Curriculum information for Reception (Term 4)

Maths –

This term in maths, the children will be continuing to deepen their understanding of numbers 1-10 and count aloud beyond 20. They will also be learning about 3D shapes, length and height.

Writing and literacy –

The children will continue to take part in “story time” every day. This consists of listening to a story and then talking about the plot, characters, rhyming words, and sequencing. The children will continue to build their confidence when writing sentences, choosing the correct graphemes (combinations of letters that make a sound) and correct letter formation.

Phonics –

The children will continue learning the sounds in phase 2 of phonics. They will continue to practise their segmenting and blending so that they can successfully read sentences. We will continue to practise learning our harder-to- read-and-spell words. 

Understanding the world –

This term in History we be looking at our school grounds and how they have changed over time.

In Geography we will continue to look at maps with a specific focus on the features of a map. 

In Science we will be exploring and identifying different types of trees. We will collect a variety of leaves to see how they are similar and how they are different.

Expressive art and design –

In D.T we will be looking at, and making, bug hotels for our garden. We will think about what materials we will need and how best to fix them together so that the structure is safe and secure. We will also be exploring texture in Art.

Physical development –

This term we are very excited to have the Youth Activators join us for our PE sessions. They will work with the children to continue to develop their skills such as hopping, balancing, running, and throwing. We will continue to take part in games where we will be using our spatial awareness and negotiating space.

Personal, Social and Emotional development –

During term 4 we will focus on gaining independence when dressing and undressing. The children will continue to learn how to moderate their own feelings socially and emotionally. We will also continue to learn how to listen intently and compromise when needed.

Communication and language –

As part of our communication and language will be retelling stories in small groups. The children will show that they can maintain focus for slightly longer periods of time and be able to recognise similarities between familiar stories and their own experiences. 

In Reception, your child will follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This sets the standards for the learning, development, and care of your child. The things your child will learn in Reception have been organised into three prime areas of learning:

• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Personal and Social Development

And four specific areas of learning:

• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design

The curriculum is also set around the following learning characteristics:

·         Playing and exploring

·         Active learning

·         Creating and thinking critically

Playing and Exploring

‘Children’s play reflects their wide ranging and varied interests and preoccupations. In their play children learn at their highest level. Play with peers is important for children’s development.’ EYFS 2008

Through play our children explore and develop learning experiences which help them make sense of the world. They practise and build up ideas, and learn how to control themselves and understand the need for rules. They have the opportunity to think creatively alongside other children as well as on their own. They communicate with others as they investigate and solve problems. They express fears and re-live anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations.

Active Learning

‘Children learn best through physical and mental challenges. Active learning involves other people, objects, ideas and events that engage and involve children for sustained periods.’ EYFS 2008

Active learning occurs when children are motivated and interested. Children need to have some independence and control over their learning. As children develop their confidence, they learn to make decisions. This provides children with a sense of satisfaction as they take ownership of their learning.

Creativity and Thinking Critically

‘When children have opportunities to play with ideas in different situations and with a variety of resources they discover connections and come to new and better understandings and ways of doing things. Adult support in this process enhances their ability to think critically and ask questions.’ EYFS 2008

Children should be given opportunities to be creative through all areas of learning, not just through arts. Adults can support children’s thinking and help them to make connections by showing genuine interest, offering encouragement, clarifying ideas and asking open questions. Children can access resources freely and are allowed to move them around in the classroom to extend their learning.

In reception children should read at home as often as possible; reading their phonic reader everyday would be fantastic.  On other occasions throughout the week, please share/read your shared reader.  Please learn to read and spell the tricky words (copy in your reading diary) and practise the phonic sounds we are learning in school (phonic mat in bookbag).