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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back and we hope you all had a lovely Christmas holiday.
Our topic is ‘Off We Go!’ where we will be learning about different types of transport and the journeys that they can take us on. We will also be looking closely at how transport such as cars, buses and planes have changed since they were first invented. As well as this, we will be taking a close look at places we have visited and how we got there!
Key Texts
Areas of Learning
Literacy
Our focus in literacy this term is to secure our phonic knowledge to write sentences, instructions and stories through talk for writing. In reading, our phonics knowledge, high frequency and tricky words will develop further from our reading of key texts and sharing and discussing new stories together.
Maths
In maths we will be becoming more familiar with naming and describing 2D and 3D shapes. We will be continuing to secure our number skills to 20 and then exploring addition and subtraction with games and activities. Also we will be beginning to think about using doubles and halves.
The main part of the topic is to use the vocabulary associated with all different types of vehicles and how they are different and the same. We will also be looking at maps to see where different countries and cities are and how we might get there.
Learning Journeys
If you wish to look through your child’s learning journey at home, please feel free to pop in on any Friday after school. As explained when the children began school, you are welcome to bring in any photos or contributions for the learning journey books. Also, please continue to complete ‘I Can’ slips to celebrate your child’s home achievements.
Home Learning
Thanks to constant practise, the children’s reading is developing well. Thank you to all of you who support this at home. It really does make a difference.
| Reading | Please read with your child regularly, even if it is just for a few minutes. Now that the children are using their sounds to blend new words, it is important that they begin to discuss each book and understand words such as ‘character’, ‘title’, ‘setting’, ‘beginning’, ‘middle’, ‘end’. |
| Letters and Sounds / Maths | Tricky words will come home on the checklist. Please learn the 5 marked words at home and we will give new ones once the children can read them in school.
Keep learning to recognise numbers using the flashcards sent home at parents evening. If you need any ideas or support with this, please ask. |
Super Home Challenges!
You might like to choose one of the following activities to try with your child at home. You can bring these into school whenever they are finished to share with the class.
- Go on a journey and take photos of how you got there and tell us about how long it took.
- Make a model of a new vehicle and give it a name! Be as creative as you can!
- Write a story about one of your vehicles at home that has been getting into trouble!
Websites and Links
- ictgames.co.uk and www.topmarks.co.uk for Literacy and Maths games.
- phonicsplay.co.uk Phase 2,3 and 4 games, blending sounds and words.
- If you wish to make learning games to have fun at home, you can print from twinkl.co.uk and browse the EYFS Reception section.
- All information for the term is also on the school website.
Quick Reminders
- Please can you make sure your child brings in a water bottle and their book bags each day.
- Can the children please always have a coat in school particularly as the British weather is unpredictable.
- Our PE days are Monday and Friday but PE kits should be in all week.
- Forest School Kit MUST be in school so that children do not come home muddy.
- Please can all children have a spare set of underwear and socks in their PE bag in case of any accidents. It is much more comforting for children to have their own change of clothes to put on if the need arises.
Chiddingly and East Hoathly Special Bear Day!
We are planning a special Bear Activity day at East Hoathly School on Wednesday 25th January. Chiddingly children will be joining the East Hoathly Reception Class to spend the day with their special bears, carrying out lots of fun outdoor activities. More details to follow soon.
PLEASE HELP!
If you have any unusual vehicles such as an old bicycle, a tractor or a vintage car that you would be able to bring in and talk to us about, please let us know. Also if you have any models of unusual transport then we would love to see them.
Coming into School in the Mornings
From January, we are encouraging the children to come into school independently with the other children through the main back door. We will be in the classroom to support with the morning jobs and to select lunches. We understand that some children may still need to come in with an adult through the reception side door and so we will be continuing to open this until Easter, after which all children will be coming into school independently, in preparation for moving to Year 1.
Thank you for your continued support and please do not hesitate to come and see me if you have any questions of comments.
Mrs Winchester and Mrs Woods
