Willow
Welcome to Willow Class
Working Together, Aiming High, Shining Brightly
Let your light shine before others - Matthew 5:16
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage which focuses on seven areas of learning and development: Personal, Social and Emotional, Communication and Language, Physical, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.
In Willow Class, much of the children’s learning is through play. They are encouraged to explore the open-ended resources in the environment, developing their interests, imagination and independence. Throughout the week, children also take part in small group teacher directed activities to consolidate or extend their knowledge.
Our topic this term is:
Adventure at Sea
After reading 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch', we will be learning how lighthouses work what they are for and where they are built. We will be painting lighthouses, looking at the repeating patterns. We will be making lighthouse models using a range of different materials.
We will be learning about Grace Darling and why she is still remembered today. Through drama activities we will be learning about how life was different in the past and how Grace performed an heroic act during a stormy night.
We will be developing our creative writing through the story of 'Billy's Bucket', thinking about which creatures live under the sea. We will also be thinking about how we can look after the ocean and why this is important to the planet.
Through practical maths activities we will continue to develop our counting skills and maths knowledge up to 20. We will also be developing our knowledge of 2D and 3D shapes and measuring skills.
As the end of the school year comes to a close, we will be supporting children who are starting school. We will be looking back at out favourite activites during our time in Willow Class and will be looking forward to visiting Maple Class and discussing any worries we have about moving on.
There are lots of fun things to look forward to this term including, Open Farm Sunday at Bedfordia, Summer Fete day (we are busy learning a dance routine to perform), Sports Day and the annual water fight. (Details will follow shortly)
Through quiet prayer times and candle time we will have opportunities to reflect on our own thoughts, feelings and progress. We will be able to reflect on events happening in our own community and in the wider world. We will begin to think how we can make an impact on our environment, including planting and caring for the flowers and insects in Summer.
This term our PE Session will be on a Monday morning. Our P.E. skills will include using a range of equipment with control, including throwing, catching, kicking and striking a ball. This will also be the first term that our Reception children will have the opportunity for weekly swimming lessons. We are hoping that this will be a positive learning experience for the children to continue to develop their water confidence and early swimming skills.
Please can children have PE kits in school for this day.
Through our Read Write Inc phonic scheme, we will be reinforcing Set 1 sounds and learning set 2 sounds. You can practise at home with Early years Learning is Fun
Reading books will be changed on a Monday and a Thursday. Please try to read with your child as often as possible. Please keep your child’s reading book and diary in their book bag and sign it each time you hear your child read.
Library books - We will be visiting the Library Bus (Bedford Borough) on a Thursday afternoon (every 4 weeks)
Please log in to your child’s Tapestry account to see what we have been doing each week
Here are some helpful web links to use at home: