We have had a fantastic first half term and the children are completely settled into new routines and have built new relationships. This week the children have been absorbed in construction, this has come in many forms from Lego to junk modelling and also construction using wood outside. It has been fantastic watching them work together to create and build using their creativity and this has also impacted on their manipulative skills. Can you please continue to send in your recyclable bits from home they are very useful.

It was lovely to have our parent consultations this week and what a treat to see you all in the person. I hope you found the sessions useful, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any ongoing concerns about your child. Parent consultations contribute to our two way communication but you can also contact me with any queries you may have at: crobinson@littleheath.herts.sch.uk.

The weather is just starting to change and I think we will notice it more after the holidays. Please make sure that your child has the appropriate clothing on. We will be in our Winter uniform which is a navy school tracksuit with a white polo shirt. Please can you make sure that the uniform is labelled with your child's name printed clearly with a permanent marker or a label sewn in. It is very hard to identify lost uniform if it is not labeled as all the children's wear the same. 

I have given you  your child's learning journal, could you please put something in the book  to share with us. This could be something from your break from school or a family photo or drawing. I will leave this to your imaginations!

I hope you all have a great week.

Mrs Robinson:)

Autumn

 This week we have been looking at seasonal changes and collecting things that have fallen from the trees in our wildlife area. The children have been bringing things in for our Autumn table and it has become a hive of activity with lots of learning through communication and language.

We have been lucky again with the weather and had a great outdoor week, lets hope we get one more before half term.

The children have learnt about Stephen Wiltshire this week to celebrate Black History Month, I have included some of the art work that they produced which is amazing. Please ask them what they know about the artist as they should be able to tell you about his life.

I mentioned earlier on in the week about school bags. We have just had a few problems with big bags which have left no room for coats. If your child gets wet we will change them in our spare clothes so please don't feel you need to pack spares unless you have spoken to me. If your child comes home in school clothes could you please wash them and return them to us so that we can use them again. We are in need of spare socks so if you have any please send them our  way.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Mrs Robinson

Harvest

 We have had another busy week in foundation with lots of learning inside and outside. The children have continued to spend time learning how to listen to each other and they are getting very good taking it in turns to speak and respond. We have used our carpet sessions to support this during fruit and snack time. 

It was lovely to see those of you who could make the Harvest morning and I am sure you were all proud of the performance your children gave. It is completely normal for the children to get upset when they see you in school but I would like to reassure you that when they return to the foundation unit they are completely ok. 

 

Next week we will be looking at the artist Stephen Wiltshire and creating art inspired by his works. This is part of our celebration of Black History Month. 

What is Black History Month? It is an annual monthly celebration of the achievements of Black communities and the remembrance of Black history across the world. It was first celebrated in the UK in 1987 and takes place throughout October. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of Black history, traditions and contribution through celebration, events and education. 

Stephen Wiltshire was diagnosed at the age of 3 with Autism. It soon became apparent he communicated with the world through the language of drawing; first animals, then London buses, and finally buildings.

I shall be displaying the work our children do on next weeks blog. Watch out Stephen you may have some competition!

Have a great weekend.

Mrs Robinson:)

Sharing

 This week we have been learning to share and turn take. This can be quite challenging for young children but it is an important part of their development. We have  also been learning to listen to others when they speak. So far the children are doing really well and we will be continuing to practice these skills throughout the year. 

The children are really enjoying our daily singing and I don't think I have had a group so enthusiastic about music. Mrs Howe has been using the instruments with them and they have been following instructions just like a real orchestra although it sounds a little different! 

Our favourite rhyme is about Arabella and the caterpillar. Ask your child to teach you the verse, it is a great way of connecting what we are doing here with what you do at home. We have also been practicing  our Harvest songs and are looking forward to performing to you on the 8th November at our Harvest coffee morning.

Here is a link to our Harvest Samba, the children love this song and can do all the actions.

Harvest Samba (Cabbages and Greens) [with lyrics for congregations] - YouTube

Next week we will be learning about Harvest and the changing of the seasons. If you find any conkers around or Autumn leaves please let your child bring them to school. 

Have a great weekend

Mrs Robinson