This week in Reception, we have continued comparing Trinidad and Tobago with England, focusing on food, animals and weather. In science, we explored our topic on changing state further by completing a bread to toast investigation. The children observed the changes when heat is applied to bread and they then discussed other foods that change when heated and what type of change occurs. In English, we have used the sounds and red words we have learnt so far to write sentences about Trinadad and Tobago. In maths, we have explored the composition of 6, 7 and 8; looked at the difference between odd and even numbers and learnt how to double and combine groups. In the creation station, the children have been exploring colour shades by mixing black and white to colours to make sunsets and adding a silhouette for effect. In Free Learning, the children went on a ‘Red Word’ treasure hunt around the classroom, finding the words within our environment. They also enjoyed making the Numberblocks 6, 7 and 8 in our tuff trays. The children have been strengthening their hands through fine motor activities including making patterns in sand and using scissors. Our new sounds in phonics this week have been: ay (say, play), ee (see, feed), igh (light, sight), ow (snow, show).

             

             

                                      

Key messages 

• Please can we have any popcorn donations for our Creation Station Tuff Tray next week? We’ll be using it to compare the capacity of different vessels. 

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

• Reading books: please note we don’t expect children to be able to read the story books that they have chosen to bring home. They are for you to read to them. Please note, any books brought in after Thursday morning will not be changed. 

• Please remember to check your child’s bag every day in case they have brought home anything from school, or in case they have a first aid slip.

• We have run out of all our spare clothes because they haven’t been returned. If you have any of our clothes at your house please send them back in. Please also remember to make sure your child has a spare change of clothes in their bag, even if they are not a child who usually has an accident.

• Donations of old leggings/trousers, tights and compost would be hugely appreciated.

• Carnival day is Thursday 1st February and it concludes our unit on Trinidad and Tobago. Please send your child into school wearing brightly coloured clothing. PE clothes are not required on this day.

• International afternoon is on Friday 2nd February. Please send your child to school wearing either the national dress of their country or attire in the colors of their flag. In Reception, children will be exploring and learning a little bit about: Brazil, Italy, Turkey and Japan. We don’t require any parent volunteers for Reception, however thank you so much to those who have offered; we really appreciate it!