Reception Parents 2010

Reception at JIS

What is the Foundation Stage?

• The foundation stage is the period of education from age three to five. During this stage children work towards the ‘EARLY LEARNING GOALS’ which are divided into six Areas of Learning.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

• This area of learning is about emotional well being, knowing who they are, their place in this world and feeling good about themselves. It is also about developing respect for others, social competence and a positive disposition to learn.

• An example of one of these goals is ‘to form good relationships with adults and peers’.

Language, Communication and Literacy

• This area of learning includes communication, speaking and listening in different situations and for a variety of purposes, being read a wide range of books and reading a variety of simple texts and writing for a range of purposes.

• An example of one of these learning goals is ‘to link sounds to letters….’ 42 sounds in the English alphabetic code’.

Problem Solving Number and Reasoning (mathematical)

Development• Mathematical understanding is developed

through play, songs, stories and games. This area of learning includes counting, sorting, comparing, matching, identifying patterns, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures.

• An example of one of these goals is ‘In practical activities and discussion begin to use the vocabulary involved in addition and subtraction’.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

• The children learn the knowledge, skills and understanding that enables them make sense of the world. This forms the foundations for later work in Science, DT, History, Geography and ICT.

• An example of one of these goals is ‘to find out about and identify the uses of everyday technology and to use ICT to support their learning’.

Physical Development

• Children develop and improve skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. Children gain confidence in what they do and learn about the positive benefits of being healthy and active.

• An example of one of these goals is ‘to handle tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control’.

Creative Development

• This area of learning includes imaginative play, role play, music, art and dance.

• An example of one of the goals is ‘to recognise and explore how sounds can be changed and sing simple songs from memory.’

Reception routines and learning

Speaking and Listening includes• Discussion based

activities eg. circle time.• Following / giving

Instructions.• Group / collaborative

learning.• Role play / imaginative

play• Use of ICT eg listening to

stories on the CD player / using Interactive books on the computer.

Reading

• 1-1 reading twice a week with the teacher once all 44 sounds have been introduced.

• Books, together with a reading diary, are taken home daily for sharing with their parents.

• Guided reading groups will begin in Term 3.

• Parents / visitors are welcome to come along to read with the children.

Phonics

• Jolly phonics is used (there will be an opportunity to find out more about Jolly Phonics early in the first term.)

• Children learn to blend sounds and decode words using the sounds covered - Usually one sound a day will be taught.

Writing • Independent and shared

activities• Range of purposes including

letter writing, story, labels, recounts, lists, menus, posters, fact files.

• Pencil grip / posture• Correct Letter Formation is

taught from the first sound.• Informal writing activities,

such as role play, play an integral role.

Library

• I period a week• 2 books can be taken

home• Library bags to be

returned each week.• You may change

books as often as you like before / after school.

Number

Through games, songs and practical activities the children develop their understanding of the number system. They begin to learn how to solve simple problems and record their calculations.

Shape, Space and Measure

Children learn and use

the relevant Mathematical

vocabulary as well as

being introduced to a

range of Mathematical

apparatus and

equipment.

Creativity

The activities empower the children to express themselves creatively. Their fine motor control skills develop through the use of apparatus / tools (such as scissors) and they learn about the different uses of materials and how to apply these.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Developing an enquiring mind and a love of finding out, and learning is the essence of this area of learning. Many of the skills and attitudes in this area of learning will be covered through the IPC units.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Making friends, being a

good friend, helping

others and being kind,

polite, taking turns,

sharing, and taking

responsibility all form part of

our daily activities and

discussions.

Specialist Subjects: MFL

Malay and Mandarin will

continue and for the first

time French is offered

(language option letters will

be sent home in week 11)

The children are withdrawn

from the class for 2 lessons

each week.

Music with Mrs. Klein

One period a week where

they will learn songs, rhythm,

pitch, use musical instruments,

and move to music.

A variety of musical activities

are also undertaken in the

classroom setting.

PE / PMP with Mrs. Carter

3 Perceptual Motor Program lessons each week (parent volunteers to support these activities are needed)

The children need to wear their JIS PE uniform with trainers.

Swimming once a week

One swimming lesson

each week led by the

swimming instructors.

ICT with Mr. Forshaw once a week

Children experience using the interactive whiteboard and to use the computers independently.

Usernames and passwords are provided for use of the school intranet activities at home.

Morning Routines

Arrive at the classroom between 7.30 and 7.40 AM

Unpack bags.

At 8.00 AM (7.50 on Thursdays and Fridays) the first lesson

begins.

Snack

• At around 9.00 AM. • Approx 15 minutes• All children are asked

to go to the bathroom and wash their hands before and after.

• Children are advised to bring a healthy snack.

Playtime

• The children have a daily 20 minute break.

• They should all have their sunhats and will be provided with sunscreen.

• Pirate ship, playground and green carpet areas.

Lunch

• 11.55 AM daily except on Fridays (12.10)

• Please provide food that you know your child will eat.

• Please ensure your child brings the necessary utensils.

Classroom Organisation

• Children have their own labelled tray in class.

• Water bottles are available for use throughout the day.

• Non school bags are to be hung outside the classroom.

• Lunch boxes are placed in class.

Moodles!!• This year we are trialing the use of a Moodle site in

Reception which will hopefully improve your access to information and our means of communicating with you.

• What is it?It is a point of reference for us to put photos, documents, resources, letters, reminders, useful activities, forthcoming events, links etc that we wish you to have easy access to.

• How do I access it?Via the School website using your child’s username and password (see picture on next slide)

• Each child in Reception will have an individual username e.g. oli1 and a generic password for the year group e.g. JISR. ONLY USERNAMES WILL BE DIFFERENT!!

• E-MAILIn order to be more efficient in out communications

with you we will also send you an e-mail when the Moodle has been updated, or with attachments for you to open. PLEASE ENSURE WE HAVE YOUR CURRENT E-MAIL ADDRESS!This is how to access the Moodle from the JIS Website but we will be able to send you a direct link to it via e-mail.

More on Moodles!!

Click Junior School on the Students page

Click JIS Online Learning on the Junior Intranet

You will then be prompted to Log in.

Communication• Please come and see us if you have any concerns

or worries. • Alternatively you can make an appointment with the

Junior School secretary or communicate through the use of the Reading Diary.

• Letters and notices will be e-mailed and posted on the Moodle. Each classroom has a small notice board where a copy of letters and weekly events will also be displayed

• Newsletters will be e-mailed and put on the Moodle at the start of each term giving information about forthcoming topics and events that will be taking place.

• ‘What’s happening this week’ bulletinswill also be sent.

Communication cont’d

Reporting and parent – Teacher consultations

There will be 2 scheduled appointments to meet with the class teacher to discuss how your child is settling down, the progress and achievements made and possible further areas for development.

A written report is given at the end of Term 1 and Term 3

Trips

• Throughout the year the children will go on trips outside of school. A parental consent form must be signed and returned to the class teacher before the trip takes place. Verbal consent is insufficient to allow us to take your child outside of school.

Assemblies

• Early Years assembly every Tuesday at 8.00am.

• Junior school assembly on Friday’s at 7.50am.

• In Term 2 or 3 the children will present a class assembly.

End of the school day

• School finishes at 2.00pm.

• Parents are asked to wait outside the classroom until the door is opened.

• If you are going to be late, please telephone the teacher or Esther as soon as possible.

• If someone else is to pick up your child, you must inform the class teacher / assistant, or Esther.

After School Activities

ASA’s: There is the opportunity forReception children to participate in afterschool activities. Details are distributed early ineach term and are organised on a first come, first served basis as places are usually limited.

Dolphin Club: The club runs throughout theyear at the end of the school day. Pleasecontact Mrs. Deanna Carter.

Celebrating Birthdays

• Birthdays are extremely important to young children and we enjoy celebrating them together

• School policy is that you are welcome to bring a cake to school to celebrate your child’s birthday if you wish.

• Parents need to provide their own plates, napkins and forks as these are not provided by school

• No party bags or other gifts• No other foods / outside catering such as Jollibee or Pizza Hut• No fizzy drinks• Anything beyond a cake needs to be celebrated with the

family outside of school time...

Thank you for your support with this

Parental involvement

There are special occasions throughout the year when we invite parents into theclassroom…

• Come and give a talk about your job or hobby• Come and share cultural experiences with us• Come and read a story during Book Week

or… • We could visit your place of work

In addition

• It is important to establish routines and punctuality from the very beginning at both the start and end of the day.

• If you are going to be late, or if your child is sick please contact the class teacher or the school office.

• The After School Care club is available for children who need to remain in school after

2.00 pm. Please contact Mrs. Snowden.