Term 2

This term Scottish Owls have dived into the topic’ Marvellous Machines.’ The overarching theme of this topic has been designing and creating machines as well as learning more about household machines that are useful to us. The children have had great fun being engineers and inventors using our junk modelling area to bring their ideas to life.

The books that we have studied this term in our English sessions have been closely linked to our topic. We have explored themes such as failure and success and what to do when we fail. The children have had great fun learning the texts and creating actions. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how the writing has come along in our class along with the children’s ability to read.

In Mathematics we have been exploring 3D and 2D shapes. First, we looked at 3D shapes and experimented with them discussing how they react when manipulated and why. After this, we explored the properties of 2D shape and how they can be manipulated to form different pictures and also which 3D shapes can be used to print 2D shapes. Children have learnt the differences between a shape having a curved edge and a shape that has a straight edge. Recently, we have been looking at the concept of more and less within 5. This means that children have been able to understand the terms more and less and how this relates to a given number.

This term has also given us some rich cultural opportunities whereby we have been able to express ourselves through singing and dancing for our school nativity as well as moving like robots to different songs.

Term 1 

Settling In

What an amazing start to the term it has been! All of the pupils in Scottish Owls have settled in well and have taken beautifully to our class routines. We are running like a well-oiled machine. It has been wonderful to see the children develop friendly relationships with each other and growing in their confidence. This term has been all about exploration and that is exactly what they have done throughout our amazing EYFS space. Some of the most loved areas in our room include the book nook, home corner and drawing table.

Phonics

We have recently begun our phonics learning on the carpet and the children have been so engaged and focused on learning the accurate sounds that each letter makes as well as how to form each letter. We have enjoyed seeing them recognising the letters within their environment and have been so proud of how in such a short space of time, their writing abilities have developed.

Mathematics

Song, dance and counting have formed the basis of our Maths this term as we journey through out Mathematics curriculum. This term we have been focusing largely on accurate counting, number recognition and using a five frame to assist us with our counting. We have used a variety of games and activities to support our hands on learning and watching focus develop in our room in this area has been a joy to witness.

English

In English this term we have mainly focused on effective listening and sound recognition which is vital in supporting our phonics. A favourite theme in our classroom this term has been based on the book ‘We’re going on a Bear Hunt’ by Michael Rosen. We have really enjoyed acting out and memorising the story and bringing our learning to life through lots of messy and imaginative play.