Autumn 1 week 4 

Expressive arts and design -busy builders

We've been exploring a wide range of resources to build our own models, indoors and outdoors. We have been developing our creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as our physical skills when handling different materials. 

Understanding the World -Tinned Food Sensory Exploration

The children explored tinned foods using different sized spoons, scoops, and bowls. They enjoyed the sensory experience of feeling and moving the different textures.

Understanding the world – Which people are special and why?

We displayed the children's family photos in the classroom and invited them to talk about the people who are special to them and why. This sparked lots of meaningful conversations, helping the children build confidence in speaking and deepening their understanding of what makes their families special. To support this, we provided small world people of different ages and family roles, along with a small house model and books about families and special people. 

Expressive arts and design – family portraits 

The children enjoyed drawing portraits of themselves and their special people, proudly sharing who was in their family. We also created junk model houses, using a range of materials. While building, the children talked about their own homes and who lives there.

Autumn 1 week 3

Mastering number – Subitising 

The children were encouraged to recognise small groups of objects by subitising — being able to just see how many there are without needing to count each one. Through games and hands-on activities, they developed their number sense and built confidence with quantities in a fun and natural way.

Literacy – Foamy fun and mark making 

The children had a fantastic time exploring shaving foam this week! They enjoyed the soft, fluffy texture as they squished, spread, and made patterns with it. Using their hands and fingers, they practised mark-making and sensory play.

Physical development – Knife and fork adventures 

In the playdough area, we've been practising our knife and fork skills, learning how to cut with care. We then put these skills into action by spreading butter on our toast! We explored our sense of taste. We really enjoyed eating our toast after. 

Understanding the world – Exploring our bodies and senses

The children explored different parts of the body using images, models and books. They enjoyed discovering what each part does and where it is, helping them understand more about themselves in a hands-on way.

We also explored our sense of hearing. The children enjoyed playing a listening game where they matched everyday sounds from a CD to the photographs on their lotto boards.

Expressive arts and design – Exploring sound

The children had fun creating junk model instruments like yoghurt pot shakers and kitchen roll rain sticks to explore different sounds. We played a variety of music pieces and invited the children to express what they heard using paper, pens and paint. They made lots of creative lines and marks, showing how the music made them feel through their art.

Expressive arts and design – Little doctors at work

The children have been exploring a doctor’s role-play area! They loved setting up a doctor’s surgery with plenty of bandages and medical equipment. They took on the roles of doctors and patients, explaining which parts of their bodies were “injured” and how to care for them.

Autumn 1 week 2

Expressive arts and design – Small world adventures 

The children have been enjoying our small world play, with people and a house. They have been using their imagination to create stories, acting out family life and daily routines.

Understanding the world – Chatterboxes 

We encouraged families to support their children in creating a simple ‘All About Me’ chatterbox at home, filled with photos, drawings, or special objects. The children then brought their chatterboxes to school and enjoyed sharing what makes them special.

With a little help from adults when needed, the children talked confidently about their interests, experiences, and the things that make them unique. It’s been wonderful to celebrate everyone’s individuality together!

Expressive arts and design – Our wonderful faces

We enjoyed some fun creative activities this week! The children drew themselves looking in a mirror, practising careful observation.

Expressive arts and design – Colour detectives

The children enjoyed using colour cards and loose parts to explore sorting by colour, shape, and size. They worked carefully to sort the items, building their observation and categorising skills in a fun, hands-on way.

Autumn 1 week 1

Personal, social and emotional development – Our school adventure begins!

This week we started school!

We’ve been getting to know each other while exploring our new classroom and discovering all the exciting areas and resources available to us. We’ve enjoyed trying out a variety of new activities and spending time both inside and outside, getting to know our new environment.

We’ve also been practising important skills like taking turns and listening carefully. We’re building our independence by putting away our bags, coats, water bottles, and lunch boxes.

It’s been a great start to our learning journey together!