Reception Learning

Reception Literacy

This term children have been learning phase 2 sounds during their phonic lessons and have enjoyed learning the monster songs to support each new sound. During their play, they have begun to blend sounds together and create cvc words using different materials. They have also begun to write these words on phoneme frames. Alongside this we have encouraged children to read and write for meaning in their play. They have written post it’s for teachers to help them remember things! They have also written lists and instructions during role play or in other areas of the environment. Children have been reading in the environment, in small groups and individually. They all take part in ‘quiet reading’ sessions daily when they can enjoy becoming involved in their own book. Our class stories have promoted lots of talk and act as a stimulus for both reading and writing.

The Gingerbread Man

This half term, the children in Reception discovered some footprints and crumbs in our garden and decided it reminded them of the story of The Gingerbread Man. This has been our topic this half term. Children have been learning the story, acting it out and singing songs about The Gingerbread Man. They then enjoyed taking part in our Christmas performance where they performed these to their grown ups.  Some children went on a trip to the shop to buy some flour and then each class made their own gingerbread men and the children thought these were delicious!

The Enormous Turnip

This half term, children in Reception have been learning the story ‘The Enormous Turnip’.　Using our　’Talk for Writing’ process,　children memorised the story using a story map to help them　and then innovated it to create their　own class versions.　Linking to this, they have been learning about harvest and discussing where our food comes from. They　also worked together to make delicious turnip soup!

Helping the Hedgehogs

Following children’s interest in hedgehogs we invited Darren the rescued hedgehog to come and visit. This was very popular and we decided to find out more about hedgehogs and how the children could help them. They raised £75 for the Shepreth Hedgehog Hospital by making cakes to sell after the Reception assembly and this was delivered to the hospital who were grateful to the children for their care. We will be continuing to find out more about hedgehogs, what happens to them during the year and how we can help to protect them.

Three Billy Goats Gruff

This half term, children have been learning the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff. The children learned the story and actions. Some children also had a go at writing the whole story independently. In our workshop area, the children painted their own trolls and cut these out carefully. We also looked at bridges from around the world and the children had a ‘task of the week’ to build their own bridge for the three billy goats. Our story has also linked to spring and children have been exploring the outside area for signs of spring.

The Snow Queen

Children have been learning our own story of the snow queen who turns everything to ice and snow. They were very excited to find real snow and loved exploring it. We also discussed ice in the water tray and how long it would take to melt. Children went outside to find out about winter weather and use the thermometer to see if it was freezing. They made their own ice palaces for the queen and after she sent them an email they researched animals that come from cold climates. They thought of words to describe the queen’s palace and then told their parents the story in their assembly. Afterwards, children celebrated with a Snow Queen party when they ate chocolate Crispie Cakes and Apple Sorbet which they had made.

Celebrating in the Autumn Term

This term we have been celebrating family festivals with our children. They made group fireworks, shouting out the sounds that their firework made as they made paint splashes. We learnt how to dance to Indian music for Diwali, made cucumber raita, and took part in different activities in the Foundation Stage.

Children also celebrated Christmas with a concert for their parents and carers. They told the story of ‘The Gingerbread Man’ and sang some songs about getting ready for Christmas. Children made cards on the computer and prepared their own food for their Christmas party. They also joined together for a Christmas Activity Morning with Nursery.