TERM 2 WEEK 1

Welcome back to Term 2.

If you thought Term 1 was busy then wait until Term 2 unfolds - we have Odd Sock Day, Remembrance Day, St. Andrew's Day, Christingle, Carol Service and of course the Nativity all to look forward to.

Lets dive in to what this week had in store for us.

Our morning activity this term is drawing and already, just within the four days we had this week, we were seeing far more control when using the pencil to mark make, we also found that we were giving fewer reminders for using the correct pencil grip. Last term we focussed heavily on developing our fine motor control, manipulating small objects using the pincer grip in readiness for mark making this term. We also follow a programme called 'Write Dance' which is pretty much what it says on the tin, mark making (writing) to music. This term we are following the Krongelidong (I have no idea about the names). Last term we were performing The Volcano, this term we learnt that the volcano erupted and destroyed the village of the Write Dance people and so they have had to spend many days walking through fields and forest, along paths that twist and loop in order to find a new location to set up their new village and yet on their journey they have a funny feeling that somebody or something is 'watching' them. And they are right, lots of friendly little animals have been following them on their journey. Take a look at the pictures below - can you make out the journey and the animals.

In Phonics. we were recapping our Phase 2 sounds and learning how to form these letters using the cursive script.

On Tuesday, PE was all about control too, balance and control. Even before we arrived at the hall we had to balance a beanbag on our heads whilst walking to the hall. Everybody walked slowly, nobody talked because they were concentrating so much - I will have to use this trick again! The PE lesson itself was fantastic - we were at the circus. We were jumping from spot to spot, balancing beanbags and balancing along a bench.

In Art this week, the children applied skills that they had previously learnt when they made binoculars. They were very good at remembering that masking tape works better than glue when making a cylinder shape. They also remembered how to draw around a template to get a shape they needed (the triangle for the top of their rocket) and then cut it out. We also talked about glue being used to stick the triangle on the rocket as the triangle was flat. Some children chose to use glue and others chose to use the masking tape again. Finally, they added some flames by using the masking tape again. The children also had the opportunity to paint. Some chose to paint Bonfire Night pictures.

We also used different media when creating our firework pictures such as chalk, pastels and crayons. First, we listened to the story of Guy Fawkes in order to understand why we celebrate with fireworks on November 5th. Next, we discussed famous landmarks in London that are still there today but could easily have been destroyed by Guy Fawkes if the plot had been successful. Robins were fantastic at remembering vocabulary such as Houses of Parliament, River Thames, King James 1st, London.

In PSED we started our new Jigsaw topic "Celebrating Differences". This week we thought about things that we are good at. We found out that it is ok for us all to be good at different things as we are all different people. Some of us are good at drawing, some of us are good at mending things. It was great to hear that each child could say something they were good at. 

Next week, linking in with our Jigsaw topic, we will be celebrating differences by wearing odd socks on Odd Sock Monday. It’s a simple, fun way to celebrate what makes each of us unique – and to reinforce the idea that differences are something to be celebrated, not bullied. It sends the message: everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and kindness to each other matters.

Have a great weekend and see you all on Monday.