On 4th June, I will return to F1 after my foot operation. It's been six weeks of foot elevation and no weight-bearing. I am now in phase 2 of the recovery and physio is helping me walk on it again properly. I've been instructed to ease into work gradually so have to be mostly desk-based for the first 3 weeks back. However, I am very much looking forward to seeing you all again and excited for the fun activities we have planned during our final, busiest and hopefully sunniest term together.
I will be bringing in my adjustable crutches for the children to explore. We will have a special delivery this week (look out for the Tapestry observations for more info). It's also the term for Fathers Day, sports day (Mon 8th July or rain-date: Wed 10th July), school trip (Tues 11th June), International day (Wed 17th July), Tempest photos (Thur 13th June), transition arrangements and school reports..... oh, and a drama workshop (Friday 7th June).
We will have an EY 'stay and play' for the Dad's, Grand-Dad's and any family member - male or female - for children who attend on the morning of Friday14th in F1 and F2. It will be from 9-10.15am.
We welcome Matej to our class on the 4th, and prepare to say good-bye to a few of our children who are moving to other schools for next academic year.
Enjoy the rest of half term and see you on Tuesday. YEY!
Wednesday, 29 May 2019
Tuesday, 19 March 2019
Science week
Science week was awesome!!!!!
We had so much fun doing scientific experiments - inside and outside. The children really enjoyed exploring, experimenting, observing changes, investigating and predicting. So much learning took place whilst developing their scientific minds.
We focused on colour change and added water to a plate of skittles - admiring how the dye from the skittles changed the water into a rainbow. Then we examined the underneath of the skittles and they had turned white. After an hour or so, we went back to the plate and found the skittles had disappeared - they had dissolved.
We made a volcano out of playdough (wrapped around a bottle). We explored the white powder (bicarbonate of soda) and the clear liquid (white vinegar which smelt disgusting!). When the two ingredients mixed, we observed the lava (orange foam) pouring out of the top of our volcano. We predicted and explored what happened when we added more.
We all discovered how stamping hard on the foot pump of a foam rocket launcher made the rocket zoom high in the sky, and why/how that happened. The windy day made the rocket fly on all directions. We made our own rockets and used them in the playground to fly to different laminated planets.
Outside, we planted, observed different vegetables and made perfume using herbs, coloured water, petals and old flower heads. We were exploring using pipettes and test-tubes.
A fun week of learning.
We had so much fun doing scientific experiments - inside and outside. The children really enjoyed exploring, experimenting, observing changes, investigating and predicting. So much learning took place whilst developing their scientific minds.
We focused on colour change and added water to a plate of skittles - admiring how the dye from the skittles changed the water into a rainbow. Then we examined the underneath of the skittles and they had turned white. After an hour or so, we went back to the plate and found the skittles had disappeared - they had dissolved.
We made a volcano out of playdough (wrapped around a bottle). We explored the white powder (bicarbonate of soda) and the clear liquid (white vinegar which smelt disgusting!). When the two ingredients mixed, we observed the lava (orange foam) pouring out of the top of our volcano. We predicted and explored what happened when we added more.
We all discovered how stamping hard on the foot pump of a foam rocket launcher made the rocket zoom high in the sky, and why/how that happened. The windy day made the rocket fly on all directions. We made our own rockets and used them in the playground to fly to different laminated planets.
Outside, we planted, observed different vegetables and made perfume using herbs, coloured water, petals and old flower heads. We were exploring using pipettes and test-tubes.
A fun week of learning.
Friday, 15 February 2019
Half Term
Dear Parents / carers,
Happy sunny Friday. We wish you all a lovely half term.
On our return, we will be changing some topics in worship, movement in music and PE. This to ensure we cover a wide range of curriculum activities and expose our children to lots of different skills in an age-appropriate and interactive way.
WORSHIP: We finished our 'helpfulness' topic this week and will start a new topic - "Easter". The unit overview is the Truth: Salvation, through Jesus' death and resurrection, is God's Best Gift.
MOVEMENT IN MUSIC: We finished our "Instruments - sounds, beat and rhythm" topic and will start a new topic - "Different scales, pitch awareness and voice sounds". However, the first week is a settling back week and the second week will not happen due to Tempest Photography being set up in the hall and taking individual photos of your children. Movement in music will therefore start on 12.3.19.
PE : We will be extending our 'moving in different ways topic. F1 and F2 will be splitting up for PE due to the increased number of children. We will be using the wooden wall climbing equipment to extend the children's climbing skills and following our safety rules. We will move around obstacle courses and also do some Spring and growth dances.
I have sent home a sheet entitled 'Half Term Snaps'. Please could you attach some printed photos to this sheet with an explanation on what your child did. We look forward to sharing these sheets and hearing more about what your children have been up to.
We will be planting seeds on our return - learning more about growth and change. We will continue to take many walks around the beautiful Newbold college grounds too.
We welcome Rosie to our class too.
Enjoy the sunshine and the break
Kind regards,
Mrs Jennings
BA (Hons) 1st
Early Years Manager
Monday, 28 January 2019
January 2019
WELCOME TO THE FIRST MONTH OF 2019.
We welcome a new starter: Josie, and will welcome another new starter after half term: Rosie.
This half term starts with a new worship topic: 'Helpfulness'. We are learning that helpful hands are kind hands. We ask ourselves: How can we be a gift? We can use our kind hands to help.
We also start a new focus in 'movement in music' : Instruments - sounds, beat and rhythms.
In PE, we will be developing our ball skills (rolling, throwing, passing, catching, bouncing and kicking), as well as performing ring games and circle dances - following instructions. Each PE lesson will start with a coordinated aerobic warm-up.
Other adult-led activities include the 3 ability-based phonic groups each day, which are short, interactive and fun. I have just introduced a daily small group activity for the children who have attended F1 since before the start of this academic year. This sessions focus on extending literacy (reading and writing) skills and maths (numbers and shape, space, measure) skills. These children are all enjoying these activities and progressing very well.
The children are enjoying learning through play and this is child-led and quite often leads to in-the-moment learning. A classic example of this was last week, when a number hunt in the woods turned into the realisation that number 11 was missing. The children had convinced themselves that a cheeky fox had taken it, and maybe ate it. At lunchtime, a letter was left for us from the fox, saying he had thought that the number 11 was for him as it was his birthday and he was 11 today. We voted on what to do (let him keep it or ask for it back) and it was agreed that the fox shouldn't have taken it as it wasn't his to take. The children had a great idea: make him a birthday card - lots of imaginative drawing and writing came next, and another trip to the woods was in hand. We left our card, an orange and a sock (as the video footage we watched as part of our research into what foxes like, included fruit and socks).
The next day, we went back to the woods and to our surprise, the number 11 had been returned as well as a thank you note. The birthday card had gone, and so had the sock. During our walk to the woods, we saw orange peel on the ground. This in-the-moment activity lasted 2 days, ignited such interest, developed skills in the 7 areas of learning and developed a positive mindset.
The children love 'Toast Tuesday' - where they develop their skills in using tools, noticing changes, using their senses. The UK wide "big garden birdwatch' of 2019 was fun and educational last week. The bread the children threw resulted in us seeing lots of pigeons, magpies, crows and even a robin. Thank you to those children who carried on this activity with their parents at the weekend.
We look forward to the rest of this half term and want to thank you - the parents - for your continued support.
From The F1 team.
We welcome a new starter: Josie, and will welcome another new starter after half term: Rosie.
This half term starts with a new worship topic: 'Helpfulness'. We are learning that helpful hands are kind hands. We ask ourselves: How can we be a gift? We can use our kind hands to help.
We also start a new focus in 'movement in music' : Instruments - sounds, beat and rhythms.
In PE, we will be developing our ball skills (rolling, throwing, passing, catching, bouncing and kicking), as well as performing ring games and circle dances - following instructions. Each PE lesson will start with a coordinated aerobic warm-up.
Other adult-led activities include the 3 ability-based phonic groups each day, which are short, interactive and fun. I have just introduced a daily small group activity for the children who have attended F1 since before the start of this academic year. This sessions focus on extending literacy (reading and writing) skills and maths (numbers and shape, space, measure) skills. These children are all enjoying these activities and progressing very well.
The children are enjoying learning through play and this is child-led and quite often leads to in-the-moment learning. A classic example of this was last week, when a number hunt in the woods turned into the realisation that number 11 was missing. The children had convinced themselves that a cheeky fox had taken it, and maybe ate it. At lunchtime, a letter was left for us from the fox, saying he had thought that the number 11 was for him as it was his birthday and he was 11 today. We voted on what to do (let him keep it or ask for it back) and it was agreed that the fox shouldn't have taken it as it wasn't his to take. The children had a great idea: make him a birthday card - lots of imaginative drawing and writing came next, and another trip to the woods was in hand. We left our card, an orange and a sock (as the video footage we watched as part of our research into what foxes like, included fruit and socks).
The next day, we went back to the woods and to our surprise, the number 11 had been returned as well as a thank you note. The birthday card had gone, and so had the sock. During our walk to the woods, we saw orange peel on the ground. This in-the-moment activity lasted 2 days, ignited such interest, developed skills in the 7 areas of learning and developed a positive mindset.
The children love 'Toast Tuesday' - where they develop their skills in using tools, noticing changes, using their senses. The UK wide "big garden birdwatch' of 2019 was fun and educational last week. The bread the children threw resulted in us seeing lots of pigeons, magpies, crows and even a robin. Thank you to those children who carried on this activity with their parents at the weekend.
We look forward to the rest of this half term and want to thank you - the parents - for your continued support.
From The F1 team.
Wednesday, 7 November 2018
New half term - Nov 18
Dear Parents,
We have had a lovely week this week and the children have settled into the new term really quickly.
There will be a change in the way we distribute 'goodies from home' for children's birthdays. If you would like to send in sweets, this is by no means obligatory, please can you send in individual packets of sweets that can be put in children's book bags. Please send them in the morning and please do not send in individual cupcakes or cake that needs to be sliced.
We will make sure the children know that the sweets have gone in their bag and the class will say thank you. I'm sure you can understand that the handover period is a busy time and we need to ensure children's safety at this busy time. Thanks for your cooperation. As always, if you have any questions, please ask.
Our offsite 'Pumpkin Walk' will take place on Monday 12th November to Popeswood Meadow area. This is weather permitting. If it is raining - we will reschedule. I have completed a risk assessment and you have already signed permission for local trips. We have 8 adult helpers so are covered in ratio and we will ensure constant supervision. All children will wear hi-vis vests and two adults will stop the traffic on the road when we cross it. We will be exploring the local meadow, play on the equipment and find a pumpkin (pre-hidden by me) - then we will sing some ring games around it.
Please see me if you have any concerns or questions.
What have we been doing this week?
The main interest this week, was Mrs McCormac's BIG birthday (and Ocean's too). We had a fabulous day on Thursday - decorating cakes, looking at toys that were popular in 1968, listening to birthday stories and playing musical bumps/statues/chairs. We also did lots of art with leaves, enjoyed number games and moved in/on/under/through equipment in our obstacle course PE lesson.
What will we be learning next week? - This week there's a lot going on........
Next week we will be discussing their experience of firework displays, how to keep safe and making firework art using a variety of resources. We will also be talking about Diwali and have a dance workshop on Thursday. We will be making Diwali candle Divas, doing some art and listening to a Diwali story. We will also be learning some Diwali dance moves and will use scarves to move like fireworks in PE. Later in the week we will be making poppies for Remembrance day and discussing the relevance of this occasion. This is the video that I will be sharing with the children - it's age appropriate and through our discussion helps them to gain an understanding of war.
Saturday, 21 April 2018
Summer Term 2018
Welcome to the final term of this academic year - the best one due to the weather!
The sun has been shining all week and we've had a great first week back. We have welcomed new children: Ava, Inam, Adam and Zara. All four children has settled really well and seem to already love coming to school.
We have made the most of the sunshine by playing and learning outside:
PE outside: throwing and aiming fun
Hockey fun.
Slide and apparatus fun
We sat outside in the shade and enjoyed our healthy snacks this week. We all enjoyed listening to stories outside too.
Then on Thursday a surprise parcel was delivered. We all guessed what could possibly be inside. We had some wonderful ideas but no-one actually guessed correctly. Inside the parcel were 10 tiny caterpillars in 2 feeding pots. WOW - we are so excited to watch them grow and change over the next few weeks before waving them off in the big wide world as butterflies.
Look carefully and you can see them in the pots in our display.
We even found time to make some cracker faces this week. The children looked in a mirror and chose which food represented their facial features the best. Here's an example of one lovely creation.
What a great first week back. We look forward to more exciting adventures this term. We have a school trip to Buckleberry Farm, International Day, another Stay and Play (for Father's Day) and Sport day to look forward to too,
Thanks for all your continued support. Remember it's the induction meeting for new parents on Monday 23rd April and a Parents Phonic workshop on Monday 30th April - both at 3pm.
from Mrs Jennings and the EY Team.
Thursday, 31 August 2017
Dear Parents and Children of F1,
WELCOME to the first newsletter of the academic year. I hope you all had a fabulous summer and are looking forward to school starting on Wednesday 6th September. We are so excited to meet all the new starters and welcome back the existing children. We are sure you will love coming to Foundation One and meeting lots of new friends to play with. Welcome also to the parents/carers of our new children – we look forward to working with you during your child’s time at Newbold as your child learns and grows in our nurturing environment.
On your first day back, parents are welcome to stay as long as they feel is necessary. The first few days will be spent settling in and exploring their new learning environment, as well as familiarising themselves with the routines. I will be introducing a new 'playground buddy' system for outside break-times. Some year 5 and 6 children will take on the responsibility of making playground times a happy place for our new children.
Please remember, to bring in your fruit snack and drink every morning, along with a packed lunch, if staying for lunch, with enough food to last the afternoon.
*No nut products. Grapes sliced length ways*.
There will be a whole school induction evening on Wednesday 13th September - more details to follow via our internal email system. This will be an opportunity to learn more about our school. The headteacher will talk first , in the hall, then F1 parents will move into F1 and I will share all the important information about our class. Please make every effort to attend.
Please remember to bring in any outstanding completed paperwork on your first day. I will set you up on Tapestry (our online learning journey system) too. Mrs McCormac, Mrs Murphy and I will all be on hand to answer your questions on your first day (and beyond!).
For now, enjoy what's left of the holidays. We look forward to seeing you all next week.
Thank you
Kind Regards
Mrs Jennings
WELCOME to the first newsletter of the academic year. I hope you all had a fabulous summer and are looking forward to school starting on Wednesday 6th September. We are so excited to meet all the new starters and welcome back the existing children. We are sure you will love coming to Foundation One and meeting lots of new friends to play with. Welcome also to the parents/carers of our new children – we look forward to working with you during your child’s time at Newbold as your child learns and grows in our nurturing environment.
On your first day back, parents are welcome to stay as long as they feel is necessary. The first few days will be spent settling in and exploring their new learning environment, as well as familiarising themselves with the routines. I will be introducing a new 'playground buddy' system for outside break-times. Some year 5 and 6 children will take on the responsibility of making playground times a happy place for our new children.
Please remember, to bring in your fruit snack and drink every morning, along with a packed lunch, if staying for lunch, with enough food to last the afternoon.
*No nut products. Grapes sliced length ways*.
There will be a whole school induction evening on Wednesday 13th September - more details to follow via our internal email system. This will be an opportunity to learn more about our school. The headteacher will talk first , in the hall, then F1 parents will move into F1 and I will share all the important information about our class. Please make every effort to attend.
Please remember to bring in any outstanding completed paperwork on your first day. I will set you up on Tapestry (our online learning journey system) too. Mrs McCormac, Mrs Murphy and I will all be on hand to answer your questions on your first day (and beyond!).
For now, enjoy what's left of the holidays. We look forward to seeing you all next week.
Thank you
Kind Regards
Mrs Jennings
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)