What an amazing last few weeks we have had in Gems class. It feels like we have barely drawn breath. Fabulous music celebrations, trips to the zoo, bus rides to Hampton! We have been busy bees. We are delighted that we have managed to access the community so much recently and we know this exposure is something that hopefully benefits families in the long run.

The Day The Crayons Quit and That’s my Flower! have been thoroughly enjoyed by our Gems pupils. These books have really stretched and challenged us in other areas. We have talked a lot about feelings and how we must look after plants and flowers and provide them with everything that they need to survive.

We have been pleased at the continued success of music assemblies. Pupils are focused, actively engaged and willing participants. Well done!

We continue to work with all mainstream classes to prepare for phonics screening. There is no pressure with any of this and pupils work at the level that is appropriate for them. 

Wishing you all a well- earned and relaxing Easter break.

All the Gems team.

Please email jrigby@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 Little Big 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.

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