In Pre-school this week we are learning: 15-1-18 Our theme is Winter Book of the week Here comes Jack Frost COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE/LITERACY Enjoys rhyming and rhythmic activities. Shows awareness of rhyme Shows interest in play with sounds, songs and rhymes. Questions why things happen and gives explanations. Asks e.g. who, what, when, how. Uses talk to connect ideas, explain what is happening and anticipate what might happen next, recall and relive past experiences. Beginning to use more complex sentences to link thoughts (e.g. using and, because). Listens to stories with increasing attention and recall. Responds to simple instructions, e.g. to get or put away an object. Focusing attention – still listen or do, but can shift own attention. Two-channelled attention – can listen and do for short span. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Dresses with help Draws lines and circles using gross motor movements. Holds pencil near point between first two fingers and thumb and uses it with good control. Can copy some letters, e.g. letters from their name. Experiments with different ways of moving. Uses one-handed tools and equipment, e.g. makes snips in paper with child scissors Understands that equipment and tools have to be used safely. Shows understanding of the need for safety when tackling new challenges, and considers and manages some risks. PERSONAL, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Begins to accept the needs of others and can take turns and share resources, sometimes with support from others. Keeps play going by responding to what others are saying or doing. MATHEMATICS Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements. Selects a particular named shape. Uses familiar objects and common shapes to create and recreate patterns and build models. Sometimes matches numeral and quantity correctly. Counts objects to 10, and beginning to count beyond 10. Finds the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them. Compares two groups of objects, saying when they have the same number Uses the language of ‘more’ and ‘fewer’ to compare two sets of objects. UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD Can talk about some of the things they have observed such as plants, animals, natural and found objects. Talks about why things happen and how things work. Developing an understanding of growth, decay and changes over time. EXPRESSIVE ARTS AND DESIGN Joins in singing favourite songs. Imitates movement in response to music. Create simple representations of events, people and objects. Manipulates materials to achieve a planned effect. RELIGION Learn songs about being special to God and part of God’s Family. How you can help: This week we are using shapes to create winter pictures. Ask your child to point out any shapes they see and explain how they know e.g. It’s a triangle because it has 3 straight sides.

Homework Task During Winter we need to keep warm. Draw a picture of yourself all wrapped up in your winter clothes. Has your child demonstrated any of theses skills at home? Other information: We shall be sending our weekly newsletters by text this term. It also on our website. Please use the planner to share your thoughts about this and your child’s experiences at home. PE is on Tuesday morning – can you please ensure that all your child’s clothing is labelled with their name to help us find it when it strays! Reception place applications – the closing date is Monday 15th January 2018 Half term – we break up on Friday 16th February and return to school on Monday 26th February Mother’s Day Celebrations on Friday 9th March at 2pm in the school hall