FS1 Notices

Phonics

In phonics this week, we have been continuing to practise reading and writing words using the sounds we already know. The children have been working hard to recognise and blend sounds together to read simple words with increasing confidence and independence.

As part of our learning, the children have enjoyed reading words and matching them to the correct object or picture. This has helped to develop their understanding of vocabulary, strengthen their decoding skills, and encourage careful listening to sounds within words.

We have also been practising segmenting words into individual sounds to support early writing. The children have been trying hard to hear the beginning, middle, and ending sounds in words and record them using the correct letters. It has been wonderful to see their growing confidence and enthusiasm during our phonics sessions.

Please continue to support your child at home by practising the sounds we have learned and encouraging them to spot and read simple words in books and around the environment. Details of how you can help at home can be found on Google Classroom. 

Mathematics

In Maths this week, we have been continuing to learn about subitising — recognising how many objects there are without needing to count each one individually. The children explored this through a range of fun and practical games using dice, flashcards, counters, and finger patterns, encouraging them to quickly identify amounts at a glance. We began by recognising groups to 3 confidently and then moved on to recognising groups to 5.

The children enjoyed looking carefully at different arrangements of objects and talking about what they noticed. We encouraged them to explain how they knew how many there were, helping to build important mathematical language and reasoning skills. These activities support the development of strong early number sense, improve confidence with numbers, and help children begin to recognise patterns in amounts. Details of how you can help at home can be found on Google Classroom. 

Library

In the library this week, we enjoyed reading the story Hank Goes Honk by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie. The story follows Hank, a little goose who feels worried because he cannot honk like the other geese. Hank tries very hard to make the perfect honking sound and wonders if he will ever fit in. Along the way, he discovers that everyone is different and that being yourself is something to celebrate.

During our discussions, the children talked about how Hank may have been feeling at different points in the story and why it is important to be kind and encouraging to others. We explored themes such as friendship, perseverance, confidence, and celebrating what makes us unique. The children also enjoyed joining in with the repeated sounds and discussing their favourite parts of the story and illustrations.

We spoke about how sometimes learning new things can feel tricky at first, but with practice, patience, and support from others, we can grow in confidence. The children made wonderful connections between Hank’s experiences and times when they have learned something new themselves.

PE Lessons

In Term 3, FS1 will have a PE lesson every Thursday.  There is no PE kit necessary - just their usual uniform. However, please send them in wearing trainers every Thursday. 

Reading book

On Tuesday, children will be sent home with a reading book, alongside their library book. The reading book is designed to encourage children to use their imagination and storytelling skills, allowing them to “read” the story to you using their own ideas and creative language. Some of these books may contain few or no words, giving children the opportunity to take the lead in telling the story.

Please return both the reading book and library book to school the following Tuesday, when they will be changed.

Monster Phonics

Monster Phonics have created a series of short, practical parent videos designed to guide families through how to support early reading and phonics in a simple and accessible way. These are ideal for sharing with parents to build confidence and consistency between school and home. Please see the Monster Phonics poster here.

• Library: Our library sessions will take place on Tuesdays. Please ensure that books are returned on Tuesday mornings so your child can borrow a new one to enjoy at home.

• Please note that we promote healthy eating, it is important that snack boxes contain healthy food and perhaps a small ‘treat.’ 

• Correct uniform is to be worn by the children, please check the school website if you are unsure. FS1 children do not need a PE uniform. 

• We do require a change of clothes in a labeled bag in case of any accidents. This will remain in school instead of being sent home each day.

• Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries. 

Thank you for your continued support at home - it makes a huge difference to the children’s confidence and progress in school. Please do not hesitate to contact the Primary Office if you have any questions or queries.

Gate opening times

Please note that the Blue EYFS Gate opens at 7:10 am and closes promptly at 7:30 am. Punctuality is very important, as FS2 children begin structured phonics and maths sessions during this time.

We are always available at the gate for quick questions or to hear any information you would like to share about your child. Please speak to us if you have anything important to let us know.

Meet and Greet Presentations

• Miss Dellman's presentation

• FS1 Classroom presentation

• Specialists presentation

Term 3 Curriculum Newsletter

Please click here for the FS1 Curriculum Newsletter for Term 3

Absences

If your child is unwell, leaving early or coming in late please complete the Absence Form and the class teacher will be informed.