TERM 1 WEEK 7
Term 1 week 7 - plus the Thursday and Friday right at the beginning of term, made it almost 8 weeks- what a long term!
And yet, just like that we were in the final week of the first half of the Autumn Term!
We are incredibly proud of how well all the Robins children have settled in, it is like they have been in school so much longer than they have but we know that they are also ready for a well-deserved week’s rest!
So lets see what this week had in store for us....
We started the morning revisiting the first fine motor skill we were introduced to - cutting with scissors. In week 1 we were snipping playdough (with little control if I am honest!), over the past few weeks we have developed our accuracy and skill and are now pretty competent with a pair of scissors.
In Phonics, we enjoyed playing a game to support our learning, listening carefully for each sound in a word and using magnetic letters to spell out the word. We have come to the end of Phase 2 and will start to learn Phase 3 sounds after half term - look out for a new keyring with new sounds. Please continue to support the Phase 2 learning at home over the half term by reinforcing the 'speedy sounds', reading the tricky words and the books, so that when we return, Phase 2 is fully embedded and we are all ready to move onto Phase 3.
Also, just to add to the excitement, after half term we will introduce learning to write. We use the cursive style of handwriting and introduce children to vocabulary such as lead in strokes, lead out strokes, ascenders and descenders! Don't panic, similar to the phonics workshop - we will hold a 15 minute workshop to show you how you can support at home. Date to be confirmed. We have already had a little taster in school and the children loved it.
Something that we often mention on this page, that happens every week, but until now have not shown you what it looks like 'in action' is Pantomimus. Every Wednesday afternoon, Danielle, takes the children into the hall and they sing, clap, play instruments, take turns, develop their pulse and rhythm all through games and enjoyment - these photos certainly don't do the sessions justice (plus it is so hard to take a photos when they are on the move most of the lesson!)
As our week came to an end, our focus this week in Expressive Arts and Design centred around the Hindu festival of Diwali. We read a story called "The Best Diwali Ever" by Sonali Shah. The children then had the opportunity to make diva lamps with playdough and candles, paint rangoli patterns and explore coloured rice.
Have a wonderful half term, relax and enjoy some family time together and we will see you all on Tuesday 4th November - ready to start Term 2 (yes, we will be learning about Bonfire night, Remembrance day, St. Andrew's Day and of course.....The Nativity).
Thank you for all your support.
The Robins Team