This week the children have been learning about minibeasts; they have learnt how to care for and identify them in our environment. In English, they have been using word mats to make their own minibeast riddles to challenge a friend, and making minibeast fact sheets. In science, the children have continued to observe the changes with the cress and bean seeds we planted last week. We are looking at the roots that have grown and the stems that are sprouting. We were all very excited to welcome our caterpillars last week; it is amazing how they have grown in one week from a little black spot to moving creatures around the jar. The children have also been investigating the minibeasts in our Learning Garden with magnifying glasses and going on a minibeast hunt to tick off as many minibeasts as they can find.  In phonics, the children enthusiastically participated in learning two new sounds this week, "a-e" and "i-e" special friends. (These are sounds which are too chatty and need to be separated, where another letter slots in between e.g. na-m-e.) In maths, the children have continued learning their teen numbers 11 to 19. They have been recognising the numbers and partitioning the numbers into tens and ones using a part whole number model and ten frames. We played snakes and ladders to help them to learn to recognise numbers to 20, and to consolidate their understanding of counting and taking turns with a friend.

  

  

  

  

                                            

 

Key messages 

• To review the phonics sounds that your child has been learning, please visit the phonics website: https://sites.google.com/thevineyardschool.org/phonicsthevineyard/reception 

• Please continue to give us donations of clean recycling to add to our junk modelling as we use it throughout the year. Egg boxes, small boxes, toilet rolls etc. 

• Vineyard Adventurers has started; please make sure children come in their PE kit with long trousers to cover their legs, with some wellies and a waterproof coat. If they have waterproof trousers, please send them in too.

• We are going to Urban farm on 21st May and will be getting a coach there and back. If your child gets travel sick, please let us know in advance so we can be prepared for it and preferably seat them near the front. If your child gets sick when travelling, please pack them a spare change of trousers, jumper and t-shirt.