Croeso to Lavender Class!

Class Teacher - Mrs J Esmond

LSA - Mrs K Illes

LSA - Miss K Hopkins

Welcome to the Lavender Class page.

This term our topic is, ’Walk into Winter, Step into Spring’. We will be looking at a variety of stories focusing on core words such as, ‘cold, snowy, big and small’. Through the story of ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ the children will explore, ‘over, under, and through’ using our woods to re-enact the story. The children will complete activities to recognise different types of weather and will be looking at describing items and weathers as ‘hot’ and ‘cold’, as well as looking at clothing we wear in each season. As we get into Spring, we will be looking at the traditional tale of the ‘Little Red Hen’ and new life by matching baby animals with their parents. We will be talking about how we can help each other and be ‘kind’. In numeracy sessions we will be looking at 2d shapes and measuring, using core words such as, ‘bigger, smaller, longer and shorter’.

In class we use a total communication approach, using spoken word, sign (Signalong) and visual pictures. The children respond very well to these as well as the use of 'now and next' and their schedules, which help them to transition from one activity to another. If you wish to learn some sign yourself the link below will take you to the Signalong website in which you can register for a free account.

https://signalong.org.uk/members/login.php

There is also an app called Sign Studio which can be downloaded onto your devices.

We currently have a sign of the week, which will be published on Seesaw each week, this will be based on animals and key words initially. There is also a letter of the week, which many children practise saying and writing during the week.

PE is on a Friday, however the children complete sensory circuits each day, which involves running, climbing and rolling. Children should still wear their uniform, however this should be comfortable and allow them to perform these activities safely.

The children make full use of the schools’ outside areas, including the woods and field throughout the week. Please ensure that your child has a pair of Wellington boots in school, so that they can access these areas in any weather!

How can I help my child?

- sing counting/letter songs and songs which require your child to perform an action, e.g. head, shoulders, knees and toes.

- practise counting objects in different scenarios.

- reading books and pointing out different items, encouraging your child to 'point to the...'

- playing 'ready, steady, go' games.

- encourage turn taking with toys and objects, for example, ‘my turn, then…. (child’s name) turn’

- explore using different types of mark making equipment to draw and colour.

- practise the sign of the week.

- practising getting your child to take off their shoes and put them back on.

Please ensure that you all have access to Seesaw, you will be able to see your child's activities.  Important announcements will also be added, so please ensure you check it regularly.

We have a couple of websites that can be used for learning at home, please ask Mrs Esmond for your child's log in details.