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.

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

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

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

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

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

Hi there

Doesn’t time fly when you are having fun?

Well, I haven’t quite got the hang of planning for what is actually humanly possible to achieve in one week. Therefore, this week we will continue with some of the activities planned last week. We can’t have Jack and Jill without a blanket can we? This is great because this week is ASSESSMENT and REVIEW week for the whole school.

How much the children learn in such a short space of time is remarkable, and this week is a time not only to celebrate their achievements but to gain an understanding of what exciting learning experiences we need to offer the children after the half term break.

As this is an assessment week we will be reviewing the teaching and learning of:
Letters and numbers
The children’s understanding of rhyme and alliteration
Their high frequency words
Their ability to count reliably
Their understanding of pattern making

Some children will also be assessed for the next level in their reading.

Here are some websites (previously posted on the blog) for your child to play on as a reminder of the learning they have encountered this half term.

Rhyming
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/music/fdi.shtml - a good website for listening to rhymes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/words/dg3.shtml - this site helps the children to match rhyming words but you will need to sit with them to read them out.


Letter recognition
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

Counting
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.


Pattern making
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.

Here I Am
Last week we began our new topic on Signs and Symbols.

The children:
Recognised what a sign is;
Reflected on other signs around them;
Respected the need for signs.

This week the children will learn about baptism. If you have any videos or photographs of your child’s baptism then please share them with your child. This will prepare them for the work in class.

The Domestics
Please could you take the opportunity to check your child’s uniform during the half term. Some mix ups have occurred resulting in uniforms missing. Please check that your child’s name is clearly labelled on their clothing. Ideally it should be recognisable by your child to foster independence. If you find that you have someone else’s belongings please pass them back to me in school. Thanks.

Talking of clothing…as part of their curriculum the children learn outside the classroom environment. Please ensure your child has a warm coat and labelled hats and gloves when the weather starts to get really cold.

A letter regarding our parents’ evening will go out this week. Please return it as soon as possible to allow for your time to be communicated back to you. The parents’ evenings last over a series of evenings after school. Please be as flexible as possible. If you are able to make early appointments please do so to allow the later times to be available for working parents. You can make as many preferences for the day and time as you like. The parents’ evenings will be held in the classroom.

Finally…
This has been a great start to the school year and I thank yourselves and the children for a fantastic and successful induction period. Now that the children are fully settled please could I ask that you encourage your children to come in on their own now. Lots of adults in the classroom in the morning can often unsettle the children and means they are not doing things for themselves. Many thanks in anticipation of your support.

Have a great break and remember we are only back on TUESDAY 30TH OCTOBER as the staff have an INSET day on the Monday.

Take care
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x

Hi there!

Sorry this has only been posted on a Sunday rather than my usual Friday, but a visit to Beauty and the Beast and Disney on Ice was a must this weekend. I’m sure I can find a way of fitting a visit to the ice rink into our curriculum…Mmm.

Now onto business.
Firstly, thank you to all the parents who attended the Foundation Stage Induction Meeting last week. I hope you had lots of fun and found it informative about the way we teach your children. For those who were unable to attend, please do not fret for there will be opportunities to experience some of the activities again when I hold our reading workshop after half term. Details of this will be forwarded next week.

Communication, Language and Literacy
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST have an understanding of rhyme
SHOULD be able to continue a rhyming string
COULD be able to identify the initial sounds in words and match words with the same sound.

This week we will be focusing on ALLITERATION. What is this you may ask? Put very simply, it is when words or phrases begin with the same sound, e.g Sammy snake sits on sausages. (Ooooh, you wouldn’t want to eat them after that!) This is often hilariously funny as we give the children alliterative names that we call them all week. For example, Brilliant Bethany and Jolly Jamie. We too have our alliterative names that the children can call us all week. Why not call each other by alliterative names at home?

In order for your child to be able to develop their understanding of letters and sounds, I have compiled a list of good websites but don’t forget that I spy is a great game to play to support his area of literacy.
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

We haven’t forgotten about rhyme though. The children who need to continue developing their understanding of rhyme will have some very funny activities to do. An example that you could try at home is ‘rhyming soup’.
Collect a large bowl, a spoon and selection of objects that rhyme e.g a toy cat, a hat, a table mat. Then sing this song to the tune of Pop Goes the Weasel
I’m making silly soup
I’m making soup that’s silly
I’m going to put it in the fridge
To make it nice and chilly
In goes… a cat… a hat…a mat.

You sing the song each time an object is added. Go on have a go, I know you want to. This can also be applied to the alliteration as the objects going into the soup can all begin with the same sound.


Mathematical Development
By the end of this week, the children:
MUST be able to copy a pattern in a variety of contexts
SHOULD be able to copy and continue a pattern in a variety of contexts
COULD be able to copy, continue and create a pattern in a variety of contexts.

This is the main class target for the week. Whenever your child is doing any pattern making please encourage them to verbalise the pattern as this helps incredibly with their ability to continue it. A good start may be to have a walk around the house, the garden and the local area and look for patterns all around them. Patterns can be seen on leaves, the patterns of brickwork on houses, pine cones etc. Patterns are everywhere!

Here are some great websites for you to try out too.
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.

The end of the week will see the children receiving a letter from Jack and Jill’s mother (as in the nursery rhyme). She is concerned that her poor darlings are getting cold whilst they are in hospital. Could we design them a blanket with lots of wonderful pattern on? The children will be given calico on which to make their patterns. This will be the first time that the children will have encountered having to work as a team to complete a project. I’m sure they will do a great job.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World
The children will be extending their ability to recognise the different features of the face by looking at their family photographs this week. Thank you for sending in a family photograph, as this is difficult to do without a reference for the children. They will have the opportunity to share the names of their family and talk about significant events in their lives. Myself, Mrs Higgins and Mrs Latham also share pictures of our family.
The children will have cut outs of houses with windows in which they can draw the people in their family. You may wish to support your child by talking about the colour of each family members hair and eyes so they have a starting point.

Spanish
Your child may now beginning to come out with the odd phrase in Spanish. They are doing fantastically well saying the sign of the cross in Spanish and saying Buenas Dias to the register in the morning. As part of their Golden Time treat last week, I started to teach them the colours in Spanish and then a song which includes them. We will continue with it this week. For your reference here are the Spanish names for the colours with the phonetic pronunciation next to them in brackets.
Blue – azul (athul)
Black – Negro
Yellow – amarillo (Did you start to sing then? I did. Amareeyo)
White – blanco
Green – verde (berday)
Purple – violeta (bee-o-leta)
Grey – gris (grease)
Brown – marron
Orange – naranja (naranka)
Pink – rosa

Thanks to Dora the Explorer counting in Spanish will be a doddle!

Here I Am
This week we begin our new topic on Signs and Symbols.

They will:
Recognise what a sign is;
Reflect on other signs around them;
Respect the need for signs.

The children will learn about visual, auditory and kinaesthetic signs.

Reading diaries
Please could I ask that all parents write in their child’s diary when they have read with them. This helps us to monitor the effectiveness of reading outside of school. Many thanks in anticipation of your valued support.

I think that is all for this week. Phew! This week was a long one.

Have a great week.

Regards
Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team x

What an eventful week we have just had! Hey but what FUN!! I told you there’s fun in the FOUNDATION STAGE!

We have had a third reply from our balloon sending exercise. This time the balloon got as far as Taunton in Somerset. WOW!

We will be continuing with last week’s key question of the week which was:
What do I look like?

Faces
The children have drawn some amazing self portraits which we hope to have on display in the classroom some time this week. We also looked at the work of the artist Guiseppe Acrimboldo who created images out of fruits and vegetables. I hope to post some of the pictures on the school website which is www.stvincents.ik.org/ When I use the term ‘I’, I actually mean I need to ask Mrs Worrall to pop the pictures on for me.

The children will now go on to apply their learning to using different media and develop their creative skills. This week, the children will transform a white paper plate into a face. They will be able to use any materials they wish to do so. If you have any spare brown, black or yellow wool at home then we would be grateful recipients. Additionally, the children will be using seeds and pasta to create faces in play dough. You could easily do this with your child at home.
http://wgfl.digitalbrain.com/wgfl/web/foundation/face.htm - This website can be used to enable your child to develop their computer skills whilst learning about the position of the parts of the face.
http://demo.iboard.co.uk/screens/thread_home.htm?thread_id=13# - This website allows your child to create a face with the different features.

Communication, Language and Literacy
We will be continuing with our work on nursery rhymes this week.

By the end of this week the children:
COULD be able to continue a rhyming string;
SHOULD be able to identify the rhyming words in a poem, rhyme or story;
MUST be able to join in with a simple rhyme.

You may once again wish to check out these websites to support your child. Please remind them to join in with the actions too.
http://www.indianchild.com/nursery%20rhymes.htm
http://www.landofnurseryrhymes.co.uk/
http://www.hendersonville-pd.org/hpdnursery.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/music/fdi.shtml - a good website for listening to rhymes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/words/dg3.shtml - this site helps the children to match rhyming words but you will need to sit with them to read them out.

In addition to the work on rhymes we will also be developing the children’s letter recognition and ability to hear the sounds at the beginning of words. Here are some great websites that are well worth a 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!
www.starfall.com - The children love this. I had it on in class last week and they are so good at using it.
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.ictgames.com/letterlifter.html

Mathematical Development

LINE, TOUCH, COUNT
The children made a great start on their counting skills this week. We will be continuing with these learning objectives this week, but with a twist!

By the end of the week, the children:
COULD be able to count up to 20 objects reliably;
SHOULD be able to count 10 objects reliably;
MUST be able to count 6 objects reliably.

The children will learn to apply their counting to different problem solving activities and in particular to the counting out of 1p coins when playing in the shop. I have listed the websites from last week as they are still relevant but if you could get out the tins etc from your larder and sift through your spare change for 1p coins, you could really support your child’s learning.
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.

Spanish
This week, because the children have learned to do the sign of the cross so well in English, we are going to teach them it is Spanish. Oh…but that is not all! In addition to this, they will be learning to answer the register in Spanish, saying good afternoon and good morning. Estupendo!!!

And finally… the domestics of the week.
There is very little happening this week apart from the fact that there will be a supply teacher in class on Monday. I shall be out of school working with our other network schools on an exciting new project called The Mantle of the Expert…What? I hear you ask! Here is a taster of what it’s all about…

On Wednesday the children will come into school. There will be a letter waiting for them. Who is it from? It’s Incy Wincy Spider. He’s very sad because he wants to visit his friend Humpty Dumpty but he’s frightened of the rain washing him away again. Please can we help? MADNESS!!! You may think I have lost the plot but trust me! It gets worse! No...only joking! The children will be encouraged to solve the problem. How can this be done? They will have to draw maps from Incy’s web to Humpty’s house. What does he have to travel over, under etc? How can we stop him getting wet? What materials can we use to make sure he doesn’t get wet? The children make the decisions, take control of their learning and solve problems. Think about the skills needed in adulthood. This is our commitment to providing a curriculum for the 21st century.

Back to reality! On Wednesday, your child will recieve their handwriting homework and
Have a fantastic week!!
Best wishes

Jayne Narraway and the Foundation Stage Team xxx