This week in the Barrier Reef Early Years unit, the children have continued their exciting learning within our topic Outer Space, showing great curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm across the curriculum.

As scientists, the children have been learning all about how astronauts live in space. A particular highlight was discovering how astronauts go to the toilet and wash their hair in space, which fascinated the children and led to lots of thoughtful questions, laughter and discussion. They also carried out experiments to test which foods might be good to eat in space and which might get messy, they all agreed that yogurt and custard might float around!

As artists, the children have been busy at our art table designing and creating planets using chalk pastels. They learned how to smudge and blend colours together, creating a wonderful effect and some imaginative and vibrant planet artwork.

As storytellers, it has been lovely to see some of the children re-enacting story texts from this term, making their own props to support role play and creating their own stories using our Tales Toolkit bags while playing in the provision. The children have been observed used lots of wonderful new vocabulary and have shown growing confidence in sharing their ideas with eachother.

As musicians, the children have been singing solo and developing their listening skills by identifying the sounds of hidden percussion instruments.

As mathematicians, our Pre-School children have been sorting objects by shape and size and talking about what they notice. Reception children have been focusing on the concept of one more and one less and have begun exploring different ways to make five through a fun beanbag throwing game.

As respectful citizens, our Golden Rule this week has been Being Honest and not covering up the truth. Amara, Mila and Aariz were chosen as our Behaviour Heroes for following this rule, and we celebrated their achievement together.

As poets, the children have been enjoying our poem from the poetry basket, Flying Saucer, and joining in with familiar words and actions.

Reminders

Thank you to those parents and carers who have returned toys to us. Please remind your child that they should not be taking toys or resources from school.
Please also check that your child has plenty of spare clothes in school in case they need to change.

Home Learning

Reading (Reception): Please support your child to complete 5 minutes of reading each day to help build fluency and confidence. Use the logins sent home on the sound mats to access the online eBook, and continue reading the physical book in your child’s book bag.

Handwriting: Please support your child to complete their handwriting homework. It is really important that they practise forming letters correctly using the phrase on the sheet as a guide. Encouraging your child to say the phrase out loud while writing will help them to get it right.

Coming Up

Science Oxford Planetarium Visit (Reception): Next week, Science Oxford will be visiting Reception with their amazing planetarium, which we are very excited about. There are still some outstanding payments for this experience. Please pay £7.20 via MCAS or send cash into school.

Mother’s Day Tea: Friday 13th March at 1:30pm. Significant female family members of Reception children are invited to join us for a hot drink, delicious cake and some musical entertainment.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We are very proud of the children’s learning and look forward to another exciting week ahead.

Enjoy your weekend,
The Barrier Reef Early Years Team