September 2022

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been lovely welcoming everyone back to Koala class after the holidays and getting to know the children who have joined us this term.  The children are settling in well, re-establishing their friendships, and making friends with their new classmates and the adults in class. We have lots of exciting things planned for the year ahead, and we look forward to lots of fun and learning. Below is an outline of what your child will be experiencing during this half-term.

English

In English our focus will be on learning phonics and developing language and communication skills, with an emphasis on listening, speaking, signing and using PODD books and high-tech communication devices. We will have daily phonics sessions, and your child will choose their reading book every week. They will have the opportunity to share their reading books with their teacher and/or a Special Needs Assistant and take them home. Please record in your child’s yellow book when you have shared their book with them and keep it in their school bag. Shared reading books will be changed once a week on Tuesday afternoon.

Mathematics

In Mathematics children will be learning to count reliably at least 20 objects; read, write & order numbers & numerals from 1 – 20; estimate the number of objects & check by counting; say 1 more/1 less to 20; use ‘more’ & ‘less’ to compare two numbers; add two single digit numbers; subtract by ‘taking away’ from a group of objects. You can support your child by playing counting games, maths jigsaws, baking, and looking at numbers at home and environment.

Science

The topic of the term is ‘Animals including Humans.’  Children will learn to identify common animals and recognise various animal features.  We will look at basic human body parts and their function and explore senses.

Art & Design / Design &Technology

In Art lessons, children will explore formal elements of art, drawing lines, mixing colours for painting and using shape for abstract compositions.

PSHE

There will be a strong emphasis on personal, social and emotional development. We will be reading stories, using rhymes, playing games and singing songs with links to our topics, ‘Things We Are Good At’ and ‘Kind and Unkind Behaviours’.

PE

During P.E sessions we will focus on individual physical development and expression, including dance, swimming and Yoga taught by specialist teachers. 

Humanities

In the first half of the term, we will have a History focus and we will learn about My Story and Family Heritage. The family photos that you send us will support children’s learning of this topic.

Computing

During the lessons, children will learn how to use the computer, switch it on and off, and how to use the keyboard and touchpad.

We are hoping to make the most of the current warm weather by spending as much time as we can outside in the playground, the garden and going on local trips to Bruce Castle Park.  We are beginning to establish our class routines and look forward to a busy and very positive Autumn term. 

Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.  We look forward to discussing your child’s progress at their PSP (Personal Support Plan) and Annual Review meetings.

With Best Wishes,

Dorota Witkowska (class teacher) and

Nadine, Maureen and Deloris (SNAs).