Butterfly & Dragonfly Class (Reception) 2022 - 2023

Butterfly Teacher: Mrs Chappell

Dragonfly Teacher: Mrs Fife

Teaching Assistant: Miss Simpson

Here you will find useful information about our learning and the things we are getting up to in Reception. 

Autumn 1

This half term our areas of focus will be settling into Reception and our topic is 'Marvellous Me.' We are super excited to get to know all of your children as individuals and finding out about their interests, families and friends.

As always in Reception our aim is to follow children's interest so learning, topics and activities can change all the time!

Literacy 

We follow Pathways to Write, where we enjoy lots of new books and base our reading and writing around each text. We believe becoming a skilled, attentive reader starts at the earliest stages. This term we will be enjoying the story 'The Gingerbread Man' by Mara Alperin. 

Maths

Our maths focus this half term will be counting and number recognition. We will be concentrating on number 1-5; number composition, subitising, comparing groups within 5, odd and even numbers, comparing lengths, changes within 5, time, and shape and space. This will be taught through number songs and lots of fun maths activities and games.  

RWI (Read Write Inc)

At Darnhall we follow the RWI Programme 

How and what do the children learn?

READING
The children:

•  learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts
•  learn to read words using sound blending
•  read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out
•  after meaningful discussion led by an adult children show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions

WRITING

The children:

•  learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds
•  learn to write words by saying the sounds and graphemes
•  learn to build sentences orally using adventurous vobabulary
•  start with simple sentences and develop towards more complex ones by the end of the programme
•  compose a range of texts using discussion prompts

TALKING

Children are assessed so they work with children at the same level. This allows them to take a full part in all lessons.

They work in pairs so that they:

•  answer every question
•  practise every activity with their partner
•  take turns in talking to each other

Key words

Reception will be tested on their key words every Friday. If they know ALL key words then they will recieve the next set. Please ensure that you continue to practise all key words. 

We will also be learning a 'Tricky Word of the Week'.

These are 'the', 'and', 'me', 'to', 'said', 'in', 'no'.

Rhyme of the Week:

Week 1: Head Shoulders Knees and Toes

Week 2: If You're Happy and You Know It

Week 3: Miss Polly Had a Dolly

Week 4: Baa Baa Black Sheep

Week 5: Row Row Your Boat

Week 6: Twinkl Twinkl Little Star

Week 7: I'm a Little Tea Pot

Reading at Home 

Please listen to your child read their reading book as much as possible alongside other story books. Remember their read on the GoRead App.  

For every 3 recorded reads, your child will receive a stamp on their reading worm. Once all 12 stamps have been placed on the 'Reading Worm' they will be able to get a free book from our amazing Book Vending Machines.

 

1 completed reading worm = 1 frequent reader book

2 completed reading worms = 1 frequent reader book AND a reading buddy.

3 completed reading worms = 1 frequent reader book
4 completed reading worms = 1 frequent reader book AND a reading buddy.

5 completed reading worms = 1 frequent reader book

 

 

Remind them to bring their reading book into school everyday in their book bag.

Please encourage your child to look after their reading book as they are costly to replace.

 

Tapestry:

Tapestry is Reception's platform of communication with parents and ourlearning journal provider.

Tapestry allows you to view all your children’s observations, photographs and videos. You can like and comment on observations that we add for your child and it’s also possible for you to add your own observations. Your comments and own observations will allow us to find out about which activities your child really enjoyed and the learning they get up to at home. The photo's that you add will allow us to celebrate any achievements/wow moments/special days out that happen outside of school, which will help us get to know your child even better!

Reminders

Please ensure your child wears the correct school uniform at all times.

Only small studded earrings are allowed.

As the children's learning also takes place outdoors, they need to wear sensible waterproof dark shoes and a warm waterproof coat with a hood or hat. Please write your child's name in their school uniform, book bags and packed lunch boxes.

 

If you have any questions or issues regarding events at school, you can always come and see us in the morning or after school.

We are looking forward to an exciting year in Reception.

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