Image of Reception - Science - Exploring Skeletons!
13 Oct

Reception - Science - Exploring Skeletons!

In Reception, we’ve been exploring skeletons as part of our learning linked to Funnybones by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. The children were fascinated by real X-rays and loved discovering what our bones look like inside our bodies. We worked together to draw around each other on large paper, then named and labelled the different bones — from our skulls and ribs to our arms and legs! This hands-on learning helped the children make links between the story and their own bodies, while developing their understanding of the world (EYFS science). It’s been a brilliant mix of curiosity, creativity and teamwork — and we’ve learned that there really are skeletons inside everyone!

Image of Reception- Music- Environmental Sounds
9 Oct

Reception- Music- Environmental Sounds

In music this week we have been using our listening ears to recognise the different sounds all around us. We had different picture cards to match up to the sounds we heard on the cd player. The children supported each other if they were unsure what the sound was. We talked about the everyday sounds we hear when we are walking to school or in the garden and if they are loud or quiet sounds.

Image of Reception Maths – Repeating Patterns
8 Oct

Reception Maths – Repeating Patterns

Our Reception children have been exploring repeating patterns through hands-on activities linked to White Rose Maths. They worked together to spot, copy, continue and create their own patterns using everyday objects. The children loved working practically – sorting, building and chatting about what they noticed. These activities not only help develop early mathematical understanding, but also encourage turn-taking, reasoning and careful observation. Learning through play is such a big part of our EYFS curriculum, and it’s lovely to see the children so engaged and confident as they explore new mathematical ideas!

Image of Reception - Visit to Darwen Library
7 Oct

Reception - Visit to Darwen Library

Reception had a fantastic time visiting Darwen Library! The children loved learning about all the fun things you can do there, from borrowing books to joining in with special story sessions. Jackie, the librarian, read Dear Zoo and the children joined in using props – it was such a joy to see their excitement. Some of the children even signed up for their very own library cards! A huge thank you to everyone at Darwen Library for inviting us – we had a wonderful morning and can’t wait to visit again.

Image of Reception- Music- Getting To Know The Musical Instruments
1 Oct

Reception- Music- Getting To Know The Musical Instruments

In music this week the children have been introduced to different music instruments. We listened to the sounds they make and how we can make them have loud and quiet sounds. We can use them fast and slow and using these methods we can play them to different songs. The children each selected a different instrument and we selected different songs to sing. We matched up the song to how the instrument could be played. Twinkle Twinkle was a slow and quiet sound on the musical instruments but The Grand Old Duke of York was loud and fast.

Image of Reception- Physical Development- Making marks
24 Sep

Reception- Physical Development- Making marks

Reception have been developing their gross motor skills this week. Painting with water onto the windows stretching up high to make large movements and then fine movements painting the fence. We added in the shapes we have been learning in Write Dance to develop all the muscles in our arms and fingers.

Image of Reception Class - Toothbrushing
18 Sep

Reception Class - Toothbrushing

Hello Reception parents! ???? We're so excited to announce that we've started our toothbrushing initiative in class! This is a fantastic step in helping your little ones develop great oral hygiene habits right from the start. Our Brushing Routine ???? The children have been doing an amazing job learning their new routine. Each child has been allocated their own special toothbrush and they're learning to: Find their own brush: This helps them build independence and responsibility. Add their own toothpaste: We're teaching them how to use just a small, pea-sized amount. Brush their teeth: We're practicing the correct way to brush, covering all surfaces of their teeth. Put their brushes away: This is the final step in the routine, ensuring everything is clean and tidy for next time. This is more than just brushing; it's about developing independence and building a healthy habit that will last a lifetime. A massive thank you to AP Smilecare for generously providing all of our brushes and toothpaste! Their support has made this wonderful initiative possible. We're incredibly proud of how well the children are doing and look forward to seeing their confidence grow with each brushing session. Keep up the great work, everyone! ✨

Image of Reception Class - Phonics - Guided Reading
18 Sep

Reception Class - Phonics - Guided Reading

The Great Phonics Adventure Has Begun! ???? We're so excited to share that our Reception children have officially started their phonics journey, and they're already doing an incredible job! We're building the foundation for reading and writing, and the children have embraced every step with enthusiasm. This week, we've been exploring the story 'A Wet Walk'. The children have absolutely loved: Looking at the pictures and talking about what they can see. Discussing the characters and the journey they take. Practising their oral blending skills, which is a crucial first step in reading. It's wonderful to see them building confidence as they sound out words and put them together. The focus has been on listening to the sounds and blending them to hear the whole word. This skill is a super important building block for their future reading success. We're so proud of their hard work and can't wait to see their reading skills blossom! Keep up the amazing work, Reception! ✨

Image of Reception - Maths- Matching
16 Sep

Reception - Maths- Matching

The children had a wonderful time in maths today, going outdoors to find different natural objects in the gardens. The children selected leaves and sticks of all different shapes and sizes. When we got back to Reception, we looked through what we had found and started to put some order to them. We were looking for objects that looked the same. Did it have the same colour? Was it the same size? Did they look the same? The children pointed out that the leaves looked the same colour but they were a different size. Sticks matched in length and colour. Working together we matched a lot of the objects up and made groups.

Image of Reception - PE - Finding a Safe Space
10 Sep

Reception - PE - Finding a Safe Space

Reception had their very first PE lesson today and absolutely loved it! They learned about the importance of keeping a safe space and how to move around the hall carefully. Hoops were used to help them picture their own space, and then they explored moving in different ways – jumping, jogging, hopping and walking – before returning to their safe spot.

Image of Reception -Write Dance
10 Sep

Reception -Write Dance

Our Reception children have been enjoying Write Dance this week as part of developing their pre-writing skills. We’ve been focusing on big up-and-down movements to the song “The Grand Old Duke of York”, using our whole arms to make marks together on large paper. These activities help to strengthen gross motor skills, coordination, and control, all of which lay the foundations for confident writing later on. The children loved moving, singing, and creating marks as a group – lots of energy and enthusiasm!

Image of Reception - Class Worship - Meeting Jack
10 Sep

Reception - Class Worship - Meeting Jack

This week Reception took part in their very first class worship. We were introduced to Jack through Roots and Fruits and met Hack the puppet, who will be helping us on our journey. We learned about creation and talked about the many wonderful things in our world. The children thought about how we can show thankfulness for these gifts and how we worship together in school. This was also a chance to begin exploring spirituality – noticing the beauty around us, feeling a sense of awe and wonder, and learning that worship is about more than words; it’s about how we connect with God and each other.