A few more days until half term and a well-earned rest.  I hope all families have a fun-filled break (and the weather improves).

This week we continued to explore some set 2 sounds in Phonics and were really pleased with our pupils' efforts. Feel free to explore more set 2 sounds on Ruth Miskin website.

In phonics we have been learning/ recapping the sound ‘oy’.

We are also 2 working hard to ensure Gems pupils can take off coats (and shoes) and hang them in the appropriate place. There is still lots of work to be done in this area so please continue to push this at home or when out and about.

As you can probably see from drop off and pick up time, the new building work is gathering apace. We are excited to be entering our final six weeks in the bungalow and then preparing for September in our new home.

This week one of our butterflies hatched. Pupils have enjoyed watching this process and we look forward to more arriving soon.

We also wished two of our Gems a very happy 5th birthday!!

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. But rest assured, 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

• 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.