabulary related to shape is very important so I will be sending home an information sheet for you in your child’s diary.
By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise and name all the 2d shapes
SHOULD be able to describe the 2d shapes using the correct vocabulary
COULD be able to name and recognise 3d shapes
Here are some good websites also.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/Phase2delivery/Wales/Artanddesign/Keystage1/Making/Shapepictures/Introduction/ - the children review their recognition of 2d shapes and then look for them in pictures. The children also get the opportunity to create their own shape picture on the computer.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/build_it/eng/Introduction/default.htm - a good website for seeing how models are make up of 3D shapes.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_shapes - a great website. The children must catch the given shape but no others.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/simpleshapesort.swf - shape sorting activity according to properties.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/shape/shapes.htm - a good website to help the children match, find, build and discover the properties of the 2D shapes.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=2 - the children can copy shape pictures by clicking and dragging them. They can then go on to create their own.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y1shape.html - parts of a shape are shown and the children have to guess the shape.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/memory.html - this is a fantastic game to help the children develop their visual memory techniques.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/shapereveal.swf the children have to guess the shape as it is revealed. They can chose to use 2d or 3d shapes.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/MatchingPairs3Dshape.swf - 3D shape matching game.
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/longshape3d.html - a good website. The children have to identify the shape that is partially hidden in sand and then click on the correct labelled picture.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/castle_shapes/eng/Introduction/default.htm - identifying 2D and 3D shapes.
http://www.ictgames.com/Y2shape.html - guess the 3D shape.
http://www.rainforestmaths.com/ -by clicking on the shapes label you will be able to make patterns with 2D shapes. If you also click on the space row under 3D and 2D shapes you will have to sort different shapes according to the given criteria.
So what else is going on this week?
Well…we will be beginning a two-week block of work on the text ‘Anna’s Amazing Multi-Coloured Glasses’ by Wendy Body. This is a fantastic book and enables us explore learning in other areas of the curriculum.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Creative Development
This will be very much linked with the work we are doing on shape. The children will receive a commission from the Blind Society to create three large pieces of art work for blind children. The art work will be based on the work of Wassily Kandinsky, and the children will be encouraged to talk about their likes and dislikes about his work. They will be set the task of creating a textured piece of art. This will enable them to explore different materials using their senses.
They will also learn how to use a programmable robot called a beebot. This will be linked again to their work on shape. In the computer suite, the children will learn how to use the shape icons to create a picture in the style of Wassily Kandinsky.
The story ‘Anna’s Amazing Multi-coloured Glasses’ ends with Anna celebrating her birthday. During circle time the children will get to talk about their experiences of birthdays.
Physical Development
As we are practising for the Christmas production, the hall is in great demand. Therefore, the majority of our PE lessons will be outside. It is for this reason that we will be concentrating on developing the children’s ball skills. The children will develop the ability to bounce, throw and catch a ball. This is a great opportunity for you to get outside as a family and practice the skills.
Here I Am
We continue our topic on VISITORS and, as Mrs Wishy Washy did not visit the class last week, she will this week. The children will review what preparations are made for visitors and visits they make, before moving on to the RELATE part of the topic. The children will learn about different ways of getting ready for Jesus coming at Christmas. Thanks to Beth Isherwood, we have a lovely story to share with the children which explains the Christmas Story well. The children will also be shown our Advent calendar which will be started the following Monday.
Christmas production update
This is the final week of rehearsals before the big event. If you have not managed to send in your child’s costume then please do so as soon as possible. Thanks. On Friday, the children will have their dress rehearsal when they will perform for the whole school and the local nurseries. This is lovely for the children to do as they get to see their old nursery teachers and show how much they have grown.
That’s all for this week folks!
Keep safe
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Sunday, November 18, 2007
TELL A FRIEND!!!
Hi there!
Well, our Christmas production is very much on its way and the children are loving getting up on the stage now. This week, we will be practicing together as a whole department and putting the finishing touches to it. Please remember that costumes need to be in by Monday 26th November to allow for us to make any minor adjustments. Also, please could you remember to sign the diary to give your child permission to have their face painted. For the girls it will be a red nose and whiskers, and the boys will have rosy red cheeks. If anyone has any spare tickets they will not be needing please pass them to me and I can then redistribute them. Also, if you need to swap any between yourselves then please do so.
Here I Am
This week we begin our new topic about VISITORS. This is a lovely topic when the children go on to learn all about the Christmas story and the visitors to the stable in Bethlehem.
By the end of the topic, the children:
MUST be able to recall some memories of the visitor to school or home, know that Jesus came at Christmas and that in Advent people get ready for his coming.
SHOULD be able to explain what a visitor is and give examples of getting ready for a visitor. They should know that Advent is a time for getting ready for Jesus’ coming at Christmas and be able to name the visitors who came to Jesus that first Christmas.
COULD be able to explain how they have prepared for visitors and how they felt when being visited. They could be able to describe some Advent traditions and be able to retell the Christmas story.
The aim of this week is to enable the children to:
RECOGNISE what a visit and a visitor is;
REFLECT on visitors they have had and how they are welcomed
RESPECT and appreciate having visitors and all that has to be got ready.
The children will be taught this topic through a MANTLE. They will receive a visit from Mrs Wishy-Washy explaining that she is to have a special visitor coming to the palace. The children will help Mrs Wishy-Washy to make preparations for the visit. For this week, the home corner will be used to make preparations for the royal visit.
Anti-bullying Week
This week is National Anti-Bullying Week. This is an opportunity for children to reflect and learn about their own and other’s behaviours and actions. We are very careful in the way we deliver this week as we do not want the children to think that every incident that occurs can be labelled as bullying. We will use this week, as an opportunity to focus on how we are the same and how we are different from one another. We will look at similarities and differences in appearances, likes and dislikes. It is hoped that the children learn that it is okay to be different and not like the same things as others and learn to celebrate their differences.
The key word of the week is TELL. In order to help the children remember to tell someone if they are being bullied we teach them a little song to the tune of ‘If you’re happy and you know it’. This will form part of our contribution to the whole-school assembly next Monday. On Friday the children can come in school dressed in anyhting blue. Yes, I know their uniform is blue but it can be something different.
Communication , Language and Literacy
This week we will be focusing on the letters g. o, c and k. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters g, o, c and k in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to read simple phrases containing words that have all the letters we have looked at so far.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
We will continue to work on our recognition of numbers this week. However, we will be placing a different perspective on it. The children will be required to fill in the missing numbers. Therefore, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise all the numbers to 10;
SHOULD be able to order the numbers to 10 and fill in the missing numbers;
COULD be able to recognise and order the numbers to 20, and fill in the missing numbers.
Here are some websites to support your child.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc-home/vtc-ey-home/vtc-ey-md/vtc-ey-md-number.htm - choose any of these stories to work with your child. Perhaps focus on the ones they need to work on.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - a good website for number recognition.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_numbers - this was my favourite (which is why it took me so long to do the blog spot!)
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game11.htm - this focuses on ordering numbers. The children must click on the next number in the number sequence.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=washindex - hang the shirts in the right order.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=ntrack - missing number activity at different levels of difficulty.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l2/activity2.html - count the fruits.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l3/activity3.html - count the fruits and insert the numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/duckshoot.html
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/jungle.html - count the objects and match the number
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=count-with-lecky7b - read the number and catch the balloons.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/bugz.htm - this is my all time favourite!
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - this is a FANTASTIC site as you get to alter the number range for your child to use when ordering numbers.
Working with a challenge!
http://www.ictgames.com/piratenumbers2.html - count the barrels and type the numbers in
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/maths/recognition_to_10/index.htm - a little on the tricky side as the children have to match the numeral to the name of the number. Try encouraging your child to look at the initial letter and then having a guess.
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - listen to the number said and then post the letter through the correct numbered door.
Topic
We just have a few unfinished things to do linked with last week’s work on Divali. The children loved the story of Rama and Sita and could retell it well. They have made some lovely diva lamps which will be sent home this week. In addition to this, the children have decided that we will change our classroom shop to an Indian Restaurant.
Finally…
We are going to be changing our role-play area from a house into a hospital. If you have any old plastic medicine bottles, etc that you can let us have that would be fantastic. If there are any doctors or nurses out there who could talk to the children about their job that too would be marvellous.
Have a good week
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Well, our Christmas production is very much on its way and the children are loving getting up on the stage now. This week, we will be practicing together as a whole department and putting the finishing touches to it. Please remember that costumes need to be in by Monday 26th November to allow for us to make any minor adjustments. Also, please could you remember to sign the diary to give your child permission to have their face painted. For the girls it will be a red nose and whiskers, and the boys will have rosy red cheeks. If anyone has any spare tickets they will not be needing please pass them to me and I can then redistribute them. Also, if you need to swap any between yourselves then please do so.
Here I Am
This week we begin our new topic about VISITORS. This is a lovely topic when the children go on to learn all about the Christmas story and the visitors to the stable in Bethlehem.
By the end of the topic, the children:
MUST be able to recall some memories of the visitor to school or home, know that Jesus came at Christmas and that in Advent people get ready for his coming.
SHOULD be able to explain what a visitor is and give examples of getting ready for a visitor. They should know that Advent is a time for getting ready for Jesus’ coming at Christmas and be able to name the visitors who came to Jesus that first Christmas.
COULD be able to explain how they have prepared for visitors and how they felt when being visited. They could be able to describe some Advent traditions and be able to retell the Christmas story.
The aim of this week is to enable the children to:
RECOGNISE what a visit and a visitor is;
REFLECT on visitors they have had and how they are welcomed
RESPECT and appreciate having visitors and all that has to be got ready.
The children will be taught this topic through a MANTLE. They will receive a visit from Mrs Wishy-Washy explaining that she is to have a special visitor coming to the palace. The children will help Mrs Wishy-Washy to make preparations for the visit. For this week, the home corner will be used to make preparations for the royal visit.
Anti-bullying Week
This week is National Anti-Bullying Week. This is an opportunity for children to reflect and learn about their own and other’s behaviours and actions. We are very careful in the way we deliver this week as we do not want the children to think that every incident that occurs can be labelled as bullying. We will use this week, as an opportunity to focus on how we are the same and how we are different from one another. We will look at similarities and differences in appearances, likes and dislikes. It is hoped that the children learn that it is okay to be different and not like the same things as others and learn to celebrate their differences.
The key word of the week is TELL. In order to help the children remember to tell someone if they are being bullied we teach them a little song to the tune of ‘If you’re happy and you know it’. This will form part of our contribution to the whole-school assembly next Monday. On Friday the children can come in school dressed in anyhting blue. Yes, I know their uniform is blue but it can be something different.
Communication , Language and Literacy
This week we will be focusing on the letters g. o, c and k. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters g, o, c and k in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to read simple phrases containing words that have all the letters we have looked at so far.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
We will continue to work on our recognition of numbers this week. However, we will be placing a different perspective on it. The children will be required to fill in the missing numbers. Therefore, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise all the numbers to 10;
SHOULD be able to order the numbers to 10 and fill in the missing numbers;
COULD be able to recognise and order the numbers to 20, and fill in the missing numbers.
Here are some websites to support your child.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc-home/vtc-ey-home/vtc-ey-md/vtc-ey-md-number.htm - choose any of these stories to work with your child. Perhaps focus on the ones they need to work on.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - a good website for number recognition.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_numbers - this was my favourite (which is why it took me so long to do the blog spot!)
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game11.htm - this focuses on ordering numbers. The children must click on the next number in the number sequence.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=washindex - hang the shirts in the right order.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=ntrack - missing number activity at different levels of difficulty.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l2/activity2.html - count the fruits.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l3/activity3.html - count the fruits and insert the numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/duckshoot.html
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/jungle.html - count the objects and match the number
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=count-with-lecky7b - read the number and catch the balloons.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/bugz.htm - this is my all time favourite!
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - this is a FANTASTIC site as you get to alter the number range for your child to use when ordering numbers.
Working with a challenge!
http://www.ictgames.com/piratenumbers2.html - count the barrels and type the numbers in
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/maths/recognition_to_10/index.htm - a little on the tricky side as the children have to match the numeral to the name of the number. Try encouraging your child to look at the initial letter and then having a guess.
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - listen to the number said and then post the letter through the correct numbered door.
Topic
We just have a few unfinished things to do linked with last week’s work on Divali. The children loved the story of Rama and Sita and could retell it well. They have made some lovely diva lamps which will be sent home this week. In addition to this, the children have decided that we will change our classroom shop to an Indian Restaurant.
Finally…
We are going to be changing our role-play area from a house into a hospital. If you have any old plastic medicine bottles, etc that you can let us have that would be fantastic. If there are any doctors or nurses out there who could talk to the children about their job that too would be marvellous.
Have a good week
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Let’s go on with the show…
On Friday we thought we’d take the plunge and see how the production was coming together. Little did we know that we have some budding thespians in our midst. Yes! The Christmas Production is coming along nicely. Although I do have to admit that humming the tunes to the production have resulted in me getting some very odd looks around the supermarket this weekend. You are in for a treat! I hope you costume hunting is doing okay. Please don’t leave it until the last minute as nearly all schools in Warrington will be requiring similar costumes. The costumes are due in on Monday 26th November.
TOP TIP! (Oh that makes me feel like Delia Smith!)
Costumes often get a little crumpled over the production period. Perhaps hang the costume on a hanger with your child’s name on. This will assist storage also. A labelled plastic bag is also needed on the hanger for your child’s accessories and pumps.
Even though we do spend time practising the production, we still concentrate on our exciting curriculum. This week is one of my favourites. We learn about the Hindu festival of Divali. If you are a little unsure of what Divali is all about then here are some useful websites.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/festivals/resources/The%20story%20of%20Rama%20and%20Sita.ppt - this is a very simple version of the story of Rama and Sita.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/earlyict/colour_mixer.html - have a go at creating your very own mendhi pattern.
http://www.chandrakantha.com/musicpage/index.html - the children can listen to Indian music on this site. Encourage them to talk about their likes and dislikes. What instrument do they think is used to make the sound?
www.indexo.pionexnet.co.uk/elloughton13/dday.htm - this contains information about Diwali.
www.snaithprimary.eril.net/rang.htm - paint your very own rangoli pattern
There will be many exciting activities linked to Divali that the children will work on this week. Here goes…
Diva lamps – this will be a lamp which will be modelled out of clay and so beautifully decorated that you will most definitely place it on your mantelpiece.
Divali cards – an opportunity for the children to practise the use of the high frequency words to, mum, and, dad, as well as writing their name.
Rangoli patterns – these are symmetrical patterns using shapes. The children will have 2d shapes to place in dough to create them as well as using the school playground as a canvas. Let’s hope the rain doesn’t spoil our fun!
Role-play – the children will act out the story complete with the monkey army. Mmm...casting should be easy!
Barfi sweets – Mrs Latham will be making traditional Indian sweets with the children. Yum yum!
And much more…BUT what would a week in Foundation Stage be like without FOOD? Yes, we will be introducing the children to a variety of Indian foods. Perhaps this is an opportunity not to cook and get on the phone to the local take away for tea. Last year, we only bought a little as we thought the children wouldn’t like it. How wrong were we? They ate us out of house and home.
Communication , Language and Literacy
This week we will be focusing on the letters i, m, n and d again. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters i, m, n and d in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
As time is limited we have decided to focus on number recognition and the ordering of numbers. Therefore, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise all the numbers to 10;
SHOULD be able to order the numbers to 10;
COULD be able to recognise and order the numbers to 20.
Here are some websites to support your child.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc-home/vtc-ey-home/vtc-ey-md/vtc-ey-md-number.htm - choose any of these stories to work with your child. Perhaps focus on the ones they need to work on.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - a good website for number recognition.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_numbers - this was my favourite (which is why it took me so long to do the blog spot!)
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game11.htm - this focuses on ordering numbers. The children must click on the next number in the number sequence.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=washindex - hang the shirts in the right order.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=ntrack - missing number activity at different levels of difficulty.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l2/activity2.html - count the fruits.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l3/activity3.html - count the fruits and insert the numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/duckshoot.html
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/jungle.html - count the objects and match the number
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=count-with-lecky7b - read the number and catch the balloons.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/bugz.htm - this is my all time favourite!
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - this is a FANTASTIC site as you get to alter the number range for your child to use when ordering numbers.
Working with a challenge!
http://www.ictgames.com/piratenumbers2.html - count the barrels and type the numbers in
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/maths/recognition_to_10/index.htm - a little on the tricky side as the children have to match the numeral to the name of the number. Try encouraging your child to look at the initial letter and then having a guess.
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - listen to the number said and then post the letter through the correct numbered door.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - a valuable resource for number formation as stated on target sheets from parents’ evening.
REMEMBER!!!
We are still working on those matching number pairs to 10 so please continue with the number rhyme.
Parent Helpers
Any parents wishing to help out at all are very welcome to do so. Please just call in and see one of us.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
On Friday we thought we’d take the plunge and see how the production was coming together. Little did we know that we have some budding thespians in our midst. Yes! The Christmas Production is coming along nicely. Although I do have to admit that humming the tunes to the production have resulted in me getting some very odd looks around the supermarket this weekend. You are in for a treat! I hope you costume hunting is doing okay. Please don’t leave it until the last minute as nearly all schools in Warrington will be requiring similar costumes. The costumes are due in on Monday 26th November.
TOP TIP! (Oh that makes me feel like Delia Smith!)
Costumes often get a little crumpled over the production period. Perhaps hang the costume on a hanger with your child’s name on. This will assist storage also. A labelled plastic bag is also needed on the hanger for your child’s accessories and pumps.
Even though we do spend time practising the production, we still concentrate on our exciting curriculum. This week is one of my favourites. We learn about the Hindu festival of Divali. If you are a little unsure of what Divali is all about then here are some useful websites.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/festivals/resources/The%20story%20of%20Rama%20and%20Sita.ppt - this is a very simple version of the story of Rama and Sita.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/earlyict/colour_mixer.html - have a go at creating your very own mendhi pattern.
http://www.chandrakantha.com/musicpage/index.html - the children can listen to Indian music on this site. Encourage them to talk about their likes and dislikes. What instrument do they think is used to make the sound?
www.indexo.pionexnet.co.uk/elloughton13/dday.htm - this contains information about Diwali.
www.snaithprimary.eril.net/rang.htm - paint your very own rangoli pattern
There will be many exciting activities linked to Divali that the children will work on this week. Here goes…
Diva lamps – this will be a lamp which will be modelled out of clay and so beautifully decorated that you will most definitely place it on your mantelpiece.
Divali cards – an opportunity for the children to practise the use of the high frequency words to, mum, and, dad, as well as writing their name.
Rangoli patterns – these are symmetrical patterns using shapes. The children will have 2d shapes to place in dough to create them as well as using the school playground as a canvas. Let’s hope the rain doesn’t spoil our fun!
Role-play – the children will act out the story complete with the monkey army. Mmm...casting should be easy!
Barfi sweets – Mrs Latham will be making traditional Indian sweets with the children. Yum yum!
And much more…BUT what would a week in Foundation Stage be like without FOOD? Yes, we will be introducing the children to a variety of Indian foods. Perhaps this is an opportunity not to cook and get on the phone to the local take away for tea. Last year, we only bought a little as we thought the children wouldn’t like it. How wrong were we? They ate us out of house and home.
Communication , Language and Literacy
This week we will be focusing on the letters i, m, n and d again. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters i, m, n and d in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Mathematical Development
As time is limited we have decided to focus on number recognition and the ordering of numbers. Therefore, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise all the numbers to 10;
SHOULD be able to order the numbers to 10;
COULD be able to recognise and order the numbers to 20.
Here are some websites to support your child.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc-home/vtc-ey-home/vtc-ey-md/vtc-ey-md-number.htm - choose any of these stories to work with your child. Perhaps focus on the ones they need to work on.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/games/find_the.shtml - a good website for number recognition.
http://www.learningplanet.com/act/rats/rats1.htm?rats_numbers - this was my favourite (which is why it took me so long to do the blog spot!)
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/games/game11.htm - this focuses on ordering numbers. The children must click on the next number in the number sequence.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=washindex - hang the shirts in the right order.
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=ntrack - missing number activity at different levels of difficulty.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l2/activity2.html - count the fruits.
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/english/fruits/level2/l3/activity3.html - count the fruits and insert the numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/duckshoot.html
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/jungle.html - count the objects and match the number
http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=count-with-lecky7b - read the number and catch the balloons.
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/bugz.htm - this is my all time favourite!
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - this is a FANTASTIC site as you get to alter the number range for your child to use when ordering numbers.
Working with a challenge!
http://www.ictgames.com/piratenumbers2.html - count the barrels and type the numbers in
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks1/maths/recognition_to_10/index.htm - a little on the tricky side as the children have to match the numeral to the name of the number. Try encouraging your child to look at the initial letter and then having a guess.
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - listen to the number said and then post the letter through the correct numbered door.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - a valuable resource for number formation as stated on target sheets from parents’ evening.
REMEMBER!!!
We are still working on those matching number pairs to 10 so please continue with the number rhyme.
Parent Helpers
Any parents wishing to help out at all are very welcome to do so. Please just call in and see one of us.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Ooohh!! Aaahh!! BANG!
Hi!
Welcome to another new week. What is going on in the Foundation Stage this week?
Deep breath! Here goes...
Mathematical Development
Here are some great websites you could use to support your child in their mathematical development. However, developing this mathematical understanding is better in context. For example, when eating chicken pieces at tea time, ask how many they have and then as they eat one what is one less? It is hoped that by the end of the week, the children will have moved on from last week's objectives and:
Must be able to find one more and one less than a number to 6;
Should be able to find one more and one less than a number to 10;
Could be able to KNOW one more and one less than a number to 10 or beyond.
Here are some websites to help:
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/maths/counting/random%20count.html - with this website, you will need to work with your child. They will need to firstly count the fish (they are moveable into a line) and then find one more and one less.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/20050208/Mathematicaldev/Earlyyears/Number/Numberrhymes/Introduction/default.htm - this website is great for developing the children’s understanding of one less. As one speckled frog jumps into the pool, there is one less!
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/index.htm - these are great for those counting rhymes that involve one less each time.
Communication , Language and Literacy
Now that everyone is settled we start our rapid teaching of phonic skills. You will be amazed at how quickly the children learn to read and write. This week we will be focusing on the letters i, m, n and d. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters i, m, n and d in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
High Frequency Words
As the children develop their knowledge of the letters of the alphabet, their recognition on sight of the high frequency words will also increase. These are some websites you may wish to save to favourites to support this area of learning:
www.ictgames.com - select the spelling ship and the flower reading one.
Our theme for this week will continue to be AUTUMN. Last week the children looked for and discussed signs of Autumn and use this as a stimulus not only for their creative work but for their language activities also. Due to the build of our new outdoor play equipment and other exciting events last week we didn’t quite finished all we planned. Therefore, we will continue with some of the activities linked to Autumn. Such activities will include:
Finger painted trees
The children will be getting their fingers messy while they create a finger painting of an autumn scene using only their fingers. They will be encouraged to think about the shapes and the colours of the leaves during autumn time.
Leaf printing
The children will explore and investigate the patterns on leaves by printing with leaves, laying them in clay and doing leaf rubbings.
Autumn crowns
The finishing touches to these will be done to enable us to have our Autumn parade on Friday for Golden Time. We were supposed to have it last week but the temptation of a go on the new outdoor play area was too much to bare.
Sewing and Weaving
The children will continue to develop their fine motor skills through the creation of an Autumn Weaving Sculpture. With Mrs Latham they will be learning to stitch thread onto leaf shaped felt to mirror what they observed on the leaves when looking for patterns. Mrs Higgins will be working with the children to create the weaving ‘loom’ and selecting appropriate fabrics and materials for the weaving. The finish product will include the weaving and the stitched leaves. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Remember, Remember the Fifth of November
Of course we could not let Bonfire Night go without a mention. Come on…lights, loud noises, glittering fireworks and food, who could resist? The children will learn about the story behind why we celebrate bonfire night, what traditions we have, and have the opportunity to talk about their experiences during circle time. They will also be completing art activities linked to the theme. Why not try out www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/guy/fireworks/index.htm This is a fantastic virtual firework display. Faith, my daughter, wouldn’t let me on the computer for playing with it. Pity I can’t get her to a real one!
Here I Am
We will continue on our theme of Signs and Symbols. This week the children will be shown the symbols of a Baptism. They will learn the importance of the white shawl, the sign of the cross, the words spoken, the candle and then shell. Please talk to your child about their baptism as this helps them to understand the concept a little more. We will be having our own ‘baptism’ in class. Last week the children were invited to the baptism of Miss Polly’s Dolly. The event will occur this week.
Homework
Handwriting homework will resume this week. The children will also receive a library book to share with you. Both will be given out on Wednesdays to be returned on Mondays.
Jingle bells
This week we start to practise our dances and songs for the production. You should have received a letter with costume details on. It is very simple for us in Foundation Stage. The boys are all elves and the girls are reindeers. Many thanks in anticipation of your support in providing the costumes.
Friends of St Vincent’s Meeting
On Thursday at 8pm in the lounge of St Joseph’s the Friends of St Vincent meet. This is a group of people who support the school through fundraising, putting on events for the children, etc. The group is a mixture of parents, staff and people of the community. Please feel free to come along. I’ll be there so at least you will know one person. It’s great fun and when we see the outdoor play area being provided it is down to the dedication and hard work of our Friends of St Vincent. Why not give it a try?
Parents’ evening
You will have received the time and date of your parent/teacher interview. I look forward to seeing you all.
I think that is all for now!
Take care and have a GREAT week!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
Welcome to another new week. What is going on in the Foundation Stage this week?
Deep breath! Here goes...
Mathematical Development
Here are some great websites you could use to support your child in their mathematical development. However, developing this mathematical understanding is better in context. For example, when eating chicken pieces at tea time, ask how many they have and then as they eat one what is one less? It is hoped that by the end of the week, the children will have moved on from last week's objectives and:
Must be able to find one more and one less than a number to 6;
Should be able to find one more and one less than a number to 10;
Could be able to KNOW one more and one less than a number to 10 or beyond.
Here are some websites to help:
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/maths/counting/random%20count.html - with this website, you will need to work with your child. They will need to firstly count the fish (they are moveable into a line) and then find one more and one less.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/20050208/Mathematicaldev/Earlyyears/Number/Numberrhymes/Introduction/default.htm - this website is great for developing the children’s understanding of one less. As one speckled frog jumps into the pool, there is one less!
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/index.htm - these are great for those counting rhymes that involve one less each time.
Communication , Language and Literacy
Now that everyone is settled we start our rapid teaching of phonic skills. You will be amazed at how quickly the children learn to read and write. This week we will be focusing on the letters i, m, n and d. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters i, m, n and d in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
High Frequency Words
As the children develop their knowledge of the letters of the alphabet, their recognition on sight of the high frequency words will also increase. These are some websites you may wish to save to favourites to support this area of learning:
www.ictgames.com - select the spelling ship and the flower reading one.
Our theme for this week will continue to be AUTUMN. Last week the children looked for and discussed signs of Autumn and use this as a stimulus not only for their creative work but for their language activities also. Due to the build of our new outdoor play equipment and other exciting events last week we didn’t quite finished all we planned. Therefore, we will continue with some of the activities linked to Autumn. Such activities will include:
Finger painted trees
The children will be getting their fingers messy while they create a finger painting of an autumn scene using only their fingers. They will be encouraged to think about the shapes and the colours of the leaves during autumn time.
Leaf printing
The children will explore and investigate the patterns on leaves by printing with leaves, laying them in clay and doing leaf rubbings.
Autumn crowns
The finishing touches to these will be done to enable us to have our Autumn parade on Friday for Golden Time. We were supposed to have it last week but the temptation of a go on the new outdoor play area was too much to bare.
Sewing and Weaving
The children will continue to develop their fine motor skills through the creation of an Autumn Weaving Sculpture. With Mrs Latham they will be learning to stitch thread onto leaf shaped felt to mirror what they observed on the leaves when looking for patterns. Mrs Higgins will be working with the children to create the weaving ‘loom’ and selecting appropriate fabrics and materials for the weaving. The finish product will include the weaving and the stitched leaves. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Remember, Remember the Fifth of November
Of course we could not let Bonfire Night go without a mention. Come on…lights, loud noises, glittering fireworks and food, who could resist? The children will learn about the story behind why we celebrate bonfire night, what traditions we have, and have the opportunity to talk about their experiences during circle time. They will also be completing art activities linked to the theme. Why not try out www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/guy/fireworks/index.htm This is a fantastic virtual firework display. Faith, my daughter, wouldn’t let me on the computer for playing with it. Pity I can’t get her to a real one!
Here I Am
We will continue on our theme of Signs and Symbols. This week the children will be shown the symbols of a Baptism. They will learn the importance of the white shawl, the sign of the cross, the words spoken, the candle and then shell. Please talk to your child about their baptism as this helps them to understand the concept a little more. We will be having our own ‘baptism’ in class. Last week the children were invited to the baptism of Miss Polly’s Dolly. The event will occur this week.
Homework
Handwriting homework will resume this week. The children will also receive a library book to share with you. Both will be given out on Wednesdays to be returned on Mondays.
Jingle bells
This week we start to practise our dances and songs for the production. You should have received a letter with costume details on. It is very simple for us in Foundation Stage. The boys are all elves and the girls are reindeers. Many thanks in anticipation of your support in providing the costumes.
Friends of St Vincent’s Meeting
On Thursday at 8pm in the lounge of St Joseph’s the Friends of St Vincent meet. This is a group of people who support the school through fundraising, putting on events for the children, etc. The group is a mixture of parents, staff and people of the community. Please feel free to come along. I’ll be there so at least you will know one person. It’s great fun and when we see the outdoor play area being provided it is down to the dedication and hard work of our Friends of St Vincent. Why not give it a try?
Parents’ evening
You will have received the time and date of your parent/teacher interview. I look forward to seeing you all.
I think that is all for now!
Take care and have a GREAT week!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Hi there!
Welcome back to the most exciting and most hectic part of the school year! Yes it is the build up to Christmas!!! Already I am singing away to myself the songs of our production. This half term is the best!!! Lots of singing, dancing, glitter, tinsel, more singing, more glitter etc. A half term to totally make sure you endear yourself to the cleaning staff!
I hope that your child is eager to get back to things this week. The week begins on TUESDAY with the children receiving yet another invitation to a baptism of Miss Polly's dolly. No...I haven't lost the plot! This sets the children up for an exciting week. The Golden Time treat for this week will be an Autumn parade.
So what will the children be learning this week?
Mathematical Development
As a school we are currently focusing on the development of the children’s rapid recall of number facts. OUR TARGETS are as follows:
By the end of the half term, the children:
MUST be able to FIND one more and one less than a number from 1 to 10.
SHOULD be able to KNOW one more and one less than a number from 1 to 10.
COULD be able to KNOW two numbers that make a total of 10.
In your child’s reading diary is a little rhyme that we hope all the children will know by the end of the half term to enable them to achieve the challenging COULD target. Hey…reach for the stars. That’s my moto! If for some reason the rhyme doesn’t quite make it to your child’s bag by Wednesday please let me know.
My experience and assessments show that the children pick up finding one more MUCH easier than finding one less. You never really ask the children do they want less but do they want more. Thus, their understanding of the term ‘more’ is understood better. Therefore, if you are to help your child in any way then I would suggest focusing on the term ‘less’.
We will begin our first week back by focusing on these targets. By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to identify the set of objects that has more or less and use the vocabulary correctly;
SHOULD be able to find one more and one less than a given number to 10;
COULD be able to know one more and one less than a given number to 10 – having mental recall.
Here are some great websites you could use to support your child in their mathematical development. However, developing this mathematical understanding is better in context. For example, when eating chicken pieces at tea time, ask how many they have and then as they eat one what is one less?
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/maths/counting/random%20count.html - with this website, you will need to work with your child. They will need to firstly count the fish (they are moveable into a line) and then find one more and one less.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/20050208/Mathematicaldev/Earlyyears/Number/Numberrhymes/Introduction/default.htm - this website is great for developing the children’s understanding of one less. As one speckled frog jumps into the pool, there is one less!
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/index.htm - these are great for those counting rhymes that involve one less each time.
Communication , Language and Literacy
Now that everyone is settled we start our rapid teaching of phonic skills. You will be amazed at how quickly the children learn to read and write. This week we will be focusing on the letters s, a, t and p. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them. The words used will be:
At, as, tap, sat, pat.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters a, p, t and s in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
We really step up the game with the high frequency words now that we are fully settled in. Your support is crucial in developing your child’s recognition of the words. The words are so important as they provide a scaffold for the children when they are reading. The high frequency words will also be a focus for us in school.
Our theme for this week will be AUTUMN. This is totally inspired by my visit to the Lake District over the holidays. The children will look at signs of Autumn and use this as a stimulus not only for their creative work but for their language activities also. I will be using this text with the children:
www.sebastianswan.org.uk/autumn/bkau3.html - this is a lovely text which is interactive and also has fabulous photographs of autumn scenes.
I hope that the children will learn about the difference between fiction and non-fiction books throughout this week.
And there’s more…
Topic work
We will also be looking at a poem called Leaf-birds by Joan Poulson. This will be our inspiration for a selection of art and craft activities.
Finger painted trees
The children will be getting their fingers messy while they create a finger painting of an autumn scene using only their fingers. They will be encouraged to think about the shapes and the colours of the leaves during autumn time.
Leaf printing
The children will explore and investigate the patterns on leaves by printing with leaves, laying them in clay and doing leaf rubbings.
Leaf-bird pictures
The children will collect the leaves fallen from the trees and make leaf birds with them.
Autumn crowns
For our Autumn Parade for Golden Time, the children will create their very own autumn crown using leaves and tissue paper. With Mrs Latham, the bakers will be making pumpkin soup for us to enjoy. This is linked to the fabulous and endearing story Pumpkin Soup the children love.
Sewing and Weaving
The children will continue to develop their fine motor skills through the creation of an Autumn Weaving Sculpture. With Mrs Latham they will be learning to stitch thread onto leaf shaped felt to mirror what they observed on the leaves when looking for patterns. Mrs Higgins will be working with the children to create the weaving ‘loom’ and selecting appropriate fabrics and materials for the weaving. The finish product will include the weaving and the stitched leaves. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Here I Am
We will continue on our theme of Signs and Symbols. This week the children will be shown the symbols of a Baptism. They will learn the importance of the white shawl, the sign of the cross, the words spoken, the candle and then shell. Please talk to your child about their baptism as this helps them to understand the concept a little more. We will be having our own ‘baptism’ in class.
A note to remember this week!
There will be a mass in school on Thursday at 9am for all Saint’s Day. You are most welcome to attend but please be aware that space is limited.
Tis’ the season to be jolly…
Ooohhh! I am SO excited about Christmas. The production is now written and ready for learning. This week you will receive a letter regarding your child’s part in the production. It will detail the costume your child will need. I know we are early but you will be surprised how quickly tights etc run out on Warrington market! It may be worth mentioning that we operate a TICKET ONLY system for the performances. Each family will get three tickets, a ticket for each performance. This is for health and safety purposes.
Parents’ evening
You will receive the time and date of your parent/teacher interview. I have done my very best to accommodate everyone’s wishes.
A plea from the heart!
Please could we ask for the children to come into the classroom on their own from now on. They all started to come in in the first few weeks on their own but this seems to have stopped. The children need to be as independent as possible. It is actually something that we have to observe for the Foundation Stage Profile. Your support in this will be much appreciated as the day gets off to a slow start which is time when the children could be starting their learning. For instance, if we waste five minutes getting settled in the morning then it is 25 minutes over a week,. What can be learned in that amount of time? It is the equivalent of two teaching input times so it's well worth the effort.
I think that is all for now!
Take care and have a GREAT week!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
Welcome back to the most exciting and most hectic part of the school year! Yes it is the build up to Christmas!!! Already I am singing away to myself the songs of our production. This half term is the best!!! Lots of singing, dancing, glitter, tinsel, more singing, more glitter etc. A half term to totally make sure you endear yourself to the cleaning staff!
I hope that your child is eager to get back to things this week. The week begins on TUESDAY with the children receiving yet another invitation to a baptism of Miss Polly's dolly. No...I haven't lost the plot! This sets the children up for an exciting week. The Golden Time treat for this week will be an Autumn parade.
So what will the children be learning this week?
Mathematical Development
As a school we are currently focusing on the development of the children’s rapid recall of number facts. OUR TARGETS are as follows:
By the end of the half term, the children:
MUST be able to FIND one more and one less than a number from 1 to 10.
SHOULD be able to KNOW one more and one less than a number from 1 to 10.
COULD be able to KNOW two numbers that make a total of 10.
In your child’s reading diary is a little rhyme that we hope all the children will know by the end of the half term to enable them to achieve the challenging COULD target. Hey…reach for the stars. That’s my moto! If for some reason the rhyme doesn’t quite make it to your child’s bag by Wednesday please let me know.
My experience and assessments show that the children pick up finding one more MUCH easier than finding one less. You never really ask the children do they want less but do they want more. Thus, their understanding of the term ‘more’ is understood better. Therefore, if you are to help your child in any way then I would suggest focusing on the term ‘less’.
We will begin our first week back by focusing on these targets. By the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to identify the set of objects that has more or less and use the vocabulary correctly;
SHOULD be able to find one more and one less than a given number to 10;
COULD be able to know one more and one less than a given number to 10 – having mental recall.
Here are some great websites you could use to support your child in their mathematical development. However, developing this mathematical understanding is better in context. For example, when eating chicken pieces at tea time, ask how many they have and then as they eat one what is one less?
http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/maths/counting/random%20count.html - with this website, you will need to work with your child. They will need to firstly count the fish (they are moveable into a line) and then find one more and one less.
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/20050208/Mathematicaldev/Earlyyears/Number/Numberrhymes/Introduction/default.htm - this website is great for developing the children’s understanding of one less. As one speckled frog jumps into the pool, there is one less!
http://www.priorywoods.middlesbrough.sch.uk/kidsonly/findout/counting/index.htm - these are great for those counting rhymes that involve one less each time.
Communication , Language and Literacy
Now that everyone is settled we start our rapid teaching of phonic skills. You will be amazed at how quickly the children learn to read and write. This week we will be focusing on the letters s, a, t and p. Some of the children already know these letters but this week, they will be required to hear them in words, read words containing them and even have a go at writing them. The words used will be:
At, as, tap, sat, pat.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters a, p, t and s in response to seeing the letter symbol;
SHOULD be able to orally segment (sound out) the words containing the letters;
COULD be able to segment, blend and write the words containing the letters.
If you have a set of magnetic letters at home then why not have a go at spelling some of the words with them. Here are some websites your child could use to develop their letter recognition and start to develop their reading of words.
http://www.saintambrosebarlow.wigan.sch.uk/activities.htm - The children are to try to hear the initial sounds in words.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - Look at the letter shown and then select the picture that begins with that letter.
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - This is an amazing website focusing on the initial sounds. Hours of fun why you do your ironing I think!
http://www.little-g.com/shockwave/beginning.html - the children are to focus on the initial sounds of the picture shown and then identify a picture with the same initial sound.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonemeFlop_v4.html - a good website for getting the children to identify the letters of the alphabet.
www.starfall.com - this is a great all-rounder. Remember to encourage your child to use the letters they are unsure of. I will stick this information in your child’s diary this week.
http://www.ictgames.com/phonic_fighter4.html - I love this game!
http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/activities/interactiveActivities.jsp?id=letters - activities 12 and 13 are good for helping with identifying the initial letters.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
We really step up the game with the high frequency words now that we are fully settled in. Your support is crucial in developing your child’s recognition of the words. The words are so important as they provide a scaffold for the children when they are reading. The high frequency words will also be a focus for us in school.
Our theme for this week will be AUTUMN. This is totally inspired by my visit to the Lake District over the holidays. The children will look at signs of Autumn and use this as a stimulus not only for their creative work but for their language activities also. I will be using this text with the children:
www.sebastianswan.org.uk/autumn/bkau3.html - this is a lovely text which is interactive and also has fabulous photographs of autumn scenes.
I hope that the children will learn about the difference between fiction and non-fiction books throughout this week.
And there’s more…
Topic work
We will also be looking at a poem called Leaf-birds by Joan Poulson. This will be our inspiration for a selection of art and craft activities.
Finger painted trees
The children will be getting their fingers messy while they create a finger painting of an autumn scene using only their fingers. They will be encouraged to think about the shapes and the colours of the leaves during autumn time.
Leaf printing
The children will explore and investigate the patterns on leaves by printing with leaves, laying them in clay and doing leaf rubbings.
Leaf-bird pictures
The children will collect the leaves fallen from the trees and make leaf birds with them.
Autumn crowns
For our Autumn Parade for Golden Time, the children will create their very own autumn crown using leaves and tissue paper. With Mrs Latham, the bakers will be making pumpkin soup for us to enjoy. This is linked to the fabulous and endearing story Pumpkin Soup the children love.
Sewing and Weaving
The children will continue to develop their fine motor skills through the creation of an Autumn Weaving Sculpture. With Mrs Latham they will be learning to stitch thread onto leaf shaped felt to mirror what they observed on the leaves when looking for patterns. Mrs Higgins will be working with the children to create the weaving ‘loom’ and selecting appropriate fabrics and materials for the weaving. The finish product will include the weaving and the stitched leaves. I can’t wait to see the finished product!
Here I Am
We will continue on our theme of Signs and Symbols. This week the children will be shown the symbols of a Baptism. They will learn the importance of the white shawl, the sign of the cross, the words spoken, the candle and then shell. Please talk to your child about their baptism as this helps them to understand the concept a little more. We will be having our own ‘baptism’ in class.
A note to remember this week!
There will be a mass in school on Thursday at 9am for all Saint’s Day. You are most welcome to attend but please be aware that space is limited.
Tis’ the season to be jolly…
Ooohhh! I am SO excited about Christmas. The production is now written and ready for learning. This week you will receive a letter regarding your child’s part in the production. It will detail the costume your child will need. I know we are early but you will be surprised how quickly tights etc run out on Warrington market! It may be worth mentioning that we operate a TICKET ONLY system for the performances. Each family will get three tickets, a ticket for each performance. This is for health and safety purposes.
Parents’ evening
You will receive the time and date of your parent/teacher interview. I have done my very best to accommodate everyone’s wishes.
A plea from the heart!
Please could we ask for the children to come into the classroom on their own from now on. They all started to come in in the first few weeks on their own but this seems to have stopped. The children need to be as independent as possible. It is actually something that we have to observe for the Foundation Stage Profile. Your support in this will be much appreciated as the day gets off to a slow start which is time when the children could be starting their learning. For instance, if we waste five minutes getting settled in the morning then it is 25 minutes over a week,. What can be learned in that amount of time? It is the equivalent of two teaching input times so it's well worth the effort.
I think that is all for now!
Take care and have a GREAT week!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
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