We Are Learning… To Count and Find out How Many
We will be focusing on developing number confidence, in particular knowledge around number and counting. We will be exploring maths resources, singing number songs and looking at number stories.
The book Ten Black Dots is a fun counting book written by Donald Crews. It’s simple and engaging and explores what you can create with black dots. This book provides children with opportunities to practice counting and explore their creativity. You can watch the story together on YouTube.
Some of the children are able to recognise some numerals, particularly those that are significant to them, such as their age. We will be looking at numbers in the environment and would love it if you could provide a photo of your child next to their house number. They can be emailed to littlehayesn@bristol-schools.uk
You might like to play a number spotting game with your child and encourage them to keep an eye out for any numbers in the environment (house numbers, car registrations, speed signs etc). Get spotting! Find out about more ways to support maths at home on The Early Childhood Maths Group website
We Are Learning… To use Time Language to Sequence Events in Real Life, and in a Story
We have been using our visual timetable to talk with the children about the sequence of the day and what will happen next and later. This term we are reading Whatever Next! by Jill Murphy, a story about Baby Bear, who wants to make a rocket and fly to the moon. The children will be learning to retell the story using the language of time, first, next, then, after and finally. There will also be lots of opportunities for imaginative storytelling and exploration with boxes and other props from the story. See the attached story map.
Whatever Next! story map
Once upon a time there was a Baby Bear who wanted to go to the moon.
One night he made a rocket and flew up the chimney with a WHOOSH!
First, he met a friendly owl.
Next, he waved at an aeroplane.
Then, he landed on the moon and ate a yummy picnic.
Suddenly, it started to rain, so he flew home
Finally, he went down the chimney and fell on the floor with a BUMP!
At bath time Baby Bear said, “I went to the moon”. “You and your stories!” said Mrs Bear.
“Whatever Next!”
The End.
We Are Learning… To Remember (and Talk about) Significant Events
This term there are lots of events and festivals including Halloween, Diwali, bonfire night, and Christmas.
Linked to bonfire night, we will be creating firework pictures using different tools (such as spinners, pipettes and syringes), learning an action song, The Firework Song and joining in firework dancing using ribbons and scarves. You can see Ellie singing this song and others on our website, Songs, Rhymes and Stories – Little Hayes and Speedwell Nursery Schools
We will be creating large scale collaborative artwork using syringes, rollers and large brushes. Creative, messy and lots of fun!
Come and meet the owl!
Following on from last terms Owl Babies story and this terms Whatever Next! (which feature an owl as one of it’s characters), we will be learning more about owls, such as their features, food and habitat. We will be learning some vocabulary to describe and talk about them e.g. feathers, wings, talons, beak, swoop, carnivore and nocturnal.
On Wednesday 26 November we will be visited at nursery by a real owl. The owl will be around at morning home time (11.30) and afternoon drop off (12.30) so that you can come and meet it and take photos with your child.
We are learning… To Participate in Shared Reading and Respond to Elements of a Story
We will be using Tales Toolkit, alongside books and story maps during our daily story times. Tales Toolkit uses resources labelled with easily recognised symbols for Character, Setting, Problem and Solution giving the children a tool to independently weave magical tales. Find out more at www.talestoolkit.com
The children can access books in our reading area throughout the day, and we offer a variety of fiction, non-fiction, familiar and new stories. Please continue to support their reading at home by bringing in their book bags every Wednesday.
If your child doesn’t have a book bag yet, please let their key person know.
Find out more about sharing stories and supporting your child’s reading at www.wordsforlife.org.uk
Starting primary school in September 2027
If your child was born between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023 you will need to apply for a school place by 15th January 2027 (to start Reception in September 2027)
If you live within Bristol Local Authority go to: Apply for a new reception primary place
If you live in South Gloucestershire visit: South Glos LIFE | Apply online for a school place
If you need help with applying, please speak to your key person or one of the admin team.
