Maple Term 5 – ‘‘It’s a Bug’s Life!’’

Click here to download a printable copy of this newsletter

Areas of Learning

Literacy

Our focus in literacy this term is using our phonic knowledge to write stories using narrative language, adjectives, nouns and verbs. In reading, our phonics knowledge, high frequency and tricky words will develop further; we will be talking about the events in the books we read and predicting what will happen next.

Maths

In maths, we are going to secure our knowledge of addition and subtraction with the support of objects. We will be using insects to help us learn more about doubles and halves.

We are going to be exploring 3D shapes through junk modelling and linking this to our music sessions. In addition to this, we will be beginning to estimate and count in 2s, 5s and 10s. Alongside this, we will be exploring shapes and measures around the school.

Understanding the World

The children will also be making lots of observations and predictions about mini beasts. We will be taking a trip to the Briar’s Field Centre on Wednesday 1st May to look at natural habitats of different mini beasts, pond dipping and visiting Pooh Bridge

Home Learning

We would like to thank you all for your effort with last terms home learning tasks including reading with your children.

Reading

Please read with your child regularly, even if it is a home or library book. At this stage, it is really helpful to discuss the stories that you read and use story language such as, character, setting, beginning, middle and end. The more experiences that children have of sharing books at home, the quicker they progress in all areas of the curriculum as it develops their creativity, vocabulary and imagination, as well as furthering their reading and writing skills.

Letters and Sounds

Please read your child’s homework letter every week, which will contain the weekly phonics and tricky words we have covered in class. Please can they practice writing these in sentences and finding them in their reading and story books at home.

Home Challenges!

Please choose one or more of the following activities to enjoy at home and bring in before the end of term; these can be recorded in your home learning book:

• Make a mini beast out of junk modelling and share with your class.
• Take a camera around your garden or the park and take photos of any mini beasts you can find.
• Write a list of mini beasts that you find in your garden.
• Paint or draw a picture of an imaginary mini beast!

Websites and Links

• ictgames.co.uk and www.topmarks.co.uk for literacy and maths games.
• phonicsplay.co.uk Phase 3, 4 and 5 games, blending sounds and words.
• bbc.co.uk/cbeebies for literacy and math’s activities and games
• 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.

Quick Reminders

• Please can you make sure your child brings in a water bottle, hat and their book bag each day.
• If you would like your child to wear sun cream, they need to be able to apply it themselves and bring in a named individual bottle.
• Our PE days are Monday and Friday but PE kits should be in all week.

We hope you all have a lovely term supporting the children in their learning. Please do not hesitate to come and speak to us if necessary.

Thank you for your support,

Mrs Sanders and Miss Bews