We have finished the penultimate week of term and what a great week of learinng we have had!

RWI

As we continue to focus on enhancing our reading skills, an essential part of this process is practicing our speedy reading. One effective technique we are introducing is ‘freding’ in our heads. This approach allows children to decode words mentally without needing to say them aloud. The more familiar they become with certain words through repetition, the more swiftly they can read them without the support of ‘fred talk’.

Practising this technique at home can make a significant difference. Here are a few recommendations to help your child build their reading fluency:

1. Daily Reading: Encourage your child to read for a short period each day. Choose familiar texts that they are comfortable with, and gently prompt them to try and decode words silently.

2. Recognition of Red Words: Create an engaging game around recognising red words.

3. Talking about Books: Discuss the stories you read together. Ask questions about the characters and plot. This reinforces comprehension and makes reading a fun and interactive activity.

4. Be Patient and Positive: Celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Building confidence is key!

Maths

We've been learning to describe 2D shapes by examining their properties, such as the number of sides and corners they have. For instance, we've distinguished between a triangle, oblong, and square by encouraging the children to identify these features. This not only helps them recognise the shapes but also promotes their mathematical language as they articulate their understanding.

Furthermore, we embarked on a creative journey by composing new shapes from existing ones. For example, when we put two squares together, we discovered we could create an oblong! The children were fascinated by how different shapes can fit together, and it sparked their imagination to think about what other shapes they could create by combining more shapes.

As a twist, we then reversed this activity and searched for shapes hidden within other shapes. The children enjoyed identifying triangles hidden inside a square and were pleasantly surprised to see how many shapes are right in front of them! This exploration enhances their observational skills and helps them understand relationships among different shapes.

Thematic

As part of our growth topic, the children participated in planting their own bean seeds. We have observed how these seeds have grown in various environments, some with ample sunlight and water, while others lacked these essential elements. This hands-on experience has truly captivated their interest and sparked many engaging discussions about what plants need to thrive.

To further enhance their understanding, the children drew pictures depicting the growth of their bean plants, illustrating the different stages they observed. They also wrote conclusions about the conditions necessary for beans to grow, showcasing not only their creativity but also their developing writing skills. Alongside this, they composed sentences about different plants and flowers, contributing to their knowledge and literacy development.

PSHE

This week during our PSHE sessions we have focussed on the theme of safety. It's been a wonderful opportunity for the children to express their feelings and share their thoughts on what makes them feel secure.

During our discussions, we talked about simple yet significant aspects of safety in their lives. The children expressed how holding hands when crossing roads gives them a sense of security. They also shared the joy of having friends who play kindly and look out for one another, as well as the comfort pets can provide in creating a safe environment.

We also explored the feelings associated with not feeling safe. The children articulated that it is important to treat others with kindness and consideration, as we wouldn't want anyone else to feel vulnerable or unsafe. This dialogue highlighted their growing understanding of empathy and the importance of community care.

As part of our activities, the children created lovely drawings depicting the things that make them feel safe. These artworks are not only a reflection of their thoughts but also an excellent way for them to process these feelings. If you have the opportunity, please ask your child about their drawings; it will likely lead to meaningful conversations at home.

Important messages

- Please ensure your child comes to school ready for the weather. As it has been hot, we will need sunhats and suncream (named and in bags).

-Please ensure your child comes to school with a water bottle.

-All clothing should have your child's name.

- Reading record books are changed every Tuesday and Thursday, please sign the record and put them in the basket to be changed. 

Important dates

19th May – Year 5 CAT tests this week

19th May – Year 6 to Elev8

20th May – Year 6 to Boonies

21st May – Year 6 to Ramsgate Tunnels

21st May – Reception Viking Games at RAPS

21st May – Year 4 class assembly 2.50-3.05

22nd May – Key Stage One Viking Games at Chilton

23rd May – Be here, Be you, Belong celebration. Children can come to school wearing anything they feel represents them as part of our ‘Dress to Express’ day. We will have a parade at 2pm on the field to celebrate this, to which our families are all invited.

Many thanks for your continued support.

From the reception team