In Summer 1, our topic is 'Growing'.
We become green-fingered gardeners, exploring seeds and plants and what they need to grow and flourish. We investigate if plants can grow in different environments and predict what might happen to our seeds if we take away sunlight or water.
In Summer 2, our topic is 'Water'.
We explore how water is used in our environment, where it might come from, as well as completing some water experiments! We learn about different types of boats, and (using our knowledge of floating and sinking), design and create our own small boats.
Phonics is the basis of reading and writing in the Early Years. In line with the whole school, we follow the Read Write Inc scheme.
In the Summer term, we continue to learn our final Set 2 sounds. We use the sounds that we have learned to read and write simple words and sentences.
Together we explore Read Write Inc reading books, with a focus on talking about and understanding what we have read.
The children are provided with a wide range of opportunities to motivate them to read and write independently, in both the classrooms and outdoor area.
In number, we continue to be detectives with 0-20. We explore each number consolidating our knowledge so far e.g. one more/one less, number bonds, odds evens etc. We begin to estimate how many objects are in a group and compare amounts using the language of 'fewer' and 'more'.
We begin to solve problems, involving the concepts of doubling, halving and sharing.
In line with the whole school, we follow the approach of concrete - pictorial - abstract.
Concrete -
We always begin our number detective work using physical resources. These range from numicon and multilink to beads and conkers.
Pictorial -
Once we have mastered number using manipulatives, we move onto representing our findings by mark making. The children use drawings to explain their findings.
Abstract -
Finally, when the children are able to record in a way they can interpret and explain, we move onto the abstract. This is where we begin to write calculations e.g. 5+4=9.
In our shape, space and measure work we enjoy exploring measuring, including time and distance. We consolidate our knowledge of 2d and 3d shapes and create and describe our own repeating patterns.
In PSED this term the children continue to enjoy positive relationships with their peers. They are learning to show sensitivity to others' needs and feelings and take account of one another's ideas.
The children are confident to try new activities and enjoy talking about their likes and dislikes with their friends. They are confident with their choice making and are able to say when they do and don't need help.
The children are able to talk about their own and others' behaviour and working together, they understand and follow our Golden Rules. Their growing maturity allows them to begin to adjust their behaviour to different situations and take changes of routine in their stride.
In PD this term we are focussing on control and coordination with both fine and gross motor movements. Children enjoy moving in a variety of ways, safely negotiating space and others around them.
As their skills and abilities grow, the children are able to handle a range of tools and equipment with confidence and ease.
We also learn about the importance of good health and how daily exercise and how a good diet keeps us happy, healthy and safe.
This term we continue to enjoy some of our favourite texts, along with new stories. The children's knowledge of story structure allows them to accurately anticipate key events in the text.
The children confidently answer 'how' and 'why' questions when talking about both their own experiences and stories they have enjoyed. They enjoy retelling stories and events, using puppets, drama and narrative.
In RE we follow the Come and See Scheme of work. Our topics for this term are:
Good News - In this topic we come together and celebrate Pentecost. We discuss the gift of the Holy Spirit and how it guides and helps us. We learn how, even though we can't see the Holy Spirit, we feel the joy and happiness it brings to our lives.
Friendship - Here we explore the importance of friendship. Jesus was a good friend to everyone, even when people were sometimes unkind to him. By listening to some of our favourite bible stories, we learn how to be a good friend like Jesus, by showing kindness and love to all.
God's Wonderful World - In this topic we look at God's gift of creation. We discuss the beauty of our world and the importance of looking after it as God wants us to.
Growing!
In this topic we become scientists, exploring and investigating the world around us. We talk about the features of our own immediate environment and how environments might vary from one another. We become green-fingered gardeners, planting our own seeds and beans and tending to them as they grow.
Children showcase their knowledge of media and materials to create their very own masterpieces! Through music, dance and drama we experiment with different ways of changing colour, texture, style and sound.
Using our ever increasing skills, the children enjoy experimenting with colour, design, texture and form. The children represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology, role play and stories.
This term the children will be learning
songs about minibeasts, the seaside and under the sea.
They will continue to explore how to copy rhythmic patterns using their voice and body percussion.
The children will explore how to create different sounds using untuned percussion instruments in order to compose and perform a musical story such as ‘A Tiger’s Journey Through The Jungle’.