We are delighted with all our Gems pupils settling in so well. Reception pupils have adjusted exceptionally well to a new setting and have been joining mainstream classes for story time, snack, free learning and now, this week, PE. The new Gems building is proving to be a great setting to learn, communicate, explore and be creative.

Our Y1 pupils have also been spending lots of time in their mainstream classes, joining in with science, PE, phonics and writing.  

We are really pleased with the strong links being built with the mainstream classes after a very solid start last year.

Reading records have now been set up and we hope you find this useful. Reading for pleasure with your children is a great habit and we thank you for all the good work that is taking place at home as we can see the children’s focus improving in Gems.

The Worrysaurus book by Rachel Bright has been a useful book via which children can explore feelings and anxiety. We have read it daily with staff and understand more words and storylines. They can also apply the appropriate facial expressions to reflect the dinosaur’s mood.

Y1 pupils are now exploring set one and set two sounds and we are proud of their efforts.

We will start our first trip to Terrace Gardens on 27th September and we hope the rain stays off.

Please email srp@vineyard.richmond.sch.uk with any queries and the Gems team will be happy to help.

  

                          

 

Attention bucket makes up a large part of our timetable. Pupils have progressed and responded positively to the many stages of this process. It is a fairly easy process and something you could do at home should you be interested. 

https://www.kidztz.com/attention-bucket/

Please continue Phonics work at home if you can. There is no expectation to know all phonics. All pupils are on a journey, and we want them to work at the pace that suits them. 

We also recommend “reading for pleasure” as much as possible. If stories are too difficult, even just looking at the pictures and seeing what their attention is drawn to, is great for developing concentration and awareness.

We will continue to send home differentiated reading packs. Again, this is just for confidence building.

We find that LittleBig Foxes, Number Blocks and RWI songs on their websites are a great source of fun and education. 

 

 

Key messages

• If you are late in the morning and we have gone to OT, please bring your child to the main office and someone will help you from there.

• Reading Records will be sent home weekly. Please read with your child even if the text is too difficult. Looking at the pictures and exposing them to language will always be beneficial.

• Please practise writing and saying the Set 1 sounds at home, using the phonics website by Ruth Miskin to help you. 

• Y1 pupils will move on to set 2 and 3 sounds but at a pace that works for them.

• Would families please be so kind as to donate some general cooking supplies to help with our Thursday sessions. e.g., flour, oil, eggs, butter, lifelong milk, cupcake cases. This is not compulsory. Donations welcome.

• Drop off time is 8.40. Pick up time for Gems pupils is 3.05. Please try to be prompt so we can maximise the time we have to set up for the next day’s learning.

• Can we please remind you that children are not to play on the climbing frame before and after school.

• Please ensure that you have notified the school if you are going to be late. Gems registers MUST be completed by 8.50.