Hello everyone! Welcome to the Squirrels class page. Here you will find some helpful resources and information and also an overview of what we will be getting up to this half term.
In Reception, Mrs Bales is the class teacher and Mrs Tomlinson, Mrs Rowely, Mrs Newton and Miss Teather are the Early Years Practitioners who will be working with the children throughout the week.
Miss Harrison is the Early Years Co-ordinator who will be popping in lots to check we are having lots of fun whilst we learn. She will also be taking Squirrel Class for our weekly Forest School Session!
We want your child to be happy and to enjoy learning. If you have any questions or concerns please come and see us! Don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions, no matter how big or small. Email us at squirrels@coppice.derbyshire.sch.uk
Meet the Squirrels Class Team
Mrs L Bales - Reception class teacher
Mrs D Tomlinson - EYFS Practitioner
Mrs L Rowley - EYFS Practitioner
Miss S Kean - EYFS Teaching Assistant (on Maternity Leave)
Mrs S Newton - EYFS Teaching Assistant
Miss K Teather - EYFS Teaching Assistant
Our topic this term is
‘Winter Wonderland’
This term our topic is ‘Winter Wonderland'. We will be exploring different stories set in the season of winter.
Week 1 –One Snowy Night
Who is Percy the Park Keeper? Where does he live? What was the weather like? Which animals were in the story? Why do you think the animals wanted to come inside? How do you think the animals felt when they were cold? How would you feel if you were cold outside? How can we help others when they need help? Have you ever seen snow? What was it like? What clothes do we wear in winter to keep warm?
We will begin by exploring the story One Snowy Night. This text will help introduce children to winter themes and spark discussions about cold weather, snow, and the animals that live in winter environments.
Throughout the week, children will take part in a range of winter-themed activities within the classroom provision.
We will be learning about the animals featured in the story, finding out how they live and how winter affects them. Children will also share and build on their own knowledge by discussing what they already know about winter and seasonal changes.
In RE, children will explore the theme of the world and nature, reflecting on what they love about the natural world and how we can appreciate it.
In PSHE, we will focus on healthy and unhealthy choices. Children will take part in practical activities, including creating plates to represent healthy and unhealthy foods, helping them begin to understand how to look after their bodies.
In PE, we will start our gymnastics unit!
Week 2 - Here Comes Jack Frost
What signs of winter did we see on our walk? How did the trees look in winter? What was the weather like outside? What season are we in now? How is winter different from summer? What happens to water when it gets very cold? How did the water change? Why is it important to brush our teeth? When should we brush our teeth? What might happen if we do not brush our teeth? What do you think is special about our world?
This week, children will continue our Winter Wonderland topic through the story Here Comes Jack Frost. The book will help us explore seasonal changes and deepen our understanding of winter.
Children will be encouraged to look for signs of winter in their environment. We will go on a winter walk, observing changes such as colder weather, bare trees, frost, ice and winter clothing. These observations will support discussions about the differences between the seasons.
We will also explore winter weather, talking about what winter is like and how it differs from other times of the year. As part of our learning, children will take part in a simple science experiment to investigate what happens to water when it gets cold.
In PSHE, we will focus on the importance of brushing our teeth and how good hygiene helps us to stay healthy.
In RE, children will explore what they think is special about our world. We will have a go at expressing our ideas creatively by creating artwork about our favourite parts of our world.
Week 3 - Penguin Small and Happy Feet
Who is Penguin Small? What happened in the story? How is Penguin Small similar to Happy Feet? Where do penguins live? What is their home like? Is it hot or cold where penguins live? How does a penguin move? Why do we wash our hands? When should we wash our hands? What do Christians believe about how the world was made?
This week, children will explore the winter-themed story Penguin Small and watch clips from the film Happy Feet to support their understanding of penguins and cold environments.
We will learn about penguins, finding out where they live and exploring their habitat. We will discover how penguins are adapted to live in cold places and what makes their environment special.
To support physical development and creativity, children will have a chance to move like a penguin through dance and movement activities.
In PSHE, we will continue learning about staying healthy, focusing on the importance of washing our hands. Children will learn about germs and why good hygiene helps to keep us and others healthy.
In RE, children will explore the Christian creation story, learning about how Christians believe the world was made and reflecting on the importance of caring for our world.
Week 4 - Frozen
Who are the characters in Frozen? Who is your favourite character? Why? How does Elsa feel in the story? How does Anna feel when she is trying to help her sister? How do the characters show kindness and friendship? How would you feel if you had special powers like Elsa? How do you think Elsa felt when she was alone? What can you see in Gustav Klimt’s artwork? What colours has the artist used? Do you like or dislike the artwork? Why? When do we need medicine? Who gives us medicine?
This week, children will continue exploring our Winter Wonderland topic through the film Frozen. Using the story and characters, we will focus on understanding feelings and emotions, helping children to talk about how characters feel and why.
Children will learn about the main characters in the film and explore themes such as kindness, friendship, and helping others. These discussions will support children’s emotional development and understanding of relationships.
In Art, we will be introduced to the artist Gustav Klimt. Children will look closely at some of his artwork, discussing what they like and dislike, the colours and patterns they can see, and how the artwork makes them feel. This will encourage observation, communication, and creative thinking.
In PSHE, we will continue learning about staying healthy by exploring medicine. Children will learn when and why medicine is used and who gives it to us. During adult-led group activities, they will take part in sorting activities to identify medicine and non-medicine, helping them to understand safety and personal wellbeing.
Week 5 - The Way Home for Wolf
Which animals did we learn about this week? Where do polar bears, wolves, and narwhals live? What helps these animals survive in the cold? Can all animals live in cold places? Why or why not? How is a cold habitat different from a warm one? What other animals live in warm places? What would happen if a polar bear tried to live somewhere hot?
This week, children will continue our Winter Wonderland topic through the story The Way Home for Wolf. The story will help children explore animals that live in cold environments and think about how animals are suited to different habitats.
We will learn about a range of cold-climate animals, including polar bears, wolves, and narwhals. Children will find out what makes these animals suitable for cold weather, such as thick fur, blubber, or living in groups. We will also explore whether all animals can live in cold places, helping children to compare habitats and understand differences in the natural world.
In PSHE, children will build on their learning about medicine and staying healthy. Using the familiar story of Humpty Dumpty, they will think about how we could look after him after his fall, discussing care, kindness, and who helps us when we are hurt or unwell.
In RE, children will deepen their understanding of the Christian Creation Story by acting it out. This will help them remember key parts of the story and reflect on the importance of caring for the world and all living things.
In Art, children will create their own artwork inspired by Gustav Klimt, using patterns, colours, and decorative details to express their creativity and personal ideas.
Week 6 – Zog and Chinese New Year
What happens at Chinese New Year? Which animals had a race? What vegetables are in our stir fry? What did Zog do? What accidents did Zog have? How could we help Zog? What would Zog enjoy if he came to our school? What would you like your dragon to look like?
To finish off the term, we will be looking at Zog! – the flying dragon. We will also be looking at Chinese New Year this week. We will be finding out the story of Chinese New Year and finding out what animals took part in the race. Can you predict which animal won? How did the Rat win in the end? We will also find out what animal we are, based on the year we were born.
As part of learning about Chinese New Year, we are going to have a go at making our own Chinese stir fry. We will cut up the different vegetables we need and watch as they cook. Afterwards, we will all sit down and try the food we have made. Yummy!
We will be creating our own Chinese New Year silhouette paintings. This year is the year of the horse, we will be creating snake silhouette paintings by sponging red and yellow paint around a stencil.
Reception Important Diary Dates
Here are the dates we have so far for this half term. We will continue to add to them as the half term progresses. Also remember to check your weekly newsletter for the most up to date information.
January:
- Monday 5th: First Day back!
February:
- Friday 13th: Last day of term!
Knowledge Organiser
To see the Knowledge Organiser for this half term please click on the link below:
Magical Monsters Knowledge Orangiser
Topic Web
To see the Topic Web for this half term please click on the link below:
Stomp, Chomp, Roar - Here Come the Dinosaurs Topic Web
Parent phonics information
Parents information Powerpoint : Meet the Level 2 Twinkl Phonics Family
The Early Years Foundation Stage
In Squirrels class we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage which is organised into seven areas of learning. These seven areas are as follows:
PSED - Personal, social, emotional development (developing self confidence and self awareness, making relationships as well as managing behaviour and feelings).
CL - Communication and Language (speaking, listening and understanding)
PD - Physical development (moving and handling as well as health and self care)
LIT - Literacy (reading and writing)
MATHS - Mathematics (numbers, shape, space and measures)
UW - Understanding the World (people and communities, the world and technology)
EAD - Expressive Arts and Design (exploring and using media and materials as well as being imaginative!)
Expectations
In school we have a set of non-negotiables for Literacy and Mathematics for the children to aspire to by the end of each year group. Click below to see what is expected by the end of their time in Squirrels class (end of EYFS).
Writing non-negotiables for Squirrels class
Mathematics non-negotiables for Squirrels class
We work towards the Early Learning Goals (ELG's) in Squirrels class. Click on the document to see what the Early Years curriculum is all about and what the children should be able to do by the end of their time in Squirrels class.
EYFS curriculum explained for Parents/carers
Squirrels' Stars of the Week
At our school we have a special 'star of the week' from each class! In Squirrels class we have Sammy Squirrel who goes home with the star of the week for a whole week and he has a special diary for the star of the week to fill in ready to be shared with the class the following week. Sammy can't wait to meet you!
Our School Values
Each week we have a new value – 12 in total. The children will have an assembly Monday morning about how to show and give respect to others both in school and at home! We will be expecting this to be demonstrated to all members of our Coppice community, it is important that even when we move onto a new value, the old one isn’t lost.
Our new core values will now form the basis of our ambassador passports (these have now been renamed – core value passports and the children can achieve their bronze, silver and gold awards throughout the year for each core value. We will of course keep you informed about how your child is getting on with this throughout the year.
Each week Mrs Seaton will send out a Newsletter that will reflect the value we are working on so that it can also be supported at home. We look forward to seeing our children bright and early ready to embrace the new weekly challenges!
Learning Journeys
During the last few years we have developed the way that we collect observations about what your child can do during their time in Nursery. Your child will have a gorgeous book called 'My Little Book of Adventures' where we put in evidence of what your child has been learning! As part of this we will be using an app called 'Tapestry' on our iPads to take photographs of your child completing different activities and make notes about what they are doing. One of the best features of this is that we can email you all the evidence we collect! You can also let us know of any 'wow' moments you witness at home. We will be sending home an information letter and permission form for this during the beginning of September!
We also love to hear what your child has achieved at home and so we ask you fill in proud clouds and share them with us!
Proud cloud letter - September 2022
Proud cloud template - September 2022
Information for Parents
The EYFS curriculum for parents/carers handout
Dough disco information leaflet
Letters and Sounds Phase 1 booklet
Letters and Sounds Phase 2 booklet
Letters and Sounds Phase 3 booklet
Coppice Primary School and Nursery - Early language development booklet for parents
Small Talk booklet - age related expectations related to communication
Communication friendly environments
Finger Rhymes
Stay and Play sessions
Each term we have a stay and play session so parents, carers and other family member can join us in Squirrels class to see what we do. The children love showing everyone their classroom and the type of activities we do every day in Squirrels class. We always end with an activity for both children and adults. This could be a story, a squiggle, a dough disco or a dance! Who knows!! We like to keep it a surprise!!
The children love showing their grown ups the Squirrels classroom and EYFS outside area. We cannot wait to welcome you to our stay and play sessions this year!
Have a question or concern?
We understand that there are times when you might have a question or concern! You have an open door policy in our school and you are always welcome and to come and speak to any member of staff. You can email me at Squirrels@coppice.derbyshire.sch.uk or our EYFS co-ordinator, Miss Harrison, at kharrison4@coppice.derbyshire.sch.uk. Alternatively you can ring school on 01773 712840 and we will do all we can to help.
Helping at home
There are lots of things you can do to help your child. We don't have formal homework in Squirrels class but below are some ideas of what you can do which are quick and easy and will help your child consolidate skills we have taught in school. Look on each topic web for some challenges we have set the children to help them gain extra points for their reward chart in school! If you would like any help or support please ask any member of EYFS staff. We would be more than happy to help with ideas!
Reading
Your child has a reading folder which includes flashcards, a homework book and reading book. Please practise these for 5 - 10 minutes every night if possible. We will hear your child read every week in school and will practise letter sounds and high frequency words in our Twinkl Phonic activities.
Phonics
Every week your child will have a phonics activity to complete at home. As we move through Level 2 and Level 3 phonics they will also be bringing flashcards home to practise.
Writing
Encourage your child to write their names on invitations and cards reminding them to have a capital letter at the beginning! As they learn their letter sounds help them practise writing them using the correct letter formation.
Mathematics
Play board games such as 'snakes and ladders' to encourage your child to count spaces to move their counters forwards or backward. When you are walking as the children to count how many foot steps from one place to another and ask the children to identify different numbers they see on doors or buses. Practise counting in order to at least twenty and backwards to zero.
Life skills
Encourage your child to put on and fasten their own coat, to put on their own shoes and to get dressed and undress by themselves. Remind them to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before eating a meal. When eating encourage your child to use a knife and fork correctly.