Hi there!
Well my last week is finally here! But does that mean this week will be lacking in FUN and FANTASTIC LEARNING? Absolutely not! 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 handwriting 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 Thursday following the evening performance on Wednesday. Unfortunately, this does not apply to staff so if you wish to drop your child off at the normal time then that is fine. Believe me we have tried all kinds of bribery tactics!
Reading books
Please accept my deepest apologies for the delay in changing the children’s reading books last week. Time just flew! I hope you didn’t mind me sending two on the Wednesday. I promise that this week we will try much harder!
DADS!!! Please remember to hear your son read if you do not already do so. Research suggests that boys make more progress in reading if their fathers are actively involved in their literary experiences.
So what will we be learning this week?
The Nativity Story
Well…it’s actually December now. So…yes!!!! Let the glitter, tinsel and fun begin. Although we do talk about Christmas presents and cards and celebrations in school, we do feel that it is vital that the children know the true meaning of Christmas. Therefore, this week we begin by teaching the children about the birth of Jesus and the first Christmas. Mrs Latham and Mrs Lockett have worked like Trojans to create a stable in the role-play area for the children to re-enact the Christmas story. I am sure the children will appreciate all their hard work. Here are some websites that the children may enjoy to consolidate their understanding of Christmas.
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.
http://www.refuel.org.uk/curric/infant_topics/christmas/christmas.html http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/christmas/nativity/nativity.html http://www.snaithprimary.eril.net/nativity.htm http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/word/cross2.gif
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 Cards
A class list will be sent out via the diaries to help you with any cards your child may which to send. This is the perfect opportunity to help your child write their name. We will also be starting to make our Christmas cards so please keep a special place on the mantle piece for it.
Christmas Fun!!
Here are some great activities to get into the spirit of Christmas.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/snowman_v4.html - build a snowman of your own.
http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/games/advent_calendar.html - open up a space on the advent calendar every day and see what you find
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/jokes.html - Christmas jokes for all the family.
Communication, Language and Literacy
This week you should receive an update on the letters names and sounds your child consistently recognises when shown. Thank you for all your support at home with this. The children are making really pleasing progress. This week we will be teaching the children some new letters. The focus letters for this week are: ‘ck’, ‘e’, ‘u’ and ‘r’.
CK – the children need to know that when they see C and K together it is usually at the end of the word. I call them lazy letters with K being the laziest and that they are two letters that when read make one sound. More often than not the CK is used when the vowel in a word makes its sound rather than its name e.g dock, tick, back etc. If you compare them to words like ‘cake’, ‘bike’ and ‘coke’, the vowel says its letter name hence the use of the ‘e’ on the end of the word rather than the ‘ck’.
I would continue to use the letter recognition websites below to support letter recognition with a focus mainly on the letters of the week or any that we have taught yet your child is unsure of.
http://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/phonemeFlop_v4.html - this is great and the sounds are said correctly too.
http://www.ictgames.com/soundBingo.html
http://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
NEW!! http://www.ictgames.com/phonemePopLS_v2.html - you can use this website to focus on the letters of the week.
High Frequency Words
These are checked weekly and we do aim for the children to know all term one words by Christmas. Here are some websites that may be of use to you:
http://www.ictgames.com/plankgameR.html
http://www.ictgames.com/wordreader.html
http://www.ictgames.com/lcwc.html - click on the rectangular cells and type in the high frequency words to make your own grids.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This week you will receive an update on your child’s number recognition via their diaries. Again the children have been making pleasing progress.
For the next few weeks leading up to Christmas, the children will focus on number recognition, ordering numbers and number formation. Here are some great websites to support this area of learning.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - get the children to say the number sequence in order to be able to order the random numbers
http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/ngfl/ngfl-flash/numbers_eng/numbers_e.html - fantastic for supporting number formation
http://www.abc.net.au/countusin/default.htm - a range of websites to support mathematical skills and concepts.
Cathedral Visit
Just a reminder about the visit on Tuesday of next week. The children need to come dressed either as a shepherd or an angel. Please also remember that the coach will only be returning to school by 4pm so please feel free to wait in the school hall for the children. They will be brought to you.
And finally…may I take the opportunity to personally thank you all for your support in your child’s first term at school. The blogspot will continue throughout my maternity leave. I am sure that the children will continue to be motivated and learn, and I look forward to seeing their progress on my return after Easter. Enjoy Christmas and see you soon!
Warmest regards
Jayne Narraway xxxx
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Christmas Countdown begins...
Hola!
Well…this is the week before our Christmas Production and believe me you are in for a real treat. Much of this week will be used to refine our performance with the children to ensure they are as confident as possible for their moment in the limelight. Costumes will need to be in on Monday so we can try them on the children and make sure they are in school for the dress rehearsal on Friday morning. Please remember to write your child’s name on them and also hanging them on a hanger is really helpful to us. Thanks.
So what will we be learning this week?
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
As time is limited this week we will be focusing on number recognition with the children. Therefore, by the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise numerals to 5 and match sets of objects to the numerals;
SHOULD be able to recognise numerals to 10, match sets of objects to the numerals and order numerals from 0 to 10;
COULD be able to recognise numerals to 20, match sets of objects to the numerals and write the numerals to 10 correctly and independently.
Here are some great websites you could use. However, car registration plates, house numbers etc are good ways of helping the children learn their numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/mucky.html - to revise more and less;
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - ordering numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/online_downloads.htm - click on the ordering numbers game
Communication, Language and Literacy
Again, as time is limited we will use the opportunity to review and assess the children’s recognition of:
Letter sounds and names
High frequency words
Spelling and reading words containing the focus letters taught so far.
Here are some websites which will support these areas.
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.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Maternity Leave
You may have read in the school newsletter that I shall be going on maternity leave in two weeks time. Therefore, we welcome Mrs Gillian Sammon to our team this week. This week she will be getting to know the children and the systems and style of teaching we use. This will then enable a smooth transition for the children as I will still be teaching them also.
Non-uniform Day
On Friday the children can come in their own clothes in return for a tombola prize for the Christmas Fair on Saturday.
That’s all for this week!
xxxxx
Well…this is the week before our Christmas Production and believe me you are in for a real treat. Much of this week will be used to refine our performance with the children to ensure they are as confident as possible for their moment in the limelight. Costumes will need to be in on Monday so we can try them on the children and make sure they are in school for the dress rehearsal on Friday morning. Please remember to write your child’s name on them and also hanging them on a hanger is really helpful to us. Thanks.
So what will we be learning this week?
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
As time is limited this week we will be focusing on number recognition with the children. Therefore, by the end of the week, the children:
MUST be able to recognise numerals to 5 and match sets of objects to the numerals;
SHOULD be able to recognise numerals to 10, match sets of objects to the numerals and order numerals from 0 to 10;
COULD be able to recognise numerals to 20, match sets of objects to the numerals and write the numerals to 10 correctly and independently.
Here are some great websites you could use. However, car registration plates, house numbers etc are good ways of helping the children learn their numbers.
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - ordering random numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/mucky.html - to revise more and less;
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - ordering numbers
http://www.ictgames.com/postletter.html - number recognition
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/online/online_downloads.htm - click on the ordering numbers game
Communication, Language and Literacy
Again, as time is limited we will use the opportunity to review and assess the children’s recognition of:
Letter sounds and names
High frequency words
Spelling and reading words containing the focus letters taught so far.
Here are some websites which will support these areas.
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.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Maternity Leave
You may have read in the school newsletter that I shall be going on maternity leave in two weeks time. Therefore, we welcome Mrs Gillian Sammon to our team this week. This week she will be getting to know the children and the systems and style of teaching we use. This will then enable a smooth transition for the children as I will still be teaching them also.
Non-uniform Day
On Friday the children can come in their own clothes in return for a tombola prize for the Christmas Fair on Saturday.
That’s all for this week!
xxxxx
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Hello and welcome to this week’s blog.
There’s loads to do this week so without further a do here goes with this week’s agenda!
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
The children have done really well developing their understanding of more and less and nearly all of them can find one more than a given number. However, finding one less is proving to be difficult for some of them. Therefore, this week we will be focusing more on this. In order for the children to be successful they need to have an understanding of the number system. The children understand the number system when they count from 0 to 10 and finding one more is supported by this. Therefore, to facilitate their ability to find one less they need to be able to count backwards from 10 to 0. For those who can find one more and one less we will work on problem-solving activities in different contexts. Here are some websites for your child to have a go at.
http://www.ictgames.com/rabbit2.html - for those children who can identify one more and one less this is a great website which challenges them to identify numbers more or less than a given number. You may need to sit with your child for this.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html - see if your child can find one more than the given number before the ball reaches the bottom.
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html - why not ask your child to arrange the numbers in reverse order
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - further develop your child’s understanding of the order of numbers through this game.
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - catch the acorns in number order
http://www.ictgames.com/newduckshoot.html - a good game for number recognition
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters m, i, d and n 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.
The children are coming along nicely with their letter recognition and this week we will continue to teach the letters Gg, Oo, Cc and Kk. Again please make use of the websites below to support letter recognition. I would highly recommend the phonic fighter one for the boys!
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.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
What else?
We will be continuing with our work on animals with the children this week following our fantastic visit to Chester Zoo last week. Here are some websites about animals to support the children’s learning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/ - help your child research more information about their favourite animal.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/wild/index.shtml - a lovely website to explore and find out about different animals
http://www.kidsbiology.com/animals-for-children.php
http://www.abcteach.com/abclists/animalbabies.htm - find out the names of baby animals
Sorting animals into sets
The children will look at the differences between animals e.g the number of legs, if they lay eggs, if they have fur , scales or feathers etc.
Model making – thanks for all the junk materials you have sent in for us. The children have had a wealth of materials to select from. They will continue to work in teams to make an animal of their choice whilst learning about the different ways in which they can join materials.
Let’s make a zoo – the children will be encouraged to help make a play zoo for the different animals we have. They will be making fences, ponds etc as enclosures and then create maps.
Christmas Production
You should have already received your ticket allocation. If you have not please call in and see me. Just a reminder that costumes need to be in next Monday. If possible could you pop them on a hanger so they don’t get creased? Thanks. The children have already been on the stage and believe me when I say you are in for a real treat! In the diary this week there will be a sticker asking for permission to apply a little face paint to your child for the production. Please just sign below the sticker if you give consent. Thanks. We will need parents to help us dress the children before the performances so if you are available please call in.
Phonics and Reading workshop
The workshop will be held at 6pm in our classroom on Thursday 20th November. Unfortunately children are not invited to the workshop, hence the 6pm start instead of the 3pm after school time. Thank you in anticipation of your valued support.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
There’s loads to do this week so without further a do here goes with this week’s agenda!
Here I Am
We begin our new topic this week for RE titled BIRTHDAYS. The children will begin this week by RECOGNISING what a birthday is, REFLECTING on birthday celebrations they have taken part in and will take part in, and RESPECT that a birthday is celebrated to remember the day someone is born. In class we will be reading the story of Kipper’s birthday and preparing the home corner for a birthday celebration. Our imaginary giant friend Jim will also celebrate his birthday. This will be a way of encouraging the children to write birthday cards for him in the writing area.
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
The children have done really well developing their understanding of more and less and nearly all of them can find one more than a given number. However, finding one less is proving to be difficult for some of them. Therefore, this week we will be focusing more on this. In order for the children to be successful they need to have an understanding of the number system. The children understand the number system when they count from 0 to 10 and finding one more is supported by this. Therefore, to facilitate their ability to find one less they need to be able to count backwards from 10 to 0. For those who can find one more and one less we will work on problem-solving activities in different contexts. Here are some websites for your child to have a go at.
http://www.ictgames.com/rabbit2.html - for those children who can identify one more and one less this is a great website which challenges them to identify numbers more or less than a given number. You may need to sit with your child for this.
http://www.ictgames.com/nileNumbers_v2.html - see if your child can find one more than the given number before the ball reaches the bottom.
http://www.ictgames.com/saucerSorter.html - why not ask your child to arrange the numbers in reverse order
http://www.ictgames.com/caterpillar_slider.html - further develop your child’s understanding of the order of numbers through this game.
http://www.ictgames.com/nutty_v3.html - catch the acorns in number order
http://www.ictgames.com/newduckshoot.html - a good game for number recognition
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters m, i, d and n 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.
The children are coming along nicely with their letter recognition and this week we will continue to teach the letters Gg, Oo, Cc and Kk. Again please make use of the websites below to support letter recognition. I would highly recommend the phonic fighter one for the boys!
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.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
What else?
We will be continuing with our work on animals with the children this week following our fantastic visit to Chester Zoo last week. Here are some websites about animals to support the children’s learning.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/ - help your child research more information about their favourite animal.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/wild/index.shtml - a lovely website to explore and find out about different animals
http://www.kidsbiology.com/animals-for-children.php
http://www.abcteach.com/abclists/animalbabies.htm - find out the names of baby animals
Sorting animals into sets
The children will look at the differences between animals e.g the number of legs, if they lay eggs, if they have fur , scales or feathers etc.
Model making – thanks for all the junk materials you have sent in for us. The children have had a wealth of materials to select from. They will continue to work in teams to make an animal of their choice whilst learning about the different ways in which they can join materials.
Let’s make a zoo – the children will be encouraged to help make a play zoo for the different animals we have. They will be making fences, ponds etc as enclosures and then create maps.
Christmas Production
You should have already received your ticket allocation. If you have not please call in and see me. Just a reminder that costumes need to be in next Monday. If possible could you pop them on a hanger so they don’t get creased? Thanks. The children have already been on the stage and believe me when I say you are in for a real treat! In the diary this week there will be a sticker asking for permission to apply a little face paint to your child for the production. Please just sign below the sticker if you give consent. Thanks. We will need parents to help us dress the children before the performances so if you are available please call in.
Phonics and Reading workshop
The workshop will be held at 6pm in our classroom on Thursday 20th November. Unfortunately children are not invited to the workshop, hence the 6pm start instead of the 3pm after school time. Thank you in anticipation of your valued support.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx
Friday, November 07, 2008
Chester Zoo Here We Come!!
Hi there!
How exciting is this week? The children are eagerly awaiting their visit to Chester Zoo and the staff can’t wait to get cracking on the activities to follow. You should have received a letter with details regarding the day in your child’s book bag on Friday. Many thanks to all of you who volunteered to accompany us. I’m just sorry we couldn’t have everyone who offered coming with us. Perhaps on our next adventure!
So what’s on the agenda for this week?
Monday will see the preparation for the visit to the zoo. We will be looking at a book about animals and their babies. You may wish to discuss the names of some familiar animals and what their baby names are called e.g cat and kitten, dog and puppy. The children will look at the similarities between animals and humans. They will complete sequencing activities involving pictures from baby to grandparent. To support this you may wish to dig out some of those childhood photographs to share with your child so they can see how you have changed and grown. Don’t worry I too will share my baby photographs with the children!!
Tuesday will be our fantastic visit to the zoo. We are armed with cameras, etc to record our visit to enable us to complete associated activities back at school.
Wednesday through to Friday is going to be just amazing! The children will learn about model making. They will be using the junk materials to work as a team to construct a model of their favourite animal from the zoo. This is a team building activity as well as an opportunity to teach the children about joining materials using masking tape, glue guns and cellotape. Please, please, please continue to clutter your homes with collections of junk materials for our model making as after this week the children will be asked to apply their new skills independently when we make rockets.
Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to provide the sound for the letters m, i, d and n 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.
The children are coming along nicely with their letter recognition and this week we will begin to teach the letters Gg, Oo, Cc and Kk. Again please make use of the websites below to support letter recognition. I would highly recommend the phonic fighter one for the boys!
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.http://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.htmlhttp://www.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html
NEW!! http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/words/dg2.shtml
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
We will be continuing with the unit of work on more and less we started last week. Although we were going to only concentrate on MORE last week we have been amazed at how they have picked up the concept of LESS. So we will work on both of them together this week. Here is a reminder of the learning objectives and appropriate websites you may wish to look at.
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to identify which set has MORE or LESS
SHOULD be able to find one more or one less than a given number to 6
COULD be able to find one more or one less than a given number to 10
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.
Here I Am
We move into our final week on Invitations. The children will be having a ball for Golden Time just like in the story Cinderella. The girls need to come as a princess and the boys as princes. Over the course of the week they will write invitations inviting someone to the ball. I’m sure we will have lots of fun!
Handwriting homework
Please can I just remind everyone that homework does need to be back in school on a Friday with the library book. As there are so many children we need to mark them and prepare the homework and change books for the following Monday. If they are late then unfortunately, your child’s hard work will not be marked and they will not have the opportunity to change their library book which would be a shame. Many thanks in anticipation of your support.
Parents’ evening
The last few parent/teacher interviews will be held this week. I’ve really enjoyed having a chat with you all and may I pass on thanks on behalf of all the team for you support in the transition of your child into school. Here’s to a successful year.
Christmas Production
You will have received a letter regarding your child’s costume for the production. If you have any questions please pop in and see one of the team. BEWARE tights fly out of the shops at this time of year so get in early. Widnes market is usually a safe bet! You may have heard your child singing the songs we have learned already. Believe me you are in for a real treat! You will also be recieving the tickets for the productions. Please be aware that without a ticket there is no admittance so please keep them safe.
I think that’s all for this week.
Have a good one!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxxxx
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Welcome back!!
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! 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.
I hope that your child is eager to get back to things this week. The week begins on Monday with the children receiving an invitation to a baptism of Miss Polly's dolly. No...I haven't lost the plot! This sets the children up for developing their understanding of Baptism as part of our Here I Am topic on Invitations. This week the children will learn about Baptism as an invitation to join the family of Jesus. They will learn the importance of the white shawl, the sign of the cross, the words spoken, the candle and the shell You may wish to support your child in their understanding through sharing some family photographs of their baptism or of one attended by them.So what else will the children be learning this week?
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This will be a two week unit of work. So, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to count reliably 6 objects (extending to 10);
SHOULD be able to identify which set has MORE or LESS (with an emphasis on the MORE this week);
COULD be able to find one more or one less than a given number to 6, extending to 10 (with an emphasis on finding ONE MORE this week)
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’ this week at home also so as to prepare them for next week.Here are some great websites you could use to support your child in this area of learning. 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.
www.ictgames.com/mucky.html
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 reviewing 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.
However, to prepare them for next week we will also be introducing the letters Mm, Nn, Ii and Dd.
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.htmlhttp://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.
A date for your diary!!
I will be holding a Reading and Phonics workshop for parents on Thursday 20th November at 6pm in our classroom. Please be aware that a crèche is not available and children are not able to attend. Thanks. I will send a letter this week so I know what numbers to expect.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
This week is one of my favourites because 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 patternThere 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.
Indian Dancing – the children will learn a song about divali and learn some special movements in response to it.
Divali cards – an opportunity for the children to practice 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. Therefore, Golden Time this week will be tasting Indian food and having a boogie to Indian music.
BANG!! WHIZZ!! OO!! AH!!
Of course we can’t forget about Bonfire Night. On Thursday the whole day will be dedicated to learning about Bonfire Night and the traditions of the day. We always do this after Bonfire Night so they have experienced it and then what we talk about has some relevance. The children will be creating their very own firework pictures and music related to the theme as well as making movements like fireworks.
Parents’ evening
You will have received the time and date of your parent/teacher interview. I have done my very best to accommodate everyone’s wishes. I look forward to seeing you all.
Chester Zoo
You will have also received a copy of the letter regarding our trip to Chester Zoo on Tuesday 11th November. We still need three more adults to help out if you are free on that day and can help out please see a member of the team. Thanks.
Keeping Warm
As the colder weather approaches the children will need to wrap up warm. We still use our outdoor area continuously throughout the day and your child will need a hat and possibly gloves (ones with fingers please rather than mittens). As always please ensure that they are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
I think that is all for now! PHEW!!
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! 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.
I hope that your child is eager to get back to things this week. The week begins on Monday with the children receiving an invitation to a baptism of Miss Polly's dolly. No...I haven't lost the plot! This sets the children up for developing their understanding of Baptism as part of our Here I Am topic on Invitations. This week the children will learn about Baptism as an invitation to join the family of Jesus. They will learn the importance of the white shawl, the sign of the cross, the words spoken, the candle and the shell You may wish to support your child in their understanding through sharing some family photographs of their baptism or of one attended by them.So what else will the children be learning this week?
Problem-solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
This will be a two week unit of work. So, by the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to count reliably 6 objects (extending to 10);
SHOULD be able to identify which set has MORE or LESS (with an emphasis on the MORE this week);
COULD be able to find one more or one less than a given number to 6, extending to 10 (with an emphasis on finding ONE MORE this week)
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’ this week at home also so as to prepare them for next week.Here are some great websites you could use to support your child in this area of learning. 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.
www.ictgames.com/mucky.html
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 reviewing 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.
However, to prepare them for next week we will also be introducing the letters Mm, Nn, Ii and Dd.
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.htmlhttp://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.
A date for your diary!!
I will be holding a Reading and Phonics workshop for parents on Thursday 20th November at 6pm in our classroom. Please be aware that a crèche is not available and children are not able to attend. Thanks. I will send a letter this week so I know what numbers to expect.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
This week is one of my favourites because 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 patternThere 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.
Indian Dancing – the children will learn a song about divali and learn some special movements in response to it.
Divali cards – an opportunity for the children to practice 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. Therefore, Golden Time this week will be tasting Indian food and having a boogie to Indian music.
BANG!! WHIZZ!! OO!! AH!!
Of course we can’t forget about Bonfire Night. On Thursday the whole day will be dedicated to learning about Bonfire Night and the traditions of the day. We always do this after Bonfire Night so they have experienced it and then what we talk about has some relevance. The children will be creating their very own firework pictures and music related to the theme as well as making movements like fireworks.
Parents’ evening
You will have received the time and date of your parent/teacher interview. I have done my very best to accommodate everyone’s wishes. I look forward to seeing you all.
Chester Zoo
You will have also received a copy of the letter regarding our trip to Chester Zoo on Tuesday 11th November. We still need three more adults to help out if you are free on that day and can help out please see a member of the team. Thanks.
Keeping Warm
As the colder weather approaches the children will need to wrap up warm. We still use our outdoor area continuously throughout the day and your child will need a hat and possibly gloves (ones with fingers please rather than mittens). As always please ensure that they are clearly labeled with your child’s name.
I think that is all for now! PHEW!!
Take care and have a GREAT week!
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x
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