We are pleased with the family response to our proposed trip to Hobbledown Heath. We try to listen carefully to what families want and need and it is clear that access to the community and increased social awareness is a huge priority. We have no doubt this will be an enriching experience and one that we are very much looking forward to. We will confirm dates and send letters out ASAP. 

This week we have been reading and enjoying The Bug Hotel. This is timely, as we have been exploring lots of bugs in Vineyard Adventurers, as well as watching our caterpillars as they grow bigger with each passing day.

Last week in Community Access, we enjoyed a long walk in Terrace Gardens. The children are responding better to instructions and there is increased awareness of other people in the community, e.g. available seats, not walking too close to others, etc. 

We have pushed our pupils hard in speedy sounds and phonics this week and we have been learning/ recapping the sound ‘J’. 

We also continued our singing assembly with Mr Oliver.

Attention bucket makes up a large part of our timetable. The children 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. But rest assured, there is no expectation to know all phonics. All the children 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

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

• 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.

• Pick up time for Gems pupils is 3pm. 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 9am.