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…
'This is Me!'
I am so excited to be getting know our new reception children in Term 1. 'This is Me!' is a fantastic topic theme for the children to teach me all about themselves and their families. I can't wait to get to know you all! The most important piece of learning for this term is adjusting to school life and getting used to new routines and independence. Through developing a confident sense of self as part of our first topic, children start school life being proud of who they are and knowledgeable about themselves and their families. Each child is unique and special and I am so proud to be part of your families journey into school life.
Our RE topic this term is 'God's World'. The children will be learning about the creation story and how we can care for the world. We will also be looking at how God made us all different and we are all special.
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. All children have been given a transition book to enjoy over the summer holidays to help them prepare for their new adventure into school life and become familiar with the adults that will be supporting them.
General Information
Staff in Ladybird Class
Ladybird Class has an experienced team of adults supporting the children. Mrs Boden is the class teacher and she is supported by Mrs Vaughan, Mrs Lewis and Mrs de la Hoyde.
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 rota will be shared with parents during Term 1 and will be available to check on the parent communication board in class. You will be sent home two sharing books and a decodable book. 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 cues, 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. Further information will be given during the 'Phonics Parent Meeting' at the start of Term 1.
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