Welcome to Reception, we are Ladybird Class!

A very warm welcome to Ladybird Class.  This is the start of your child's learning journey at More Park, where they will be provided with the foundations of learning for life.

This term we will be learning about…

'Animals'

I am really excited about this topic, as I will get to introduce the children to some fantastic picture books as part of our learning this term, including 'Rumble in the Jungle', 'Meerkat Mail' and 'The Ugly Five'. I am also planning an animal handling session for the children to really bring our learning to life!

In RE this term our topic will be 'Getting to Know Jesus'. We will be looking at how important children were to Jesus. We shall be learning how Jesus looked after and cured others. We shall also be looking at the first time Jesus performed a miracle at the Wedding at Cana.

Transition

Transitioning into primary school can be a very big step for our children. We are aware this can cause some anxiety, particularly for children who need to know their routine and environment. With this in mind, I have made a little mini video blog so that the children can join me in the classroom set up process, and recorded some story time sessions to support us getting to know each other.

General Information

Staff in Ladybird Class

We are very lucky to have lots of adult support in Ladybird Class. Mrs Boden is the class teacher and she is supported by Mrs Vaughan and Mrs de la Hoyde. Mrs Dowd is also in class every Wednesday afternoon.

Food and Drink

Please send your child into school with a full, labelled water bottle every day. The children have free access to their bottles throughout the day and naturally the water is replenished when needed. The children in Ladybird Class are given a piece of fruit every day at snack time, so you do not need to bring a snack into school. All children are given a healthy free school meal in the EYFS and KS1, but children are also welcome to bring in a packed lunch if they would prefer.

Reading

In Ladybird Class, the children commence home reading once they are settled in school full time. Our book change day is Friday and you will be sent home two sharing books and a decodable book. Children will also be issued with an e-book that will be the book they have been independently reading in reading skills that week. Please ensure your child reads at least 5 times a week, leaving comments and signing the reading record. We begin with wordless books, where the focus is on creating the story from picture queues, before moving onto decodable books based upon the sounds that the children have learnt in class. All parents are issued with a 'Phonics Communication' book, which we will update weekly with the sounds taught in class. This is helpful in supporting parents to know which sounds children have been introduced to, if they would like to do any learning at home.

Uniform

Please ensure that all school uniform, PE kits and coats are labelled. This makes it easier for the children to find their belongings independently and prevents items not being returned. Ladybird Class has a Forest School session every Friday afternoon, so they will also need a fully labelled puddle suit and wellies brought into school. These will be sent home at the end of every term for you to wash and check sizing.

stephanie.boden@more-park-westmalling.kcsp.org.uk