Learning in Reception

ElmSpring Term 2019

What have we been learning about in Literacy this term?

Our topic for the first half of the Spring term was ‘Bears’. We read some exciting

books such as ‘Bear Snores On’, ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ and ‘Goldilocks and

the Three Bears’ to explore this theme and various writing genres. We used the

story ‘Bear Snores On’ to recap rhyme and continued as well as made up our own

rhyming strings. We also designed and labelled our own bear hunts, wrote sorry

cards from Goldilocks to the three bears and wrote invitations addressed to our

favourite teddies inviting them to a Teddy Bear’s picnic.

The focus for the second half of the Spring term was ‘Growing’. We read the

stories of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, ‘Oliver’s Vegetables’ and ‘Oliver’s Fruit

Salad’. We tasted various fruits and used adjectives to describe the fruits we

tasted; it was really fun!

What have we been learning about in Maths this term?

This Spring term we have covered a wide range of mathematical concepts. During the first half of the spring term we looked at ‘positional language’. Positional language is used to describe the place where someone or something is. It is very important that we learn how to use positional language correctly as it enhances our ability to follow and give directions and to use language precisely. We explored this concept by placing brown bear in different spots around his cave. We also learnt about money. We know there are 8 British coins and can recognise and name each one! We bought fish for a polar bear using British coins and began to explore giving change. We also learnt how to add. The word add means to find the total of two groups. We added groups of food from our picnic and wrote our own related addition equations.

In Spring 2 we consolidated our knowledge of the concepts we have already learnt in Reception such as addition, subtraction, weight and capacity. We also learnt about 3D shapes. We now know the names of the 3D shapes and are beginning to describe their properties. Using the 3D shapes we made castles for the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk. We also explored the concept of height and ordered beanstalks according to their height. Using beans we explored the concept of doubling and halving and can confidently explain the meaning of these terms.

What have we been learning about in Understanding of the World?

In the first half of the spring term, we looked at habitats, particularly the cold habitats of

Antarctica and The Arctic. We talked about how animals adapt to their environments – a

polar bear would find it difficult to hunt in the ice and snow if it had orange fur! We

discussed the meaning of the word ‘camouflage’. We also experimented with ice ourselves:

we left some in the classroom, put some on the radiator and left some outside in the open

air. We discussed and recorded our results, just like real-life scientists!

During the second half of the spring term, our focus was on plants. We discussed plants

and what they need to survive and grow. We also looked at how flowers are often brightly

coloured and sweet smelling to attract insects for pollination to happen. We grew beans in

class, too, examining how they had changed from week to week – we watched as shoots

began to emerge, before stems and leaves started to develop. We recorded our

observations from week to week and drew diagrams to show how our beans grew. This

linked in really well with our class text, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’.

What have we been learning about in Expressive Art and Design this term?

During the Spring term we have enjoyed exploring various drama techniques. We have

acted out various stories and have used ‘hot-seating’ to explore the different characters

from our books.

We have been very lucky to have singing sessions this term. We have learned a range of

songs and actions which we continue to perform on our very own stages in Reception.

We have also enjoyed exploring and using various media and materials to create exciting

and wonderful creations on our creative table.

What have we been learning about in Computing this term?

Spring 1 the children in Reception class, learnt about being digital readers. As a group, we looked at a range of books with flaps and moving parts, pop-ups and surprises, as well as words and pictures. We spoke about what the children liked about the books. We then introduced one of the digital texts on a computer. We read a story while demonstrating how to navigate around. The children answered a few questions about the story. The children were asked about what they were doing and the differences between digital texts and paper-based texts. How does the narration help them? How did the surprises help them to enjoy the story and what differences could they see between the paper and digital books? All the books were linked to the topic of bears. The children as a class created a digital book.

Spring 2 the children were learning to observe. In this activity, the children used a hand-held digital microscope to explore the objects, materials and living things they found around them and discussed what they saw. They discussed the similarities and differences between objects, materials or living things. The children explored the meaning and sounds of new words and wrote simple sentences. They selected and used the hand-held digital microscope to view the objects that they found. We continued the topic of healthy food and looked at several different types of fruit and we also looked at leaves, twigs and feather under the microscopes.

What have we been learning about in PE this term?

Children in Reception have been taking part in tri golf during this term.

Children have been developing hand eye co-ordination to be able to the hit the ball using the club and can now hold the club with success and confidence.

We have spoken with children regarding key word “Target” so children understand to aim to hit the “Target”.

Children are taking part in play based games where they can work in small groups trying to score as many points as possible.

What have we been learning about keeping ourselves Safe/Wellbeing/PSED?

This term we have focused our class circle times on the importance of making good choices, being kind and helping others. These themes have linked with our texts throughout the term. In the story ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, we discussed the fact that Goldilocks did not make good choices as she broke Baby Bears chair, ate his porridge and slept in his bed without asking. We explored why these were not appropriate choices and the effect bad choices have on ourselves and others.

In the story ‘Jim and the Giant’, Jim discovers that the giant is grumpy and mean because he is sad. He needs glasses so he can see and teeth so he can eat. Jim helps the giant. This story led to a thoughtful discussion about treating others with respect and kindness.

We have also read stories about growing fruits and vegetables. This has linked to class discussions centred around healthy eating and the importance for a variety of food in our diet.