During this first half term we had a significant focus on settling the children into the school and the routines that run alongside this. The classroom and outdoor space is divided into different areas and the activities in these areas changed weekly to build on objectives across the curriculum. In literacy we focused on sharing stories, listening for initial sounds, rhyming and developing our mark making. In maths we looked at patterns, number recognition and counting objects. During our ‘Me and My Community’ topic we also explored families and looking at similarities and differences, knowing how we change as we age and identified what makes a good friend. In music we joined in with songs and explored how to make music using our bodies. In our Understanding the World lessons the children explored different people who help us, learning about different communities and learning about some seasonal changes. This first half term we also sent home library books and picture books with the children to enable them to share stories with you. In school we focused on getting the children to identify rhyme in stories and to make predictions to show they have listened to and understood the story so far. We encouraged them to listen out for sounds at the start or ends of words, perhaps for example that are the same as in their names. We also started phase 2 sounds in our phonics lessons and have begun to read simple cvc words. A great start to the new school year, well done Acorns! 

This half term we have been exploring our topics of Sunshine and sunflowers and Splash!  We have been investigating freezing and melting, floating and sinking and finding out about different creatures that live in the ocean.  We really enjoyed being part of art day where we got to try out different techniques and find out about different artists.  We also had a very successful trip out.  We caught the train to Frosts and enjoyed playing on their indoor beach.  We had lunch and then all got to paint a dragon.  We got very wet on the journey home.  In maths we have been working on adding and subtracting numbers up to 10.

In PSHE we have been thinking about preparing for our move to our new class.  Remembering our accomplishments for this year and talking about what we are looking forward to next year. In P.E we have been trying out lots of activities in preparation for a successful sports day.

This half term we have been exploring our topics of 'once upon a time' and shadows and reflections.  We have enjoyed listening to different traditional tales and doing various activities alongside them.  We have planted beans for jack and the beanstalk, made some fantastic puppets and drawn some amazing self portraits of ourselves dressed up like royalty.

The most exciting thing for this term was the arrival of our duckling eggs.  We spent 10 days watching them hatch and grow.  We had 5 healthy ducklings in the end and have loved caring for them, cuddling them and taking them for a paddle. In maths we have been finding out about different shapes. We have been working on recognising numbers above 10 and knowing different ways to make 8, 9, and 10. 

In PSHE we have been thinking about the things that make us special and unique. Our gifts and the things we love.   In P.E. We have been working on thinking about how we move our body and how to give and follow instructions.