Chinese New Year (1 week) Transport (4 weeks) Easter (1 week) Class 3 Autumn Term 2 Topics: Chinese New Year (1 week) Transport (4 weeks) Easter (1 week) Literacy In Literacy we will be covering lots of aspects of our topics and including stories, non-fiction and poetry. We will use a range of picture book stories including Bumper to Bumper and The Train Ride. We will also have a go at writing our own stories in a group. We will have opportunity to use some of the children’s special interests in non fiction learning including the first aeroplane flight, the Titanic, car models and train journeys. This topic will be underpinned by development of our core skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. We will continue our routine of regular reading and phonics sessions. The children have made great progress in these areas so far and we will look to keep this good progress going. Numeracy This term we are working on the strands of Number, Measure and Handling Data. We will start by spending a 2 week block learning about the ways we can use counting and use some very basic data collection, such as counting cars. We will use objects, pictures and numbers to show information. After this we will spend 4 weeks looking at a range of aspects of measuring, including: length, weight and capacity. This will be a fun and practical learning project and will allow for lots of investigations. This will be differentiated for each child’s abilities. In addition we will be working on number formation skills throughout the term. Science In Science we will be linking our topics to learning about Materials. We will begin by using the traditional tale of the 3 little pigs and learning about why the houses were strong or weak. We will then move on to sorting and describing different materials. Following this we will be doing some ‘Titanic’ inspired science learning about floating and sinking. This will be followed by an investigation into how icebergs melt. The key skills we are looking at developing include sorting, answering simple scientific questions and basic investigation skills. PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) Children always look forward to PSHE as we go out into the community to have wider learning experiences. As linked to our topic this half term, we have planned some exciting visits such as to the Liverpool museum and the Maritime Museum. We are very excited about our ‘Transport Day’ on which we will take a journey using a train, a bus and the ferry. We will also learn about Chinese New Year and will visit a Chinese Supermarket to learn about different foods. Physical Education Each morning in school we participate in a ‘Chi gung’ movement session. During this session we complete a series of slow and gentle movements whilst listening to calming music. This allows children (and staff!) to wake up their minds and bodies ready for the school day. We will also be attending weekly swimming sessions. This will take place on Thursdays. This session allows children to build their skills in the water. Children will also be encouraged in developing greater independence in their dressing skills. We have also introduced 2 additional PE sessions throughout the week to develop team building and games skills. Social Communication Each week we will have a session dedicated to teaching the children valuable skills for socialising and communicating. This half term we will specifically be looking at communication skills. We will be using a range of speech and language based games and techniques to support this. Sensory Sessions We aim to provide a multisensory education for the children here at ALMA. In addition to sensory opportunities in our class based learning, we will have a weekly session where we are able to make use of the soft play and light and sound rooms. Children will be able to develop their gross motor and balance skills. This is also a time for developing important play skills such as turn taking, spatial awareness and communication.