This half term, our overriding theme, “Local Memories, Broadening Horizons,” will
encourage the children to explore both their local area and the wider world. Through
our English work based on The King Who Banned the Dark, the children will develop
their writing skills by creating persuasive letters and descriptive narratives.

We follow the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, which gives children a flying start in learning to read and write.  Children are assessed regularly and grouped to meet their needs. We teach children the initial sounds, moving into reading 'special friends' such as ng and oo.  Then children are taught to decode and blend to develop their reading skills.  Reading is the key to opening the door to learning.

In Maths, we’ll be building their confidence in multiplication and division, including counting in 2s, 5s,
10s (and 3s for Year 2), making equal groups, exploring arrays and learning key
times tables. We’ll also begin measuring length and height using standard units, and
develop our understanding of statistics through tally charts, pictograms and simple
data handling.

In out Geography unit, we'll be looking hot and cold climates around the world. This will involve comparing and contrasting different societies and understanding how they survive. 

In our History unit, we'll be looking at the term 'in living memory' as we look at how clothes and toys have changed over time. 

InScience, we’ll be learning all about plant parts as we learn all about how plants survive and thrive in the area. This will involve labelling the plants and using our  outdoor spaces to investigate the flowers in more detail.

In Religious Education, we'll be discussing and researching why people have different opinions about God around the world. This will involve research and comparisons between different religions perspectives on God.

This term in PSHE, Turtles will be learning about relationships, with a focus on what makes a good friend and how to show kindness, respect and care towards others. Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, the children will explore the qualities of healthy friendships, including sharing, listening, cooperation and understanding feelings. They will also learn how to express their own feelings clearly and how to seek help from a trusted adult if something is worrying them.

Our creative work will include printing in Art, where we’ll experiment with patterns,
textures and different materials, and Design and Technology, where we’ll complete
our Titanic sliders and explore cooking by preparing dishes linked to different
climates and healthy eating. In RE, we’ll be discussing different beliefs about God
and how these shape people’s views and actions, while in Music we’ll explore how
music tells stories, including the work of Sibelius, and develop our performance
skills.

We will be learning to perform actions to music and respond to musical signals and themes using movement. We will be exploring and creating rhythm patterns and learning how to use these to create a composition, writing down our compositions.

This term in computing, Turtles will be developing their researching skills. The children will learn how to use the internet and search engines safely. This will involve using safe search sites and understanding what to do if they come across a part of the internet that doesn't look reliable for information or safe to use. 

We link a range of learning to our woodland sessions.  The children really enjoy their time in the woods (both learning and wild play time for exploring and following their own interests).  This is a fundamental opportunity for children to develop teamwork skills and build resilience through problem-solving.  It also teaches children about having respect for our environment.

Our woodland session is on a Tuesday afternoon. Please could children wear clothing suitable for the weather, as we are likely to be outside even if it is raining.  They will also need different shoes or wellies to wear in the woods.

In P.E., we'll be practising out throwing and catching skills in target games unit. We'll also be preparing for Sports Day as we learn and compete in athelics competitions. 

Class Dojo is our main form of communication with parents. If you have not yet signed up for Class Dojo and would like to, please do not hesitate to come and see us.  We are more than happy to help if you are having difficulty in accessing this.  It's a great space where you can view photos, videos and information about all the amazing things that are happening in our classroom and around the school. It gives you the chance to see what your children have been learning in school each week, giving you the opportunity to talk to them at home about what they have been doing.

A home learning menu will be posted on Class Dojo at the beginning of each half term.  These activities are suggestions linked to the Discovery Learning focus for the half term, but you are free to explore other home learning opportunities with your child.

Please ensure your child’s clothing and belongings are clearly labelled.