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.
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 speedwell.n@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.
Whatever Next! Story Map
Come and Meet the Owl!
Following on from last term’s Owl Babies story and this term’s Whatever Next! (which both feature an owl as one of their 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 11th 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.
We Are Learning… To Remember (and Talk About) Significant Events
This term there are lots of events and festivals, including Bonfire Night, Halloween, Diwali and Christmas.
Linked to Bonfire Night, we will be creating firework pictures and large-scale collaborative artwork using syringes, rollers and large brushes, and exploring colour and light in other ways.
We have been learning an action song with Ellie, On Firework Night at 5 O’Clock, and joining in firework dancing using ribbons and scarves. You can see a video of the song on our website, Songs, Rhymes and Stories – Little Hayes and Speedwell Nursery Schools.
Parents Connect
We will be holding our second Parents Connect session of this academic year on Thursday 10th December at 8.30.
Parents/carers who came last time said: “It was nice to talk to other parents”, “Good to hear others’ advice about the same issues I am having” and “It was good to meet the head teacher”.
We will be able to offer you the use of the laptop for school admissions, give you information on toileting and discuss the termly plans for the classroom. Our SENCO, Natalie W, will also be attending to discuss any concerns you have about your child’s development.
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.
