What is the Early Years Foundation Stage? The Early Years Foundation Stage (E.Y.F.S.) is the stage of education for children from birth to the end of the Reception year. It is based on the recognition that children learn best through play and active learning.

Within the Reception curriculum there are 7 areas of learning Within the Reception curriculum there are 7 areas of learning. All areas are connected to one another and are equally important. Personal, Social and Emotional Development Communication and Language Physical Development Literacy Mathematical Development Understanding the World Expressive Arts and Design

Personal, Social and Emotional Development The children will be learning to: become self-confident; take an interest in things; know what their own needs are; play co-operatively, taking turns; become independent; know the difference between right and wrong.

Communication and Language The children will be learning to: talk confidently and clearly; enjoy listening to stories, songs and poems and respond to them; show awareness of listeners needs; introduce storylines or narratives in their play.

Physical Development move with confidence and control; find new, imaginative ways of moving; handle tools, objects and malleable materials safely; use a pencil and hold it effectively to form recognisable letters; know how to stay healthy and safe; dress themselves and manage own hygiene

Literacy hear and say sounds, and link them to the alphabet; read and write familiar words; read and write ‘tricky words’; write simple sentences; learn to form letters correctly.

Mathematical Development Number Count, recognise and order numbers to 20 Add/subtract Doubling/halving/sharing Shape Space and Measures Use language to talk about weight, size, capacity, time, distance, position and money; Be able to recognise and create patterns. Describe and name 2D and 3D shapes.

Understanding the World Explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it. Know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for. Talk about past events in their lives and their families' lives. Learn about different cultures and beliefs.

Expressive Arts and Design The children will explore: Colours, shapes, design, texture How to make things Materials, tools and techniques Role play Music Movement

Which area of learning is this?

Read the observation notes.

Themes A different theme is covered each term: Term 1 – Traditional Tales Term 2 – The Gruffalo Term 3 – Princesses, Knights and Dragons Term 4 – Beautiful Bears Term 5 – We Love to Grow Term 6 – Amazing Animals Home books will include details of the curriculum.

Reading Shared reading Group reading Individual reading - children will be given a book to take home when they are ready. These are changed once a week. Please write a comment in the reading diary after you have heard your child read. Sound books/Tricky word books – please practise all of the sounds/words with your child and ensure their sound book is in their book bags every day.

Writing In Term 1, emphasis is placed upon; Holding pencil correctly - tripod grip Forming letters correctly - chalking outside, damp sand, tracing, pens and whiteboards etc. Writing first name correctly This progresses onto writing simple words and simple sentences…

Term 1 Term 5

Phonics Daily session Letters and Sounds & Jolly Phonics actions – the children respond well to this active style of learning Each letter sound has an action Pure sound

Six Phases from Nursery to Year 2 Phase 1 completed during Nursery but continues all the way through FS. Children start on Phase 2 in Reception. Many Reception children will already be well within Phase 2 and be ready for Phase 3. Children are expected to have completed Phase 4 by the end of Reception. Some children may even start Phase 5. Generally, Phase 5 and 6 are taught throughout Y1/2.

Learning the letter sounds Children hear a story/song about the sound Children say the sound Identify words containing this sound Write the letter sound Play games/ complete activities to reinforce sounds Children can start blending sounds to read and write words early on

Assessment Spontaneous observations Focused observations Long observations Adult led activities Child led activities Photographs Videos 2simple software – 2build a profile

Daily routine Gates open at 8.45. The school day starts at 8.55. Worship in hall. After worship we begin our lessons. 11:00-11:30 daily phonics. Lunchtime 11:45 – 12:45. Home time 3:15.

General Information Fruit is available everyday for the children’s snack. Free milk is available until your child’s fifth birthday. There is an option to pay for milk for over fives. Named water bottles – no squash or juice in the classroom please. Lunchtime is at 11.45 - 12.45. The children have their sandwiches or hot meals in the hall. Free school meals - www.thefarmkitchen.com

Parents always welcome to come and see us at any time with any queries or concerns. Please let us know if anything is bothering your child. Please could your child bring their book bag each day – for letters, books etc. ‘Wow’ tickets.

All Clothes clearly labelled. Parent/Teacher meetings will be held in October and March. Children are never sent out at the end of the school day unless we can see who is picking them up. Our class pet…

Phonics workshop Oct/Nov 2017