Parent/Carer Information Handbook
We have put together an overview of the curriculum for your child this year and also some general information and reminders that we hope you will find useful.
| Reception Parent Handbook 2023-2024 |
RECEPTION (PEAR)
Welcome to our Reception page!
We understand that starting full time school is a big change but we work hard to ensure transition is as smooth as possible for everyone, including Parents and Carers!
There is lots to learn over the year in Reception and we have great fun whilst we doing so! Our planning incorporates the seven areas of learning, which are: Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design.
Topics change half-termly, according to the children’s interests.
We introduce whole class and small group adult led activities early in the Autumn term. However, it is still very important that the children have time each morning and afternoon for self-initiated activities in which to play and practise new skills and to follow their own interests. This known as CHiL (Child Initiative Learning).
Throughout the year, we document the children’s learning through a range of ways including observations, photographs and pieces of work. These will be collated in to individual Learning Journals for every child.
Ways in which you can help your child at home:
We understand that starting full time school is a big change but we work hard to ensure transition is as smooth as possible for everyone, including Parents and Carers!
There is lots to learn over the year in Reception and we have great fun whilst we doing so! Our planning incorporates the seven areas of learning, which are: Communication and Language, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding of the World and Expressive Arts and Design.
Topics change half-termly, according to the children’s interests.
We introduce whole class and small group adult led activities early in the Autumn term. However, it is still very important that the children have time each morning and afternoon for self-initiated activities in which to play and practise new skills and to follow their own interests. This known as CHiL (Child Initiative Learning).
Throughout the year, we document the children’s learning through a range of ways including observations, photographs and pieces of work. These will be collated in to individual Learning Journals for every child.
Ways in which you can help your child at home:
- Reading is one of the most valuable thing you can do at home. Read or share a book with your child as often as possible and talk about what has been read.
- Practise counting, where and whenever possible - you could count houses on the way to school, footsteps on the way to bed, shoes in the house, players on the team, objects in the shopping trolley, claps, nods... anything and everything you can think of!
Reception updates
Our topic during the Spring Term was Roots, Shoots and Welly Boots. During this topic the children found out what plants need to grow, why we grow certain plants and how to grow their own food. The children had great fun planting their seeds and watching them grow. During our Maths sessions we measured the plants to see how much they had grown.
At the end of our topic, we celebrated our growing achievements by having a WOW day, where we used the vegetables to create our own dishes to share with our grown-ups. These dishes included cheese and cress sandwiches, vegetable crisps, pea and mint dip and chocolate and beetroot muffins. Once our grown ups had tasted our cooking, we then made vegetable pizzas to take home, using dough we had made from scratch.
At the end of our topic, we celebrated our growing achievements by having a WOW day, where we used the vegetables to create our own dishes to share with our grown-ups. These dishes included cheese and cress sandwiches, vegetable crisps, pea and mint dip and chocolate and beetroot muffins. Once our grown ups had tasted our cooking, we then made vegetable pizzas to take home, using dough we had made from scratch.
Check out the excitement brewing in Reception! Recently, our little designers and technologists dove into the world of hands-on learning. From peeling to chopping and stirring, they embraced every moment with joy and enthusiasm. It's incredible how much fun can be had while honing essential skills. Stay tuned to see the delightful creations that emerged from their exploration!
This half term our topic, in Pear Class, is Roots, Shoots and Welly Boots. We started the topic by looking for signs of Spring around the school grounds. The children were very excited to see the daffodil bulbs that we had planted last term have not only started to grow but some are even in flower! We are also growing our own fruits and vegetables to cook with.
During Spring 1, after a very exciting assembly led by a visiting scientist, the children took part in several experiments in the classroom including making their own slime and finding out about the affect soap has on germs!
The children enjoyed finding out about Shrove Tuesday before taking part in pancake races. We finished our learning by making our own pancakes, choosing the toppings and then eating them.
Reception has been buzzing with excitement during the first half of Spring, immersing themselves in a whirlwind of thrilling activities that ignite curiosity and spark creativity. Our little explorers have been mud pie experimenting, venturing into the mysterious realms of wet and dry mud to uncover the ultimate recipe for the most sensational mud pies.
But the adventure doesn't stop there! Following the muddy escapade, the young minds dive into a tranquil session of quiet reading, where imaginations run wild, and the magic of stories unfolds. Hold on tight as the journey takes a cultural turn, with the mastery of chopsticks becoming a quest during Chinese New Year food exploration—eye/hand coordination reaches new heights in a delicious, hands-on celebration.
Buckle up for an artistic explosion as the children embark on the enchanting endeavour of creating 3D models. The classroom transforms into a vibrant studio, with creativity flowing freely, and young artists moulding their visions into tangible forms.
The energy spikes as PE session kicks in, with catching skills taking centre stage. It's not just physical activity; it's a dynamic experience where teamwork, coordination, and a dash of friendly competition elevate the session to new heights.
The classroom then becomes a stage as role-playing breathes life into the People Who Help Us topic. From doctors to firefighters, the children step into the shoes of community heroes, creating a dynamic, immersive experience that fosters empathy and understanding.
Reception's first half of Spring isn't just a sequence of activities; it's a thrilling journey filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on experiences that make learning an unforgettable adventure
But the adventure doesn't stop there! Following the muddy escapade, the young minds dive into a tranquil session of quiet reading, where imaginations run wild, and the magic of stories unfolds. Hold on tight as the journey takes a cultural turn, with the mastery of chopsticks becoming a quest during Chinese New Year food exploration—eye/hand coordination reaches new heights in a delicious, hands-on celebration.
Buckle up for an artistic explosion as the children embark on the enchanting endeavour of creating 3D models. The classroom transforms into a vibrant studio, with creativity flowing freely, and young artists moulding their visions into tangible forms.
The energy spikes as PE session kicks in, with catching skills taking centre stage. It's not just physical activity; it's a dynamic experience where teamwork, coordination, and a dash of friendly competition elevate the session to new heights.
The classroom then becomes a stage as role-playing breathes life into the People Who Help Us topic. From doctors to firefighters, the children step into the shoes of community heroes, creating a dynamic, immersive experience that fosters empathy and understanding.
Reception's first half of Spring isn't just a sequence of activities; it's a thrilling journey filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on experiences that make learning an unforgettable adventure
LETTERS
| Reception Curriculum Letter Summer Term 2022 |
| Reception Curriculum Letter Spring Term 2022 |
| Reception Curriculum Letter Autumn Term 2021 |
HOMEWORK
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For further information about supporting your child with their homework, please see the Home Learning section of the Parents Area. Information about the Phonics programme used at Oughton can also be found here.
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GALLERY
Our Classroom
The Creative Area
Our collage of the Queen
Outdoor Play
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Autumn Pictures
Creative Area
ICT work
The Mud Kitchen
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Our Reading Area
The ICT Area
Covered Outdoor Play
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Lunar New Year
Pear Class celebrated the Lunar New Year with much excitement in January, wearing red to school as this is a lucky colour during this celebration. They found out that many countries in Asia celebrate the Lunar New Year including China and learnt to say Happy New Year in Chinese. They had a busy day, making lanterns and lucky rabbit hats in recognition of the Year of The Rabbit. They had a try at writing some Chinese letters, made up their own Dragon dance and finished the day by eating in their own Chinese restaurant. The children were also delighted to receive a fortune cookie and the traditional tangerine from one of Pear class who was celebrating the New Year at home with her family.
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CURRICULUM
The Curriculum Overview Plan for Reception shows a breakdown of areas of learning - please see the Curriculum section within this website.