Headteacher: Anna Moss

26.03.21

Hello Red Class,

Today was the last day of our ‘Native Americans’ topic. We celebrated with an online Zoom showcase of dance, singing and storytelling. We recorded our rain dance for all our friends to see. Next week, we start our final topic of the spring term, ‘Easter’. We’re looking forward to a virtual trip to Worcester Cathedral.

In Phonics, this week, we learned to read and write words using ‘oi’ (boil), ‘ur’ (turn), ‘ow’ (cow) and ‘er’ (flower) and talked about the keyword ‘are’. Handwriting sessions focused on ‘v’, ‘w’ and ‘z’. We’ll learn about ‘x’ next week. You can find videos to help below:

V and W: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2blzGPk2Eg

X and Z: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St5RHwFCkWM

In Maths, we compared and measured the weight of objects using bucket scales and explored weighing in everyday life e.g. baking. Can you find any scales at home? How do they work? We also had time for some pattern work and we explored patterns in different ways e.g. drawing, using natural objects and finding patterns in the classroom. Can you find and make patterns at home? Try making repeating patterns.

At Forest School, Mrs Flynn showed us how to use a saw and we started to make tree cookies. She was proud of your listening and behaviour. You used the tools and equipment sensibly and safely. We also had a lot of fun playing Forest School tig.

We’re looking forward to seeing Red Class families at our virtual Easter event on Thursday, 1^st April at 10am.

Here’s a link to ‘I’m A Spring Chicken’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEey4LZLeGw

Listen to the song over the weekend and you’ll be ready for our performance.

Hopefully, the sun will shine for you this weekend.

Mrs Webb and Team Red Class xxx

19.03.21

I’m really proud of you, Red Class. I know many of you were under the weather this week. However, you still tried hard to listen and learn. Dr Webb suggests lots of rest, play and cuddles over the weekend.

We revisited ‘oo’ (moon), ‘oo’ (look), ‘ar’ (farm) and ‘or’ (cork) and introduced a new keyword ‘all’. Every lesson, we read words, phrases and sentences with our target sounds and keywords. You will find a new phonics book in your book bag.

Handwriting sessions focused on ‘p’, ‘j’ and ‘s’. You can practise your letter formation at home using the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ad5hDpIkmM We start every day with a fine motor or handwriting activity. We draw Write Dance pictures, practise name writing and letter formation. All before 8.45am! We write throughout the day during Phonics, handwriting sessions, focus groups and during play and explore time. Try to write at home too. Maybe you could write a shopping list for your family or you could write cards for your friends.

In Maths, we used songs and storytelling to find out about subtraction. We used the word ‘difference’ to name the answer in a subtraction. For example, Redmond Bear had 8 biscuits in his biscuit tin. He munched one biscuit and the difference was 7. Sometimes, in subtraction, we reduce the number by removing objects and sometimes we compare objects to find the difference. We can also use the part-whole model. However, we’ll learn about that another day.

During our History lessons, we found out about a little girl called Awena. You asked some wonderful questions about her life as a Native American. Throughout the week, you discovered a lot of things about Awena including where she lived and the toys she liked to play with. Well done for being good historians by looking carefully at artefacts, asking questions and thinking about the past.

Every day, we dance to Mrs Hampton’s wake and shake with a little bit of help from our wake and shake leaders. We enjoy a movement break in the afternoon too and this week we joined Jack Hartmann for his ‘Animal Dance and Freeze’. Click the link if you want to dance at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpOe8lngp_o

Rest, play and enjoy your weekend.

Mrs Webb and Team Red Class xxx

13.03.21

Hello Red Class,

Put your finger on your nose if you feel tired. I’m touching my nose too. Well done for completing your first week back at school.

Play and Explore was a hive of activity and talk for the first few days. It was obvious you’d missed each other. We added a Red Class verse to our Blackwell Sea Shanty. It celebrated our ability to play and learn together again. It was wonderful to see this in action at Forest School. From imaginative play (using the old log as a rocket and creating houses under low-lying branches), to making natural discoveries (spring flowers and worms) and teamwork (making a rope swing and tipi). You were happy, settled and fully engaged in your play with your friends.

We played games in Phonics to recap sounds and actions for ‘ai’, ‘ee’, ‘oa’ and ‘igh’ and discovered a new keyword ‘they’. To learn new keywords, we think about the part we know (th) and the part we might find tricky (ey). We also find ways to remember the word. So, we decided that ‘they’ was ‘the’ with ‘y’ at the end. Over the next week, we will update your little blue phonics books. You can take your time to draw pictures during the half term and Easter holiday. If needed, we will also send home a second reading book to recap some tricky letter sounds.

In Maths, we revisited 2D shapes and described and counted sides and vertices (corners). Handwriting lessons focused on ‘b’, ‘h’ and ‘k’. If you would like to recap these letters at home, you can find the You Tube clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMEIvn3B1nk

The milk routine is in full swing again. Children aged 4 are entitled to free school milk and you can purchase milk for your child once they turn 5. Just contact Cool Milk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like further information.

Hopefully, in your bookbags, you will find a little surprise for Mothering Sunday. Give it to your mummy on Sunday and say a big ‘THANK YOU’.

Play, rest and relax this weekend and we’ll see you ready for learning on Monday.

Mrs Webb and Team Red Class xxx

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18.12.20

Dear Red Class Families,

Can you believe the children have finished their first term at school? We’ve achieved so much already. From learning letter sounds, to playing with numbers, writing letters in our name and making new friends. It’s certainly time for a rest.

We’ve popped a new book into your child’s book bag tonight and if there’s time for name writing that would be even better. We’ve spent the last two weeks learning number rhymes to support formation too.

0 – Around and round and round we go. When we get home we have a zero.

1 – Start at the top and down we run. That’s the way to make one.

2 –Around and back on a railway track. Two, two, two!

3 - Around the tree and around the tree. That’s the way to make three.

4 – Down and across and down some more. That’s the way to make four.

5 – Down and around then a flag on high. That’s the way to make five.

6 – Down we go and make a loop. Number six has a hoop.

7 – Across the sky and down from heaven. That’s the way to make seven.

8 – Make an ‘s’ and do not wait. That’s the way to make eight.

9 – Make a loop and then a line. That’s the way to make nine.  

During the holidays, please check name labels, especially in jumpers. If your child has picked one up by accident, just return it to school in January. We’ve sent wellies home just in case you need them for any muddy walks.

At the end of the day, the children treated me to a wonderful surprise. They’d planned a song, dance and card along with cheeky Elf Hampton. There were tears. Happy tears! It was a wonderful surprise.

Wishing everyone in Red Class a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic 2021.

Lots of love,

Mrs Webb, Mrs Hampton, Mrs Dyson, Mrs Flynn, Miss Barber, Mr Moran and Miss Edwards xxx

12.12.20

Hello Red Class Families,

We enjoyed a busy week piecing together a masterpiece! If you like masks slipping down faces, slightly squeaky singing from the teacher and a lot of sweet faces, then you’re in for a treat! In fact, at one point, I was told my voice was ‘a little dominant’ by the filmmaker. Mariah Carey move over. Mrs Webb is the Queen of Christmas.

In PE, we explored the meaning of ‘travel’, ‘follow’ and ‘amazed’ from our topic vocabulary map. We followed a star around the playground and travelled in different ways. Finally, we danced with a partner to create a short phrase. We considered how to look amazed through our facial expressions and movements.

In Phonics, we discovered the sound, action and song for ‘j’, ‘v’, ‘w’ and ‘x’. You should find matching letter cards in your little blue book. Please draw or cut and stick a picture for each letter sound. We also tried hard to discriminate ‘b’ and ‘d’. We used photo cards of mouth shapes and a picture of a ‘bed’ to match the correct sound to the corresponding letter shape.

Hopefully, in your bookbags, you should find a Christmas card made by your little one, a calendar, Christmas cards from friends, a name card to support name identification and writing and a b/d photo card to support recognition at home. In fact, the latter could be used as a bookmark. We received quite a few packs of cards on Friday, so we’ll send them out next week.

In Maths, we compared and measured length and height. The children compared items in the classroom using appropriate vocabulary e.g. ‘short’, ‘long’, ‘longer’ and ‘longest’ for length. Later in the week, the children used cubes and wax crayons to measure the length of items. Can you find and use measuring equipment at home? You could compare the length of your family’s shoes or the height of your favourite teddies.

In RE lessons (Religious Education), we discussed Christian beliefs and practices around the festival of Christmas. We talked about how the children celebrate Christmas and how our experiences are similar and different. We introduced the children to the Jewish festival of Hannukah which is also celebrated at this time. Throughout the year, and throughout their time at Blackwell, the children will learn about different religions, reflect on their own thoughts and feelings and learn to appreciate and respect the ideas and beliefs of people in their community and around the world.

As part of our Christmas play, we’ve been singing ‘Follow the Star’ and on 21^st December, Jupiter and Saturn will align to form a very bright ‘Christmas star’. The best time to see it should be an hour after sunset. Thank you, Mrs Flynn, for letting us know.

We believe some Red Class elves have been working very hard recently. Yesterday, we received some beautiful gifts and they’re currently under my tree ready for the big day. On behalf of myself and the team, we would like to say a big ‘thank you’. We know life, in the middle of COVID-19, is very tricky and we appreciate all the support you’ve shown our little Red Class team.

Enjoy a lovely weekend and we’ll see you on Monday for the last week of term and Christmas Story Night (5.30pm-7pm).

Best wishes,

Mrs Webb, Mrs Hampton, Miss Barber, Mrs Dyson and Mrs Flynn xxx

4.12.20

Hello Red Class Families,

It was a wet Forest School session but we made the most of it with lots of games and activities. We started the session with a co-operation game, called ‘sticky elbows’, where the children moved around the site with their partner by joining elbows. We used other body parts too. We discovered how to use materials from the forest to play games. We used sticks, leaves and pine cones to play ‘three in a row’. We also used the loppers to trim the holly. Today, was our final Forest School session for this half term. The children can wear their usual school uniform for the remaining days of term.  

In Maths, we recapped how to make numbers between 6 and 10 using the ‘5 and …’ rule. We used a timer to see how quickly we could make each number and the children were very speedy. We also practised writing numerals using rhymes and pictures. The children created great numeral animals by using a different numeral for each body part. We covered 1, 4 and 7 (straight line numerals) and we’ve just started curved numerals (3). Here are the rhymes so far:

1 – Start at the top and down we run. That’s the way we make 1.

3 - Around the tree and around the tree. That’s the way we make 3.

4 - Down and across and down some more. That’s the way we make 4.

7 - Across the sky and down from heaven. That’s the way we make 7.

Literacy sessions focused on the Christmas story and we identified and talked about interesting words, such as ‘amazed’ and explained words that we might take for granted that the children know, for example, ‘travel’ and ‘follow’. The children enjoyed using Grandma Webb’s knitted nativity in the classroom.

If you would like to write Christmas cards for the class, please email the office and we can pop a list of names into the book bag.

Have a great weekend,

Mrs Webb, Mrs Hampton, Mrs Dyson, Mrs Flynn and Miss Barber.

27.11.20

Hello Red Class Families,

Thank you for attending our teaching and learning workshop. It was lovely to ‘see’ you all and to explain how we support reading, writing and number work at school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the office and I’ll call you as soon as possible.

It was the last week of our topic, ‘Tell Me a Story’ and we created a story sack for the Nursery children. In our art lessons, we explored textiles and developed our shaping, joining and dyeing skills. We created animals for our story sack by wrapping and securing wool around a card and later created scenery by dyeing fabric with food colouring. Some children added a story map to the sack or drew a picture of an animal. We even added our role play puppets. We will give the Nursery children their story sack, next week, when we sing together.

On the topic of singing, we’ve started Christmas early! ‘Little Donkey’ and ‘Away in a Manger’ have been filling the classroom and corridors as we prepare for our Christmas play. We’ve even practised animal and star dances too. Just a reminder that we’re not asking for tights and tops this year, so it will be a nice surprise when your little one appears as a fluffy sheep or the donkey!

This week, Miss Barber wanted to say ‘hello’ too. She wanted to let you know that, “During play and explore the children have spent lots of time creating junk models. There have been some amazing rockets and puppets amongst other fantastic creations, which the children have enjoyed making. Our next step is to think about how we can improve our wonderful creations and make changes to them throughout the week”.

We will keep the children’s junk modelling in school, until Friday, so they can evaluate their work and make little changes throughout the week. So, on Fridays expect to see the contents of my recycling bin in your book bag. Sorry! I did try to convince one little boy that his cardboard box, with an assortment of holes, might need a bit of extra work at school. He was very persuasive and said he had the tools for the job at home.

We had a lovely time at Forest School with the children really engaged in their play and explore time.From making lean-to shelters with branches, trust walks, bug hunts and everything in between, it was a lovely morning. It was also a day for nature as we spotted a magpie on the field, robins flying through the site and a squirrel near the park. 

In Phonics we practised spelling CVC words with phase 2 letters and sounds and we listened carefully to the sounds in different positions in the word. At home, you could ask your child to spell a word with magnetic letters or letter cards and leave a space for them to fill. So, if the word was bug, you might leave a gap between b and g and ask your child to select the missing grapheme (letter). Don’t worry if your child is finding it hard to discriminate ‘b’ and ‘d’. This is very common at this stage.

In Maths, we used objects to find the difference in subtraction problems. We created subtraction number stories about jungle animals and used a large ten-frame to take away a number of animals. Some children were able to ‘see’ the answer, other children decided to count the animals that remained and some children could recall the answer mentally. We all learn in different ways and your confidence to explain ‘your way’ is getting better every day.

So, after all that learning, we need to rest! Enjoy your weekend together and I’ll see you next week for our ‘Christmas’ topic when you’ll be finding out about the part you’re playing!

Take care,

Mrs Webb, Mrs Hampton, Mrs Dyson, Mrs Flynn and Miss Barber.

20.11.20

Hello Red Class Families,

‘Change the rules’ was a great success. From a couple of wiggling superheroes in our Zoom dance assembly to extra play time, painted nails, funny socks, tasty snacks and everything in between. I did a double take in snack time when I spotted Batman eating a doughnut. It was great fun and enjoyed by all.

I’m sorry I haven’t seen you at home time on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons this week. It should be back to normal next week (famous last words), as my little boy returns to school after a closed bubble. For Red Class, it’s been business as usual as the children have seen me every day until club time. Thank you for my lovely cards and pictures. They’ve really brightened my day.

As always, the children have been busy in the classroom filming their rainbow dance and song, learning about 3D shapes (sphere, cylinder, cube and cuboid) and recapping all phase 2 letter sounds. For those who are up to date with their phonics books, you can have a little rest from drawing pictures until we start Phase 3. If you haven’t drawn any pictures to match the sounds, please try a few pages this weekend.

In Geography, we considered the question, “Where is the best place for a holiday?” and we used some of the places from our story, “There is a Tribe of Kids”, as a starting point. We researched Antarctica and the Amazon Rainforest by finding each place on the world map and looking at videos and photographs. This helped us to ask questions and to describe and talk about each place. The Amazon Rainforest seemed the most popular choice, but one little boy thought building snowmen in Antarctica would be a lot more fun. Our learning also helped us to talk about our own experiences of lovely holidays in Cornwall, Cardiff and further afield.

We’ve also started learning Christmas dances ready for our Christmas production. This year, we’re working alongside the Nursery to bring you, ‘The Nativity’. It will be full of all the usual Early Years ‘moments’ with gifts rolling down aisles, shepherds losing their sheep, pinned tea-towels and a few musical notes out of place. As we’re filming at school, we’ve decided not to ask for tights and the children’s costumes will be provided by school. So, all you need to do is to wait for the amazing DVD!

Miss Barber has also had a busy week opening a new area in Red Class. The woodwork area proved very popular with the children. They enjoyed learning how to use the hammer and nails safely. We’ll be making tables and chairs in no time.

I’m looking forward to ‘seeing’ you all Wednesday for our Early Years Workshop through Zoom. This event is for parents only and it outlines how we teach early reading, writing and maths at school and how you can support your child’s progress. Mrs Moss will be clicking through the screens to keep me to time and I will send home a handout with the main points.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Best wishes,

Mrs Webb, Mrs Hampton, Miss Barber, Mrs Dyson and Mrs Flynn xxx