Class 1 2023 - 2024

Hello and a very big welcome to Class 1!

In class one we strive to create a happy, safe, caring and stimulating environment where we can all learn and grow together

This first half term is all about settling into our new class and developing relationships with those around us. We will focus on establishing our daily routines, whilst developing understanding of expectations and boundaries. We will be working on our listening, attention and communication skills and will be learning to follow simple instructions with visual support within daily activities. Examples of visuals used include Now and Next boards, visual timetables, choice and theme boards. We will also spend time developing self-care routines and independence skills, and learning how to stay healthy and keep safe. Most importantly, we will be learning through play and will have fun exploring activities within our new classroom and lovely outdoor area!

In Class 1 we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and enjoy exploring activities across the different areas of continuous provision. (Please visit the following website for more information on the EYFS curriculum - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 )

This half term our topic is ‘Ourselves’. In our daily Literacy lessons will be exploring the book and accompanying song, ‘If you’re happy and you know it’, by Anna McQuinn. Then we will move onto a sensory story based around ‘The Family Book’ by Tod Parr. We will be focusing on copying actions, and anticipation and engagement with story props. In phonics we will be developing our listening skills through a variety games and activities and will begin learning our letter sounds. We will have daily opportunities to explore mark-making both indoors and outdoors. In Mathematics we will developing our understanding of number and numerical patterns, and will begin by engaging with a variety of fun counting rhymes and songs. In the afternoons we will be enjoying a range of songs on the theme of ‘Ourselves’ in our daily Music and Movement sessions. We will spend time exploring different musical instruments and how different sounds are made. We will also be experimenting with different materials and being creative and expressive whilst completing a wide variety of arts and crafts, malleable, and messy play activities! We also enjoy tac pac, which is a sensory communication approach combining touch and music (https://tacpac.co.uk/ ), and

our daily dough disco sessions which support development of fine motor skills. Communication is key to everything we do in class – visuals and Makaton are used to support and reinforce children’s understanding throughout the day and children are provided with opportunities to request and make choices for themselves wherever possible. We work hard to promote children’s confidence and self-esteem, supported through the development of caring relationships and secure attachments to key adults in class. In class 1 our aim is prepare our children for year 1 through teaching them the valuable skills and knowledge they will need to progress through school, and into adult life.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in contact – we are always happy to help. We believe strong parent-school partnerships are crucial to our children’s success and really appreciate your feedback and continuing support.

Thank you so much

Chantelle, Debra, Maria and Susan