At The Seaside

During the next two weeks we'll be talking about being at the seaside.

We'll be discovering what the children like doing there and also discussing safety in the sun.

Every child will be individually  pattern stamping a bucket for display, as well as participating in the creation of a seaside scene including crabs, seagulls, sandcastles etc.

If any of you have collected any shells etc please do bring them in for us to look at together (EAD, UW ).

We'll also be talking and learning about different types of sea creatures and rock pools.

Books we'll read at story time include Grandma's Beach and The Bears Who Went To The Seaside.

On a different subject completely, in preparation for September, just a note to say that children will be spending the mornings of 11th, 12th and 15th of July in Year 2 Pre School next door. This always proves to be popular, with the introduction of new rooms to explore and play in !

Drop off and pick up will remain unchanged in Year 1 but I will, of course, remind you about this nearer the time.



                                                               

Boats

Last week was a busy one so we'll be starting Letters and Sounds this week.

In addition to this, our theme will be boats. 

We'll be learning about different types of boats ranging from rescue, police, sailing, tugboats etc.

We'll be naming the shapes of sails, and experimenting with floating and sinking at the water tray.

The book we'll be looking at is called Brilliant Boats by Tony Mitton.

Perhaps you and your child have been on or watched boats, which you could tell us about on a wow slip.

                                                                    

Letters and Sounds

This is a busy week as we have several activities to explore and enjoy.

Firstly we'll be focusing on Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds ( aspects 1-4 ).
This covers various aspects such as listening and identifying sounds to playing instruments, repeating rhythms  copying sounds etc.  Please do ask if you'd like to see the format we follow.

In addition to this, throughout the week, we'll be making observations of the children as they play shops, engaging in role play and being imaginative ( EAD ).

In the kitchen everybody will be making honey biscuits to take home. This is based on the book Honey Biscuits by Meredith Hooper which we'll be looking at at story time. This book talks about where the ingredients used are originally derived from.

Finally we'll be creating something for Father's Day on Sunday!


                                                         

The Queens Birthday

Welcome back, hope you enjoyed the half term break. Hard to believe that we're now in the final weeks of the Summer term!

To celebrate the Queens official 90th birthday on Saturday 11th June, this week will all about her!

We will be joining up with Year 2 pre school to have  a " street party " outside, enjoying food with lots of flag waving! Look out for photos in the learning journeys in the next few weeks.

Indeed throughout the week we'll be making flags and decorating crowns to wear and take home.

We'll be looking at the book The Queen's Hat by Steve Antony and finding out from the children what they know about the Queen.

If the sun should reappear please can we remind you to tick the list, on wall by entrance, informing us if you've already applied suncream to your child.  Sun hats should also be named, Many Thanks.

                                                              

                                                           

Textures and Numbers

Sorry that there wasn't a blog last week due to my absence, but I hear the children were as busy as ever.

This week all  of the children will be talking about and exploring textures.
We'll be using " feely bags" and noting down descriptive words used.

Every day we'll be doing a different craft involving an assortment of textures eg  pasta, wool, fabric collages etc ( EAD ).

Running alongside this we'll be reading number stories and rhymes, and playing number puzzles and games, as part of numeracy development ( M ).

As we always say, please do look through your child's learning journeys if you so wish , to see what they've been up to. Similarly, if you require any other information please do let me know.

I will be arranging dates for parent meetings this week for those children who have been with us over four weeks, to update you on their progress.

Finally, enjoy the half term break and see you all again week beginning June 6th,
                                                                                                                 Helen.

                         
                                                 

Transport

This week we'll be discussing and looking at different types of transport including boats, trains,buses, cars, bikes etc ( UW )

Children always enjoy this topic as it's part of their everyday lives, so do please fill in a wow slip telling us about their experience on a bus, train or likewise.

As we identify what transport needs wheels, we'll explore sizes and shape as we do different track sized wheel paintings ( EAD ).

There will be lots of small world opportunities to play with different types of transport, as well as using ramps and racing each other.

We'll be identifying transport  toys and then pretending to move like one, accompanied by the sound it makes! ( UW and EAD )

In keeping with this theme, all of the Pre school, Yrs 1 and 2, will be taking part in the Scootathon this week. This is an annual event run by POWSA to raise funds for the school.Hopefully you will all have picked up your sponsor forms by now, which also indicates what day your child will be taking part. As outlined please do bring in their scooter, bikes etc and  helmets ( all named to avoid confusion )! We have some bikes and scooters which children can use if getting them in proves a problem. Similarly this is an optional activity if some children would prefer to watch.
Year 2 children usually cycle around the big grass area opposite, whilst Year 1 can go up and down our outside play area.
Regrettably parents are unable to watch as timings vary, according to other activities, and security is paramount.



                                                         

Sharing and taking turns

During this short week we will be playing games and activities which encourage sharing and taking turns, following directions and focusing attention (  PSED and Cand L).

We will carry this out in small adult led groups, choosing activities such as block building, ICT and musical games as well as board and sorting games.

The book we have chosen to look at this week is Sharing  A Shell by Julia Donaldson.

Just a reminder, as outlined in our recent newsletter, the staff car park is for the use solely of pre-school and Opportunity Group members of staff, with the exception of our children with disabilities. Spaces are needed for visiting child professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and so on.On a regular basis there are meetings requiring their attendance. Thank you for your continuing co-operation with this matter.