January 2010

Dear Parents and Carers
Happy New Year and welcome to Class 1. This newsletter will give you some information about the content of the curriculum and additional information or general reminders.

Class timetable
PE is on Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings. Pupils need to bring the appropriate kit, ensuring that all items of clothing are clearly named. Please remember to remove earrings on these days.
My PPA time (planning, preparation and assessment) is on Friday mornings.

Curriculum
Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
We shall be counting objects and actions.
Finding 1 more or 1 less than any number from 1 to 10.
Begin to represent numbers.
Recognise numerals 1 to 5 and then 1 to 10.
Add two groups of objects.
Count how many are left when some objects are taken away.
Use words such as more, less greater, smaller, heavier, lighter to compare things.
Make simple patterns and talk about them.
2D shapes.
Communication, language and Literacy
Reading – It is of tremendous value if you read regularly with your child. Sharing books will be of huge benefit both in learning reading skills and in boosting confidence and enjoyment. We shall listen to a range of traditional stories and rhymes.
We shall have a daily session of Letters and Sounds.
We shall share conversations about their experiences and share news.
Your child will be able to work in their green home/school book.
Your child will be able to bring Dilly and her diary home.
Creative Development
Daily activities will allow children to explore a variety of materials and techniques.
Children will be able to express themselves through music and dance and enjoy imaginative play.
Knowledge and Understanding of the World
All about me
My family and friends
The changing seasons
Exploring and investigation
Using construction kits
Beginning to try out a range of tools and techniques safely
Significant events such as birthdays, Pancake Day, the Chinese New Year, Mothers’ Day and Easter.
Physical Development
Lots of opportunities to develop both gross and fine motor skills.
We enjoy our outdoor learning.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
You can help your child become independent by encouraging them to dress and undress themselves (ready for PE) and putting on and fastening their own coat.
We shall work on our Golden Rules and share circle times and assemblies which help us to share, take turns, play and work happily together.

Anything you do in support of your child’s learning is of great help. From time to time I shall ask the children to bring in certain things linking with our topic work. Thank you for allowing your child to participate in this way.

I hope your children will enjoy being in Class 1. My door is always open if you have any questions, worries or concerns.


Mrs Higginbottom