The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg Understanding the World We will be learning about trains, the north pole and winter. The children will explore the environment as it gets colder to discover the changes around us. We will also discuss Christmas traditions and learn about the Nativity story. Communication, language and literacy We will be reading ‘The Polar Express’ by Chris Van Allsburg. We will write our own letters to Father Christmas and make gift tags for presents. We will also retell our experience after our class trip to Liverpool. Personal, Social and Emotional Development We will focus on sharing, teamwork and helping each other. We will talk about our own emotions and explore the emotions of others through stories. The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg Maths In maths we will be continuing to count objects using 1:1 correspondence. We will be counting irregular arrangements and finding one more than a given amount. We will also explore properties of 3d shapes in Santa’s Workshop. Physical Development We will be focusing on gross motor movements in P.E, using the climbing frame and benches to explore ways of moving. In class, we will be using Write Dance to develop our range of upper body movements. Expressive Art and Design We will be exploring ways of making Christmas and winter pictures through collage, paint and junk modelling. The children will be able to make stick puppets, Christmas decorations and wrapping paper using various techniques.