Dear Parents and Carers,
This is an exceptional and incredibly challenging time. I have two children myself and I will be in the same position as many of you, working from home while keeping the children entertained and learning. As an EYFS practitioner, I am also deeply sorry that the children in Reception and Nursery are missing part of these precious early school years, and I hope to see all the children again as soon as government advice permits.
Please continue to read daily with Bug Club or books you have at home. A 10-15 minute session at a convenient time each day will ensure children keep up their reading skills.
It would also benefit children to regularly count forwards and backwards to 20 or higher, and to have opportunities to play board games which allow them to practice their maths skills. I will send out ideas for maths practice weekly.
If possible, allow children practical experiences such as planting seeds, helping to look after animals, baking, helping around the house, writing and posting letters to friends and relatives, drawing, painting and making things, playing with construction toys such as Lego, and playdough.
If you have any ideas that your children really enjoy, let me know via email and I will share them with all the other parents. Below are some resources that have been made available from some of the websites we use in school, which children should be familiar with.
Weekly emails from school:
I will be sending ideas for learning activities each week to all EYFS parents. If you have any questions about how to support your child with their learning at home, please contact me via the school office.
Phonics
Phonics Play website is free to use, just enter the username march20 and password home. Nursery children should practice the Phase 1 and 2 games, and Reception children should practise the games in phases 1-4.
Reading
Children will all be sent a Bug Club login and details of how to access the online books. There is also information on the website about how to log in.
Maths
- www.nrich.maths.org for maths games and investigations
- Twinkl – worksheets, handwriting practice, games
- Twinkl are offering a free one-month subscription. Go to www.twinkl.co.uk/offer and use the code UKTWINKLHELPS
Playdough recipe:
8tbsp plain flour, 2 tbsp salt, 60ml warm water, food colouring, 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix it all together then knead to form a dough. You can also add smells such as vanilla essence or cocoa and include sparkles or glitter!
We are here for you. Please email the school office if you need help with your child’s learning or anything at all while school is closed.
Best wishes,
Anna Newbold
Assistant Head Teacher (EYFS and KS1)