Our English text for this block is The Gigantosaurus. Children will explore the story in depth, identifying characters, settings and key events. They will engage in discussions about the plot, predict outcomes and share their opinions. Using Phase 2 and Phase 3 phonics, children will practise blending and segmenting to read and write words confidently. We will encourage creative writing linked to the story, including writing short sentences, labels, captions and their own imaginative stories about dinosaurs. Role play, drawing, shared writing, and independent writing activities will provide multiple opportunities for children to experiment with language and develop as confident early readers and writers.

Development Matters

• Says a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs

• Reads simple phrases and sentences made up of known letter–sound correspondences

• Writes recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed

• Spells words by identifying sounds and representing them with letters

Key Vocabulary

Dinosaur, extinct, roar, teeth, claw, tail, fossil, name, write, sentence, story

We will follow White Rose Maths, focusing on Building 9 and 10, exploring 3D shapes, and understanding numbers to 20 and beyond. Children will develop strong number sense through counting, comparing, adding and subtracting objects and using practical resources. They will explore patterns, sorting and sequencing numbers, and learn about the properties of 3D shapes through hands-on activities. Problem-solving and reasoning will be encouraged, with children using mathematical language to explain their thinking and justify answers.

Development Matters

• Counts reliably to 20 and beyond

• Understands the composition of numbers to 10

• Automatically recalls number bonds to 5 and some to 10

• Selects, rotates and manipulates shapes to develop spatial reasoning skills

Key Vocabulary

Number, count, add, subtract, more, fewer, equal, shape, cube, sphere, cylinder, pattern

Our topic this block is Dinosaurs. Children will investigate the past and learn about different types of dinosaurs, their habitats and diets. They will explore fossils, observe differences and similarities between dinosaurs, and discuss how the world has changed over time. Children will be encouraged to ask questions, make observations, and share ideas about life in prehistoric times. Activities will include hands-on investigations, drawing and labelling dinosaurs, and exploring non-fiction texts to build early scientific understanding.

Development Matters

• Talks about the lives of people and events from the past

• Explores the natural world around them

• Describes what they see, hear and feel while exploring

• Understands some important processes and changes in the natural world

Key Vocabulary

Dinosaur, fossil, extinct, herbivore, carnivore, habitat, big, small, past, alive, environment

Children will prepare for our Performing Arts Show, which is inspired by Pirates, Under the Sea and Birds. They will practise singing, dancing and performing short drama sequences. Creative activities will include making props, exploring music, movement and rhythm, and expressing ideas through art. Through performing and collaborating, children will develop confidence, imagination, coordination, and a sense of enjoyment in creative expression.

Development Matters

• Sings a range of well-known songs

• Performs songs, rhymes and poems with others

• Develops storylines in imaginative play

• Safely uses and explores a variety of materials and techniques

Key Vocabulary

Music, song, dance, rhythm, beat, perform, costume, prop, story, role play, paint, colour

Children will develop gross motor skills through PE lessons, outdoor games, dance and structured movement activities. They will practise running, jumping, balancing, climbing and coordination. Fine motor skills will be strengthened through cutting, threading, drawing and writing exercises, which support independence and pencil control. Children will be encouraged to take care of their bodies and demonstrate control in both large and small movements.

Development Matters

• Demonstrates strength, balance and coordination

• Moves energetically, such as running, jumping and climbing

• Uses a range of small tools competently and confidently

• Shows good control and coordination in large and small movements

Key Vocabulary

Balance, jump, run, climb, throw, catch, grip, cut, thread, control, coordination

In Jigsaw Relationships, children will explore friendships, family and other positive relationships. They will learn about recognising feelings, showing empathy, resolving small conflicts and making choices that support good relationships. Children will take part in discussions, role play scenarios, and collaborative games to practise communication, negotiation, sharing and turn-taking, helping them develop confidence, resilience and awareness of the feelings of others.

Development Matters

• Shows sensitivity to their own and others’ needs

• Builds constructive and respectful relationships

• Expresses feelings and considers the feelings of others

• Manages own needs and shows resilience

Key Vocabulary

Friend, family, share, turn, kind, feelings, happy, sad, sorry, respect, help

Children will develop their speaking and listening skills through discussions about dinosaurs, relationships, and their own learning experiences. They will practise asking questions, using new vocabulary, expressing ideas and feelings in full sentences, and participating in group conversations. Circle time, storytelling, and paired discussions will provide opportunities to extend vocabulary, build confidence, and communicate clearly and effectively.

Development Matters

• Listens attentively and responds to what they hear

• Uses new vocabulary in different contexts

• Expresses ideas and feelings in full sentences

• Participates in small group and whole-class discussions

Key Vocabulary

Speak, listen, ask, answer, explain, describe, question, discuss, dinosaur, friend, relationship, feelings

In Reception, children revisit and develop musical skills through Reflect, Rewind, Replay. They practise singing familiar songs, keeping a steady pulse and responding to start and stop cues. Children explore rhythm through clapping, movement and playing simple instruments. They develop listening skills and confidence performing together. This unit helps children remember and apply musical learning. 

Key vocabulary: pulse, beat, rhythm, sing, listen, perform, start, stop, loud, quiet, fast, slow, instrument, music, together.

Children develop confidence and coordination as they rehearse and perform dances for their EYFS production. They learn to move in time with music, follow cues and remember simple sequences. Children explore character through expressive movement, gesture and facial expression, working together in formations. They practise starting and finishing confidently, performing to an audience with increasing independence.

 Key vocabulary: move, beat, rhythm, sequence, travel, gesture, formation, perform, start, stop, cue, expression, space, timing, audience.

All students will take part in a weekly swimming lesson designed to build both confidence and enjoyment in the water. Our programme follows a structured level system that ensures steady progression, tailored to each child’s ability. Children also learn important water safety and personal survival skills. We aim for every child to leave Junior School as a competent, confident swimmer with the skills to participate safely in a range of aquatic environments. 

Literacy 

• Encourage your child to write a short sentence about a dinosaur using their phonics.

• Practise reading Phase 2 and 3 tricky words.

• Create a “dinosaur adventure” story together.

• Ask your child to label a dinosaur picture using their sounds.

Maths

• Count objects at home up to 20 and beyond.

• Build numbers 9 and 10 using household items.

• Go on a 3D shape hunt (cube, cuboid, sphere, cylinder).

• Practise simple addition stories using toys.

Understanding of the World

• Visit a library to find dinosaur books.

• Create a fact poster about a favourite dinosaur.

• Dig for “fossils” in sand or soil at home.

• Talk about how dinosaurs are different from animals today.

PSHE

• Talk about what makes a good friend.

• Role-play, sharing and turn-taking.

• Create a “kindness chart” at home.

• Discuss feelings at the end of the day.

Physical Development

• Set up a small obstacle course.

• Practise cutting along straight and curved lines.

• Practise letter and number formations.

• Encourage outdoor play such as ball games or balancing challenges.

Expressive Arts & Design

• Create simple costumes or props using household items.

• Draw or paint a scene from the show.

Communication & Language

• Ask your child to explain a dinosaur fact in full sentences.

• Encourage storytelling at bedtime.

• Play question games such as “What do you think would happen if…?”

• Practise taking turns in conversations.