Learning Experience

This half term we will be exploring growing and change. We like to include quality texts to support our learning. This week we started exploring a new book called ‘Bonkers about Beetroot’ by Cath Jones.

The children looked at the front cover to make predictions about the story. They were very good at describing the two characters, Zebra and Penguin. They decided that Zebra looked happy, and Penguin looked cross, but why? The children collaborated to record their ideas on the iPads. Today we read the funny story and we stopped at different points to discuss our predictions and explain new vocabulary, we call this book talk. Book talk is essential to help children become engaged in the story and gain deeper comprehension. It gives children the confidence to offer ideas about the story and raise questions. The story had a very funny twist at the end, please ask your child to share with you what happened to Zebra at the end of the story.

Creativity

Children need plenty of opportunities for creative play and creative thinking.

All children need to be truly creative is the freedom to commit themselves completely to the effort and make whatever activity they are doing their own. What is important in any creative act is the process of self-expression. Creative experiences can help children express and cope with their feelings. Creativity also fosters mental growth in children by providing opportunities for trying out new ideas, and new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Creative activities help acknowledge and celebrate children's uniqueness and diversity as well as offer excellent opportunities to be expressive.

We learn our school values through dinosaurs. This is Creatoraptor. "I am Creatoraptor. I am very good at making links and using things I already know to help me learn new things. I enjoy challenges and I am great at thinking of ways to solve problems. I can think about what might happen and I like to test my ideas. If things don’t work at first, I keep on trying new ideas until I reach my goal."

The children enjoyed a challenge this week to help an animal cross a river. They were able to be creative and use different resources and plan different methods of crossing the river. Some of the creative ideas included a stick bridge, a trampoline, a raft and a zip line. It is always a pleasure watching and hearing children share their creative ideas.

Lego Discover – Playmakers Session 4

This week the children were challenged to create tree houses. They were inspired by images, discussed climbing trees and some of the children shared stories about tree swings they had been on. We are really impressed with their collaboration and creativity. It is so wonderful to see the children’s confidence and resilience grow. Some of the tree houses fell down but they didn’t get upset or give up, they worked together to solve the problem and rebuild their tree house.

Today on Seesaw we have assigned some home learning for the adults! We have recorded and posted an information video about the Lego Discover programme. It details how and why we value this innovative scheme. Please take time to watch the presentation and respond with a quote from yourselves and your child. Once you have responded to the presentation you will receive further information about how to use the six bricks activities at home. We can then send your child home with a complimentary set.

Home Learning

Grown ups – Please watch the Lego Discover Information video and respond with a quote from yourself and your child.

We have assigned a communication activity to encourage your child to talk about our new book ‘Bonkers about Beetroot’.

We have recorded a lovely story for you to enjoy.

Messages

Thoughtful Parking: Please park thoughtfully with regard to our neighbours. We do not want grass verges torn up, and unsafe parking. We encourage as many of you as possible to walk to school. When Covid guidance allows, we ask you consider car sharing. Together we can keep everyone safe, and ensure a positive relationship with our school neighbours.

Absence: Should your child be absent due to illness please call the absence line on 01803 607589 and leave a message with your child’s name, class and reason for absence. Alternatively, you can text this information to 07786208446. If your child has sickness and/or diarrhoea, they will need to be absent for 48 hours after the last episode of illness. For planned absences of any nature, you will need to complete an absence request form, these are available on the school website.

Dates to remember:

Monday 3^rd May-Bank Holiday, Monday 31^st May-Half Term begins, Monday 7^th June-Non Pupil Day

From Mrs Bastin, Mrs Clague and the Foundation Stage Team