Autumn 2 -Let's celebrate

Understanding the world -Christmas celebrations 

We looked at some Christmas photos. We described what we could see in each of the photos and how they are used during Christmas celebrations. We talked about what we have done with our families during Christmas in the past.

Expressive arts and design -Wriggly Nativity

This week was our Nativity Performance week! Throughout the half term the children have been supported to learn and perform a Christmas Nativity. They have taken on roles and practised singing songs. The children know they all have an important part to play in the performance and have been working together to put on an amazing show for family and friends.

Expressive arts and design -Pantomime visit

We walked through our town to Mansfield Palace theatre. We watched ‘Aladdin.’ We took photographs to record what we could see and enjoy during our visit. We shared our photographs from our visit and retold our experiences.

Mathematics -Shape, space and measure

We noticed circles and triangles all around us and began to describe their properties. We described the properties of circles and triangles using the language ‘sides’, ‘straight’, ‘corners’ and ‘round’. We learnt that triangles are flat shapes with three straight sides and three corners, and that circles are flat shapes which are perfectly round.

Understanding the world -Birthdays

We found a mystery present with a question mark on it. We wondered who it could belong to and what the occasion might be. We thought of celebrations where you have presents e.g. Christmas, birthdays. We opened the present and looked inside. We discovered candles, balloons, cards and invitations. It was a birthday celebration! We discussed why birthdays are celebrated and watched a video clip showing Dexter’s birthday. We talked about the things we saw during the birthday party. We shared photographs and discussed our experiences of past birthday experiences. 

Understanding the world -Forest learning 

We collected natural materials and created our own Rangoli patterns.

Understanding the world -Diwali 

Throughout the week we shared books and video clips to discover how people prepare and celebrate Diwali. We explored objects and photographs that are associated with Diwali e.g. Diva lamps, candles, patterned fabric, saris, mehndi patterns and rangoli patterns. We shared the story of Rama and Sita. We discussed the emotions that the characters must of felt at different points in the retelling. We showed pictures and puppets of the main characters in the story and together thought about whether each was ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ 

Understanding the world -Snowy wonderland 

We wrapped up warm and seized the opportunity of a magical snowy day. We had lots of fun exploring our changed landscape. 

Understanding the world -Forest learning 

We went on an Autumn walk. We looked around at all the different things we could see. We talked about what we noticed and looked for seasonal changes. We recorded our observations with an iPad. We took pictures of anything that interested us so we could talk about it the next day.

Understanding the world -Children in need

On Friday we learnt that every child is different and may not live the same lives. We raised money and participated in Pudsey bear crafts. We used yellow leaves to make a Pudsey face during forest learning. 

Mathematics -Comparison 

We compared groups of up to 3 objects by matching them 1:1. Our key questions: How many plates do we need? How many plates have we got? Have we got the same number? Is it equal? Can you help me match the plates to the bears?

Understanding the world -Remembrance Day

Our teacher explained that there was something special in her box. She revealed a poppy. We discussed: Has anyone seen this before? Do you know what it is and what it is for? We shared the story ‘Where the poppies now grow’ and watched the video clip ‘Poppies.’ The animation sees the great war experienced by the animal inhabitants of a WW1 battlefield.

Understanding the world -Forest learning 

We practised getting ready for a bonfire night event. We practised zipping up our coats, putting on scarves/gloves and our wellies. We worked together to build a pretend bonfire in the outdoor area using a range of materials, such as sticks, leaves etc. We discussed the noises that fireworks make. We explored the outdoors to create Bonfire night noises using sticks, such as crackle, whoosh, pop, fizz and bang. We used dancing scarves to make firework movements in the air.

Literacy -Early bird readers 

It was great to see so many of our F2 families at our 'Early bird readers' session on Thursday morning. 'Reading enriches language and vocabulary, develops imagination, sparks curiosity and has educational benefits too. Just a few minutes a day can have a big impact on children of all ages.'

Understanding the world -Bonfire night

We shared bonfire night pictures and video clips. We talked about what we could hear and see (colours and shapes). We shared our own experiences of Bonfire Night and talked about the ways our families celebrated. We talked about our likes and dislikes of Bonfire Night celebrations.

Autumn 1 -Marvellous me

Understanding the world -Toadstools

During our forest learning session we discovered toadstools! "Sssh there's a fairy living inside!" We were very excited. We used the iPad to take our own photographs. We talked about the mushrooms looking interesting but that we shouldn't touch or eat them. 

Understanding the world -Who helps us in our community?

We set up different stations for the children to visit. In each 'station' we used a range of props to represent the people who help us that work there. We discussed our experiences and thought about a time when we had been helped by one of these people in the past.

Literacy -Cut up stories

Our story map was cut up into sections. We worked together to re-sequence the pictures and retell the story. We've been developing our understanding of 'what', 'where' and 'why' questions. For example: Why did the little girl open the door and shoo the cheetah away?

Understanding the world -How have I changed since I was a baby?

We shared and discussed our baby photographs with each other. We identified common features and compared similarities, differences and changes over time. 

Maths -Subitising

We looked closely at small quantities and observed whether the quantity has changed or only the arrangement. 

Understanding the world -I can touch with my hands

This week we explored our sense: touch. We explored the Gelli bath using hands.

Expressive arts and design -using thin brushes 

We've been exploring thin brushes. At the beginning of the week we covered the table with paper and practised painting inside the big squares. We then progressed onto painting A3 and then A4 individual squares. We maintained focus on our activity for a period of time.

Physical development -stretchy bands

We've been developing our fine motor skills by stretching the bands onto the geoboard.

Expressive arts and design -being imaginative 

We've been recreating experiences that are familiar to us in the home corner. We've become Mum, Dad, a baby, an older sibling and a pet. We've helped wash and cook, as well as eating together, feeding or dressing the baby. 

Understanding the world -potion play

This week we explored our sense: smell. We made scented potions by adding different smelling ingredients to water. We've been using different shaped bottles, in a range of sizes, to create our own concoctions!  We practised using different skills such as mixing, stirring and pouring.

Maths -Subitising 

We quantified sets of objects by subitising, rather than counting. We can say how many there are in a small group of objects by 'just seeing' and knowing straightaway without needing to count.

PSED -Do we always feel the same?

We've been reading stories and spending time exploring the pictures and discussing what we notice. We talked about similarities and differences and shared what makes us happy or sad. We created our own natural art faces. We explored how to shape and arrange the materials to create faces showing different emotions. 

Understanding the world -What parts does my body have? 

Our teacher set up a doctor's surgery role play, including plenty of bandages. The patient's had to explain which part of their body they had injured. 

Understanding the world -Which people are special?

We commented on photographs of our family, naming who we can see and what relation they are to us. 

Literacy -Reading for pleasure

We've enjoyed sharing and telling stories with our friends in the reading area. 

Literacy -Marvellous mark making 

We've been using a variety of tools to make marks. We're beginning to give meaning to the marks that we make. 

Expressive arts and design -Look at our amazing buildings 

We've been constructing with a purpose, using a variety of resources.

Understanding the world -I can hear with my ear

This week we explored our sense: hear. We explored a collection of instruments and talked about whether they make quiet or loud sounds. We used junk model materials to create our own instruments. 

Understanding the world -What makes me special?

At home, our parents helped us to create an ‘all about me chatterbox.’ At school we shared our chatterboxes with our new class and talked about our special interests and previous experiences.

This week we started school!

Our teacher showed us around our new classroom and introduced the areas of provision. Throughout the week we have been trying a variety of new activities, resources and exploring our new environment inside and out. We have been getting to know each other, practicing our turn taking and listening skills. We are building our independence by putting our bags, coats, water bottles and lunch boxes away.