Reception
Mrs P Dunn (Teacher) and Mrs M Morris (Teaching Assistant)
SUMMER 2015
Growing to learn 
We have had great fun in Reception learning about ‘growing‘. We created a mind map detailing everything we thought a seed needed to grow. The children decided that a seed needed soil, light and water to enable it to grow. We investigated this theory by planting seeds in different conditions.
The children enjoyed watering the seeds and monitoring the changes over time.
The children have shown a great understanding of the growing cycle with plants and have been able to relate some of those changes to the seasons of the year.
We also read some fiction and non-fiction books about growing. After reading a non-fiction book called ‘roots’, we discovered that plants are kept alive by the water that travels up the roots, along the stem and to the leaves.
We conducted our own investigation by standing celery in water that had food colouring added to it. The children were able to see the coloured water travelling up the roots of the plant and colouring the leaves at the top.
We have some more growing activities planned and are very excited about showing our families the results. We are also making some changes to the garden in our outside classroom and shall be doing some more exciting planting.
SPRING 2015
THE "ANIMAL" MAN COMES TO SCHOOL!
We all enjoyed a visit from the ‘animal expert’. We all sat quietly in the hall and listened to his interesting talk. We found out lots of amazing facts about frogs and mice. Some of the children asked some very good questions.
We discovered that frogs have very long legs and live to about 5-6 years old. The frog we saw was about 4 years old. The children enjoyed looking at the frog closely through a special camera. Some were even brave enough to hold the frog.
We also had the opportunity to hold a tiny, baby mouse that was only 3 weeks old. The animal expert showed us the mother mouse which was much bigger and about 4 years old.
We were very impressed with how much the children’s vocabulary has improved. They used fantastic adjectives to describe the appearance of the animals. They thought the frog was speckled, slimy and green. Everyone agreed that the frog felt cold. They described the mouse and tickly, tiny, and fluffy. They also used verbs to describe and compare the animal’s movements. They noticed the frog jumping, hopping, bouncing and stretching. The children observed the mouse exploring, scurrying and crawling very quickly up their jumpers!
Today was a fantastic opportunity for all of our children. We were proud of their sensible behaviour, the care they showed for the animals and the fantastic knowledge they shared.
AUTUMN 2014
Welcome to Reception
The children have now settled into the Reception class routine and are working hard. It has been lovely observing their friendships develop, as they explore the classroom and access the resources.
We have been talking about ‘our fantastic families’. The children have enjoyed listening to each other talk about their family photographs which are now on display in our classroom.
Our new ‘book nook’ has proved a great success. The class have particularly enjoyed reading books by author Julia Donaldson.
It has been wonderful to listen to the children speak so enthusiastically about their favourite book from home.
In Literacy we have had great fun retelling the ‘Bear Hunt’ story using actions and expression in our voices. We became so brave that we went on a lion hunt!
Look behind you! The children were thrilled when a lion visited us for the day!
We have been doing some marvellous maths! The children have learned how to name and describe 2 dimensional/flat shapes. We have observed the children making some fantastic shapes using the natural materials in the outside classroom.
We enjoyed exploring our outdoor learning environment. After making a list of adjectives to describe the wild flowers, we each dropped a penny in the wishing well and made a wish.
Reception high frequency words
The following words are called ‘high frequency’ words. Children should be able to read and spell them, by the end of the school year. We will be sending home a few words to learn each week.
|
I |
to |
go |
of |
|
can |
big |
are |
come |
|
see |
mum |
the |
day |
|
up |
dad |
my |
she |
|
look |
play |
said |
yes |
|
here |
dog |
you |
in |
|
it |
on |
going |
went |
|
like |
and |
this |
was |
|
is |
he |
am |
all |
|
a |
me |
love |
get |
|
at |
we |
no |
away |
|
cat |
for |
from |
they |
Calling all comedians! 
Well done to all of the Reception children who stood at the front of the class telling their funny jokes. It was wonderful to watch you all perform your jokes with such great confidence and expression.
The jokes were all hilarious and we have compiled a list for you to enjoy!
#watchoutJohnBishop
- What do you call a reindeer with no eyes?
No idea!
- What do you call a reindeer with no eyes and no legs?
Still no idea!
- What do you call a dinosaur with no eyes?
Doyathinkhesauraus!
- What do you call a dinosaur with no eyes, stood by a dog?
Doyathinkhesaurus rex!
- Why are pirates called pirates?
Because they aarrrrhhh!
- Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side!
- What did the snowman say to the other snowman?
I can smell carrots!
- How does Santa stay fit?
With a ‘elfy’ diet!
- What do you call a donkey with 3 legs?
A wonkey!
- A man walked into a bar...
“Ow! That hurt!”
- What do you call a minion that lives in the bin?
A binion!
- What do you get if you cross a snowman and a shark?
Frostbite!
- What do elves learn in school?
The elfabet!
- Why did the bull ring the bell?
Because the horns weren’t working!
- Why didn’t the polar bear eat the penguin?
Because he couldn’t get the wrapper off!
- What’s brown and sneaks around the kitchen?
Mince spies!
- How do you cut the sea in half?
With a sea-saw!
- What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Frosties!
- Where do fish get their money from?
The riverbank!
- How do you make a sausage roll?
You push it down the hill!
- What happens when it rains cats and dogs?
You might step in a poodle!