Reception Class News
Summer Term
As part of our Plants and Growing topic, Reception visited Wren Academy allotment for the first time. I explained that we were going to be weeding some of the beds ready to plant seeds. At first, some of the children were quite hesitant about this activity but they soon got engaged in it. Some children were then reluctant to return to the classroom! I asked the children what they were doing and why they think we need to get rid of the weeds. I asked them what they enjoyed most about the activity and here are some of their responses:
Freddie - Because then they (the weeds) will soak up all the water and then the other plants cannot grow.
Abtin - We are getting out plants.
Ivan - Picking some weeds so it can help flowers to grow.
Lui - Pulling the weeds out because we need to get rid of the weeds because there is no space.
Alex - We picked up weeds for flowers to grow. Because then they will not take all the sun and the water.
Karina - No space (for the plants to grow).
Noah - (I enjoyed ) When me, Kit and Alex found a ladybird.
Andrea - My favourite thing is the pulling.
Daily Mile
Reception took part in the Daily Mile. They ran one mile around the school field. Here are some of their comments about their experience;
Rudy - I felt tired because I was running for so long.
Joseph - I am so tired I could not keep up.
Edwin - I was very tired and I could not catch up to the fastest one.
Alex - I felt exhausted. I went passed Ivan when he was going super fast.
Tyrone - I felt a bit tired because I was running too fast. Then I was running, I just go blazing speed.
Matilda - Extraordinary, I normally do not do it.
Xerxes - I was so tired I walked slow as a turtle.
Kiana - I felt so tired but I tried my best.
Daniel - I could not keep running because I went too fast.
Mateo - I was so tired.
A great effort from everyone, well done!
Planting at Forest School
At Forest School Reception participated in planting. I asked them what they enjoyed most about the experience. Here are some of their comments;
Alice - Helping Ronnie dig a hole for the worm.
Ronnie - Helping Alice find wood lice.
Devan - Planting.
Jamal - I enjoyed this one, this one and this one.
Siya - Planting the flowers.
Maya - Finding the insects.
Leo - Plants give us air. Leaves when we blow air the leaves take out the air and put in your the fresh air.
Noah - We had a root and then we putted it in soil. Dig a hole.
Matilda - We had to take all the weeds away.
Tabitha - You put new soil on top.
Joseph - Because there are nutrients in there.
Spring Term 1
The children in Reception designed and built a house for the three little pigs to live in. The children explored a range of different materials to find out which material had the best properties for their house. Then they designed and built their models.
It was a pleasure to welcome the Year 9 students to Reception to help the children make their models.
Autumn Term
In Reception this term the children have had a lot fun developing new friendships and exploring their new school environment.
Summer Term 2
Acorn and Conker class enjoyed preparing their own salad. They chose from a variety of ingredients and made themselves a healthy addition to their school lunch using their favourite vegetables. They were very excited to have their own special salad at lunch time. They have also made fruit kebabs and tried some new fruit, learning how to carefully prepare the fruit and about the importance of washing their hands.
Summer Term 1
The children had great fun at our allotment plot, revelling in the experience and eagerly lending a hand. They displayed remarkable teamwork, tirelessly pulling and digging up numerous weeds to create the perfect environment for planting beans. Their enthusiasm was palpable and their comments reflect this:
Eduard D - I felt excited because I can dig up soil. I want to make a deep, deep hole.
Rona R - I am excited because I look at insects.
Charlie B - I was feeling happy about the flowers. They were so pretty.
Nikan A - I loved digging the flowers.
Skye M - I was digging the soil and I saw a ladybug on the edge.
Maya P - I enjoyed picking the weeds out.
Spring Term
Thank you so much to Wei Wei's mum who came in to talk to the children about Chinese New Year. She told us that Chinese New Year is celebrated in January and February and there are fifteen days of celebration. We learnt about special foods eaten the evening before Chinese New Year (dumplings, long noodles and sweet, sticky cakes, prawns, fish and spring rolls), loud fireworks and the traditional dragon dance. Houses are cleaned, new clothes are bought, and people like to celebrate with bright colours, especially red. The children heard that for Chinese people it is like the celebrations of Christmas, Eid, Diwali and Chanukah. The children listened to stories and learned about traditions linked to Chinese New Year. They really enjoyed making a paper lantern and participating in other themed activities. Well done, everyone!
Autumn Term
The children in Acorn and Conker class are now settled into their new school and have enjoyed making new friends and taking part in a range of activities in all of the areas of learning. They are becoming more independent each day and are able to understand the routines in school. Our topic has been All About Me, and as part of this the children have been able to make their own self-portraits and share family photos. The children have been good at asking their friends' questions such as 'What do you play with your family?' to find out more about each other.
We start every day with a Phonics lesson where the children are learning to recognise sounds, blend sounds to read short words and work on their letter formation. In Maths, we have been working on counting and comparing groups of objects using the words more and fewer. We are also working hard to ensure that everyone is confident to write their name. Well done for a fantastic start to the year.
Summer Term 2
This half term, the Reception children have enjoyed the challenge of completing a mile jog on a weekly basis. To complete one mile the children needed to do four laps of the field. The children have had a positive attitude to this challenge and have pushed themselves to complete as much of it as they can. Well done for persevering and being just like Resilient Rosie. Some of the children have fantastic levels of energy and stamina and they have all encouraged their peers to keep going. What great practise for Sports Day!
Summer Term 1
This half term, reception have enjoyed visits to the allotment. Ms Gill explained the allotment rules to the children, like what to do if you see a dog and they have followed them well. The children have made observations of the natural environment and got their hand dirty weeding and planting. They have been able to deepen their understanding of important processes in the natural world around them. We look forward to benefitting from the fruits of their labour in the Summer Term! We will be going back as often as possible to enjoy this fantastic environment, right on our doorstep. 
