P.E. is on a Friday for both Elms and Oaks. Please make sure your child has black shorts, a white tee-shirt and black plimsolls to change into at school. For safety reasons earrings should be removed or taped over. Please make sure that your child’s name is in their P.E. kit and in their school uniform as well.

Snack. If you pay Snack money by the half term, it is now due. Please could you see Mrs Middleton or Mrs Kier about payment? We are asking for a contribution of 50 pence per week.

 
If you have any problems with this please don’t hesitate to let us know. We would also appreciate it if you could let us know if your child has any food allergies or is unable to eat specific foods for religious or any other reasons. Thank you.

Dates for your diary.

11th and 12th December- Foundation Stage Christmas play

15th December- Elms and Oaks Christmas party

At home.

First your child will need a named home/school reading bag that can be purchased at the school office.

A maths based task will be given on a Friday to be completed by Monday of the following week.

Sounds/phonics. The children will learn their initial letter sounds by the end of this half term. The letters will be taught to them in groups of sounds. Each letter has a special sound and action that the children will have to learn. When they have completed each group of sounds they will bring home a set of sheets explaining how this is done and how they should write their letter shapes. These sheets should be completed at home and kept in the children’s reading bags for daily practice at home and at school.

Reading. The children will not begin ‘reading’ until they have completed the phonics/sounds program as reading is now primarily based on sounding out words. When they are ready the children will have weekly ‘guided’ reading sessions in groups with the teacher and teaching assistant. They will also have individual reading time with the teaching assistant or an adult helper in school. The adult will fill in a home/school reading record book that will be kept in the child’s reading bag ready for parents to sign when they read with their child at home.

Spelling. The children will also be expected to read/write ‘tricky’ words. The children will learn ‘tricky’ words by the   look/say/cover/remember/write method. They will practise these words at school and then bring a selection home every Friday. It is essential that your child does not just copy the words as in handwriting practice. They must memorise the words and this is easier if they learn them in joined up handwriting where possible. A special ‘tricky’ words practice box will be kept in your child’s reading bag. It will contain a mini whiteboard, a dry wipe pen, a cloth, a set of instructions and some tricky words.

Library. Each Monday, in both Elms and Oaks, your child will get the opportunity to choose a book from the school library. This book is for you and your child to share together, not for your child to read to you. Each book borrowed needs to be returned before another one can be taken home.  

Finally, don’t forget if you have any worries or concerns about your child please feel free to come and talk to us. If we are unable to see you there and then we will arrange a time convenient for everyone. Your child’s happiness and education is our priority.

Thank you for your continued support.

The FS Team