Autumn

 

 writing in our word books

Using Autumn as our theme we have started the year with basic skills development. Activities include using modelling materials, for manipulative and fine-motor skills development, correctly orientating letters and numbers. Observational drawing for pencil control, concentration and detailed observation. Construction kits are utilised for the development of creativity, manipulative and social skills. Patterning and sorting activities develop mathematical skills, together with counting activities, puzzles and
computer software. Listening skills are developed using the listening table, story time, carrying out simple instructions and using the 'Talking Books' software. Writing is developed using simple word books and word banks through the generation of simple narratives, information writing and news drawing directly on the children’s experiences.
Daily reading activities, together with home reading tasks, develop literacy skills and knowledge of phonics and key words. Children are encouraged to be independent and look after their possessions, taking responsibility for their coats, kits, book bags, lunches and ‘show and tell’ items.

making letters with playdough
In the second half of this term, we will use the story Aladdin, to produce a festive display. Cutting skills will be further developed, in the production of both individual and group collage. Writing will be further developed by creating our own Aladdin books and using the desk top publishing software. In mathematics, our topic is shape and we will be exploring the properties of both 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes producing festive gift boxes. In science, we will explore the wonders of magnets and make games using their properties, linked to our Arabian Nights theme. We also have new songs to learn for our annual carol concert so it will be a very busy second half!