Dear Parents, This half term the curriculum will be taught through the learning theme of ‘All Things That Sparkle’. The seven areas are split into Prime and Specific areas. This newsletter will outline learning across all areas. If you ever have any questions about your child’s learning then please ask your child’s class teacher.

We have an exciting term coming up and we look forward to performing our

Christmas Nativity to you.

Creating Rangoli patterns!

Information about learning in ReceptionInformation about learning in Reception

The Home/School Partnership Curriculum Newsletter Autumn Term 2 2013

Our learning theme is…

All Things That Sparkle.

Creating a rocket with 2D shapes.

Reading with our Year 6 Buddy.

Making resources for the role play

rocket.

Using iPads to learn letter sounds.

Communication and Language (Prime) We will be using a range of stories to support our learning such as ‘Whatever Next’ and ‘Aliens love underpants’. The loft role play has been transformed into a rocket. This will encourage children’s imagination and develop their vocabulary and communication skills with their peers. Literacy (Specific) We will be continuing to learn phase 2 sounds and moving on to phase 3. We will be using the sounds we have learnt to sound out and blend simple words such as; sit, pan and cat. As the exciting time of Christmas is approaching the children will be engaged in writing letters to Santa and wish lists and labelling their pictures. We will be encouraging the children to sound out words when they write and to write some tricky words from memory.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (Prime) The children have been learning how to access the classroom independently and are being more responsible with classroom equipment. This half term the children will be developing their confidence in front of the class and school when we learn and perform our Nativity musical. The children have now met their Year 6 buddy and they spend once a week with them taking part in activities such as reading and learning computer skills. We are also developing the children’s understanding of the ‘Be the Best you can Be’ programme.

Expressive Arts and Design We are learning to explore different colours. We will learn this though painting fireworks, exploring Rangoli patterns and mixing the primary colours to create secondary colours. Linked to our learning theme the children will create planets using the paper mache technique and create a range of resources to enhance the role play area. There will be a range of resources out for the children to use their imagination when creating resources.

Mathematics (Specific) We are learning to count, recognise and order numbers to 20. The children have enjoyed singing songs to support their learning. They have also been counting to and from 20 when engaging in role play to launch their rockets. The children have also been interested in 2D shape and creating patterns. They will use pattern blocks and multi-link cubes to create rockets and stars. We are also learning about the properties of shape and looking at 3D shapes.

Understanding the World (Specific) We are learning about different cultures and celebrations this term. We have been finding out about Diwali, Remembrance day and now moving towards celebrating Christmas. The children have time to talk about their own experiences of celebrations and learn how different families celebrate. They will then make compar isons between themselves and others.

Physical Development (Prime) This half term we will be focusing on dance skills and ball skills. The children will be listening to a range of songs and responding to the beat of music with body movements. We will begin the term by taking part in Diwali dancing. Alongside dance the children will be learning how to throw and catch a ball and bean bag. They will develop their skills through a range of games. Children in Mrs Lapworth’s class PE will take place on Mondays and Fridays Children in Miss Symmons’ class PE will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays Please ensure your child has their PE kit in school with everything names. Also please ensure that your child’s earrings are removed on their PE day.

Dates for the diary Phonics Workshops 20th November 2pm or 6.30pm (strictly adults only) Aladdin Pantomime 4th December A Little Nativity Wednesday 11th December 2pm (with younger siblings) Thursday 12th December 5.30pm (strictly adults only) Mince Pies and Milkshakes Tuesday 17th December 2pm-3pm Last day at school in 2013! Friday 20th December

Thank you to everyone who has provided their child with their

outdoor adventure kit.

We will be venturing out soon!

If you have not bought this in please bring it in as soon as

possible.

Learning Logs Thank you for all your comments in your children’s

Learning Logs so far, they are always useful. Children should read at least 3 times per

week. Please practise their keywords in any

way which engages them in their learning.

Please look at and work on their targets at home (in front of LL).

Please use the Learning Log to record any home learning and achievements.

Thank you

A little reminder about snack The snack money for this term

is due in.

The cost of snack is £6 per half term.

Thank you.

Children in Need

Firstly thank you for your donations for Children in Need.

Also, the children worked hard all

morning to produce artwork (Pudsey colouring in) which we then took round the whole of CCS to sell to staff for donations. The children raised over £70 doing this alone!

Altogether Foundation Stage

raised £140!