Headteacher: Anna Moss

Dear Families,

Another good day. We always start the day with listening games and today the children enjoyed being ‘fidget monitors’ and playing their instruments every time the green traffic light appeared. At school, we talk about our listening rules a lot. We encourage the children to do the following:

1.     Look at the person speaking.

2.    Sit still.

3.    Stay quiet.

4.    Listen to all the words.

We’re also encouraging the children to put their finger on their nose when they want to answer a question, rather than calling out. By showing this sign, we can take turns fairly and listen to each other. Each day, we’re getting better at this.

Mrs Reid showed the children how to get ready for outdoor play and opened the mud kitchen. We also introduced the children to our snack and toilet routine. They were very good at finding their name peg to show they were visiting the toilet and selected their snack when they felt hungry.

In our Maths session, we performed a song called “Little Soldiers” where we practised reciting number names and linked each number name to the correct number of fingers. We also played bunny ears where we showed numbers in different ways. For example, making 2 with 1 finger on each hand or 2 fingers on 1 hand.

If you would like an appointment for a settling-in meeting, please see the sheet opposite the wooden gate on the balcony.

We’re looking forward to another lovely day tomorrow.

Mrs Webb, Mrs Reid, Mrs Cain and Miss Davis xxx

Dear Families,

What a super first day at school! From playing listening games to learning a new penguin dance to playing in our new classroom and exploring our shoe boxes, it was a very busy morning. We even looked around the outdoor area as an incentive to come back tomorrow!

You may have noticed a new animal card on your child’s book bag. The animal card will help the children to learn where to put their water bottle and book bag. The card will also help them to become more independent when collecting their belongings at hometime. Don’t worry if your child forgets their bottle or coat. There’s a lot to remember in the first few weeks so please just send them back to the classroom. We fill and empty water bottles at school. We just ask that all bottles and snack tubs are named.

Hopefully, you’ve found a new reading folder in your book bag with a picture book, reading card and a sheet to initial. Picture books are a great way to build confidence and to show the children that we’re all ‘readers’ from our very first day in Reception. As we begin to learn letter sounds and keywords, we will replace the picture book with a book with words. If you would like a new picture book, please change the traffic light to green. We ask you to keep the book for a couple of days so that you can revisit the story.

Tomorrow, there will be an appointment sheet to book a ‘settling-in’ meeting. During this time, I will describe your child’s first few days at school, share important information and it's a good opportunity to ask any questions. I’ll pop the sheet on the cupboard opposite the wooden gate.

Forest School sessions will start Friday, 4^th October. Until this time, please dress the children in their usual school uniform. The children will just need jogging bottoms and trainers on Forest School Fridays.

We will keep the same morning routine where one parent is more than welcome to come into the classroom to help with belongings. As soon as your child is ready, you can say ‘goodbye’ at the classroom door and then keep working back until you can say ‘goodbye’ at the main gate. All children are different. Some children might want to walk in independently from day 1 and other children might just need a little more time.

I can’t wait to see those little faces in the morning.

Mrs Webb, Mrs Reid, Mrs Cain and Miss Davis xxx

P.S. A big 'well done' to all those parents who might have been feeling a bit ‘wobbly’ this morning too. You were all remarkable at letting your children take those first few steps into school. School is a big adventure for them and for you too. Let’s do it all again tomorrow.