Sharks & Rock Lobsters

Welcome to Reception Year!

Who's Who in Year R?

Shark Class

Mr. M Willsher: Shark Class Teacher and Lead

Miss. J Tompkins: Teaching Assistant

Ms. J Main-Reade: Teaching Assistant

Mrs. S Reeder: Teaching Assistant

Mrs. K Sigger: Teaching Assistant

Rock Lobster Class

Mrs. C Charlotte: Rock Lobster Class Teacher

Mrs. R Collins-Pratt: Teacher

Mrs. F Arnold: Teaching Assistant

Mrs. R Beecham: Teaching AssistantAM 

Mrs. V Hopkinson: Teaching Assistant

A Day in Reception

Children have a busy day in Sharks and Rock Lobsters.

They start the day with 'Finger Learning'; a short session which targets development of Fine and Gross Motor Skills. We continue this learning in our 'Doh Disco' and 'Art Start' activities before the day begins. We often hold circle time activities with our Jigsaw piece 'Genie' who helps the children to take turns and enables children to develop their Speaking, Listening and Attention skills. We also take part in 'Move Time' on a daily basis which gives us the chance to engage in a short co-ordination and dance activity and have a boogie!

There are four opportunities for Core Teaching throughout the day, which are supported by Child initiated and Adult lead learning tasks during Child Initiated Time (Choosing Time). Throughout the day we promote the positive learning characteristics of perseverance, bravery (and having a go), co-operation and independence.

Our Library and PE day is: Friday
Children will not need any shoes or outdoor clothes for PE during the Autumn and Spring term.

Phonics:
Each day children take part in a Phonics session which follows the Letters and Sounds document. We also use the Jolly Phonics songs to supplement each sound. We learn a new song for each sound.

Check the Department for Education's guide to pronouncing sounds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTe5_Em0BHQ

Letters and Sounds for Home and School

Children will learn to read, say, hear and write each letter sound (phoneme). They then use this knowledge to read and write words.

Mathematics
Children take part in a daily Maths session where they will develop their skills in counting, recognising numbers, adding, subtracting, naming shapes, measuring and solving problems using their mathematical ideas. Some good ways to practice maths at home include lots of counting, board games (counting on and back), spotting numbers when out and about and numberjacks have some nice videos to watch.

Literacy

Children take part in literacy sessions where we look at different book genres and take part in some shared writing. There is a lot of discussion about the children's ideas and they are encouraged to extend on these in their child initiated learning time.

The children will have their own mark making and writing book to show their progress in letter formation and writing over the year.

Topic

There are also sessions based on the themes of the termly topic. This will build and extend children’s experiences and knowledge of the world. Our topics change each half term. Please see our termly plans for more info!

PE
As well as the access to the outside area during 'Choosing Time', Sharks and Rock Lobsters also have a regular slot for PE. They will require a PE kit at school to enable them to access the gym facilities and equipment we have available.

ICT and Music
There are also regular sessions for children to develop their technological and Musical skills.

Individual Needs
We recognise that all our children are unique individuals and understand that they are all at different stages of their development. We support and challenge our children to ensure that all children make the best possible progress. We have trained staff available to provide additional support to individuals who may need some additional help. Children who have a particular talent or gift will also be supported by staff so that they can extend their skills and talents further.