RWI

This week, we have been continuing our journey with the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme, focusing on our Set 1 sounds. Please see the video below to see the sounds we have learnt this week.

In our sessions, we have particularly emphasised the importance of oral blending. This activity helps the children become more aware of the sounds in words, allowing them to hear and say them more clearly. It is a vital skill that lays the foundation for their reading and writing development. You might even notice your children blending sounds together at home; encourage them to try this with different words to reinforce their learning!

Additionally, we have started ‘Word Time,’ where children are beginning to build simple words using the sounds we have learnt. This stage is crucial as it enables them to understand how sounds can be combined to form words. If you would like to support your child’s progress at home, you could practice building words with them using the sounds we have covered. For example, ask them to create words like 'cat' using the sounds c, a, and t.

Pink sound books will be coming home today, please use these to practice our sounds this week.

Maths

We have been focusing on the numbers 1 to 5, engaging the children through a variety of activities that enhance their understanding of these foundational concepts.

One of the key areas we have concentrated on is one-to-one counting. It’s vital for the children to grasp the importance of counting slowly and deliberately to ensure accuracy. This skill lays the groundwork for their future mathematical adventures!

Additionally, we have introduced Numicon as a visual aid to help our little learners represent numbers in a tangible way. The colourful shapes have been a hit and provide an excellent means for the children to understand number relationships more effectively.

We’ve also focused on proper number formation. Encouraging the children to practise writing these numbers correctly is essential for their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. At home, it would be wonderful if you could take a moment to support them by practising writing numbers 1 to 5 together. This could be as simple as using a pencil and paper or practising in the air with their fingers.

Thematic

We have recently concluded our fantastic 'Marvellous Me' topic, and what a wonderful week it has been.

Throughout our sessions, the children have embarked on a creative journey where we explored self-portraits, delved into the world of colours, and learned how to mix primary to make secondary colours. It was delightful to see the budding artists experiment with their palettes, bringing their own interpretations to life.

As part of our exploration, we learned about the inspiring artist Yayoi Kusama, who is renowned for her vibrant use of colour and distinctive patterns. The children truly enjoyed discussing her work and drawing inspiration from her bright, optimistic style.

To wrap up our theme, we celebrated our 'Dress to Express' day, where the children had the opportunity to showcase their individual styles. It was heartening to see them speak confidently about their outfit choices, expressing their personalities and creativity.

Autumn bags

On Monday, your child bring home a white bag with an autumn poem on it. Please could you pop any autumn related objects in the bag and return to school on Friday 3^rd October. We will use these items in school for lots of different activities.

Important Messages:

• Forest school sessions have started. Please could all children have a pair of named wellies in school so that these can be worn for these sessions. Many thanks!

• PE will be on a Friday, please can your child come in to school wearing their PE kit on this day.

• Please could all children have a named water bottle in school everyday.

• Please ensure that all clothes are named.

• Children will have brought a book home from the book corner. These are to be shared at home. You can return these as often as you like and replace with a new book to be shared at home.

• Some parents have returned items belonging to the school (e.g. resources, superstar learner cards). If you find that your child has accidentally brought something home from school, please could you return it to school.

• A reminder that children are not allowed to bring things into school to play with. We do not want things from home to get lost or broken! Many thanks for your support with this.

Key Dates for Term 1:

7th October – 9am Reception Harvest assembly and 2.45pm Year 3 Harvest assembly (in school hall with families invited to watch)

17th October – Final day of term

It is great that we are able to talk to families at the start and end of the day. If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please email:

nicki.cotton@chiltonprimary.co.uk

kirby.walker@chiltonprimary.co.uk

We hope you have a great weekend!

Reception Team