Cosy reading corners will give children the chance to enjoy quiet story times together, helping them to discover the joy of books and a love of reading. They will be encouraged to look at books on their own, turn the pages carefully, and take delight in listening to favourite stories. Simple activities such as drawing, painting, and experimenting with different writing tools will also support their early steps into reading and writing.

Development Matters:  

• Listens to and joins in with stories and poems, one-to-one and also in small groups. 

• joins in with repeated refrains and anticipates key events and phrases in rhymes and stories.

Key Vocabulary: book, story, page, picture, read,

Early maths skills will be introduced in fun and practical ways, such as counting songs, sorting and grouping toys, and noticing shapes and patterns in their play. These activities help children make sense of numbers and begin to understand maths in the world around them.

Development Matters

• Develops an awareness of number names through their enjoyment of action rhymes and songs that relate to their experience of numbers. 

• Beginning to organise and categorise objects, 

Key Vocabulary:  one, two, three, big, small,    

Children will be encouraged to explore their surroundings using their senses. Activities such as water play, small-world toys, and natural materials will spark curiosity and help them learn about the world. They will begin to notice, ask questions, and make simple connections about how things work. This block will also focus on All About Me, giving children the chance to talk about themselves, their families, and the things that make them unique, helping to build self-awareness and a sense of belonging.

Development Matters: 

• Talk about members of their immediate family. 

• Name and describe people who are familiar to them. 

• Explore the natural world around them.

Key Vocabulary: family,  mummy,  daddy,  brother,  sister,  baby, 

In Block 1, It can be entertaining when children concentrate on expressive arts and design through rhymes and songs. Use body-centric songs (e.g., "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes") to help kids with their self-portrait painting. While giving them art supplies and mirrors and encourage them to paint or sketch on their own. It also enhances creativity and storytelling abilities and promotes social contact and linguistic expressiveness. 

Development Matters: 

• How attention to sounds and music

• Respond emotionally and physically to music when it changes

• Move and dance to music

• Explore their voices and enjoy making sounds.

Key Vocabulary: sculpt, create, model, mould, imagination, gestures, identity, textures, portrait

There will be lots of opportunities for movement through outdoor play to help children build coordination and spatial awareness. In class, they’ll strengthen their fine motor skills using play dough and kinectic sand.

Development Matters: Revise and refine the fundamental movement skills. Develop their small motor skills for using tools. Use core strength to support posture.

Key Vocabulary: run, jump, stretch, hold, grip, squeeze, pencil, scissors

This first topic, topic Being Me in My World will help children understand the routines of school life, build positive relationships, and begin to see themselves as part of a caring classroom community.  Gentle routines, circle times, and opportunities for sharing will support children to make friends, feel safe, and develop confidence as part of the group.

Development Matters: 

• See themselves as a valuable individual. 

• Build constructive and respectful relationships. 

Key Vocabulary: me, feelings, family, friends.

Through songs, rhymes, and story times, children will practise listening, joining in, and using simple words and phrases. These playful activities encourage self-expression and help children grow in confidence as they learn to share their ideas and feelings. Linked to All About Me, children will be introduced to vocabulary about their bodies, daily routines, and familiar people.

Development Matters: 

• Understand how to listen carefully and why listening is important. 

• Engage in storytimes. 

• Learn new vocabulary. 

Key Vocabulary: listen, sound, talk, whisper, school, home, night, day.

Children will enjoy exploring music through favourite songs, rhymes, and simple instruments. They will clap, stamp, and move their bodies to the rhythm, as well as sing about themselves, their feelings, and their families. These fun activities not only bring lots of joy but also help to build listening skills, coordination, and confidence in expressing themselves.

Development Matters: 

• Children develop communication and language through songs and rhymes. 

• Children build coordination and confidence through movement and instruments.

Key Vocabulary: song, rhyme, sing, music, rhythm, beat

As the children settle into their first weeks of Playgroup, we would like to share some simple ideas that you can enjoy together at home. These playful activities connect with our All About Me theme and help to build on the learning we are doing in school:

• Communication and Language – Play “Simon Says” using body parts (e.g. Simon says touch your head).
  
  

• Physical Development – Encourage your child to dress up independently (putting on socks, fastening buttons).
  
  

• Art and Craft – Cut and paste pictures of eyes, nose, and mouth to make a funny face collage.
  
  

• Mathematics – Count body parts together (two eyes, one nose, ten fingers, ten toes).
  
  

• Literacy – Practise recognising their name by writing it and pointing out the letters.
  
  

• PSHE – Encourage children to say “please” and “thank you” in daily interactions.
  
  

• Understanding the World – Go for a short nature walk and talk about what they can see and hear with their eyes and ears.
  
  

We warmly invite you to add a short note, photo, or video of your child enjoying any of these activities to their Tapestry Learning Journey. This gives us a wonderful way to celebrate their learning both at home and at school, and to strengthen the partnership between us.