Squirrel Class Information

Squirrels Class – EYFS & KS1

The children in Squirrels follow a bespoke Early Learning Curriculum which supports the learning and development of children in their early years.

It provides intentional, meaningful and purposeful activities which help the children move forward in their learning.

Underpinning everything is a focus on the development of speech, language and communication strategies, with thorough monitoring and assessment to plan next steps.

Our interventions deliver a carefully structured programme of activities using evidence and researched based approaches.

These include:

Intensive Interaction (delivered with advice and support of a speech and language therapist)
Attention Autism
Communication Books
Makaton Sign
Identiplay (play based intervention)
Sensory Circuits
1:1 and group Speech and Language Intervention (delivered by Magic Words)

A typical day in Squirrel Class may include:

Morning:

Settling in and free play.
Morning song, topic song
Bucket time (Attention Autism)
Learning through play session focussed on communication and social skills.
Snack time
Learning through play focussed on Intensive Interaction
Soft play
Lunch

Afternoon:

Outdoor play in the courtyard
Free play indoor and out
Playground
Sensory based activities
Snack time
Free play- songs and rhymes
Home time

Squirrels Class

Our teacher is Miss Cavanagh

*****

Our teaching assistants are Miss Lason, Mrs Mahmood, Mrs Stephenson, Miss Lindsay

Here's what we'll be covering this term in Squirrels Class

English

This term, we will be working on the theme of “On The Move”. Our story will be "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt", which is all about a family who go on a journey to find a bear but come across a range of obstacles on the way. This story is a great way to introduce the vocabulary of the natural world and of journeys. There is a repeating refrain all the way through the book, so it encourages the children to join in using words, symbols and signing. The children made great progress last term when they were mark making, and we will continue to build on this through tracing and name writing. We will be focusing on our Core Words during reading, writing and sensory sessions.

This term, we will be working on the theme of “On The Move”.

Our story will be "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt", which is all about a family who go on a journey to find a bear but come across a range of obstacles on the way. This story is a great way to introduce the vocabulary of the natural world and of journeys. There is a repeating refrain all the way through the book, so it encourages the children to join in using words, symbols and signing.

The children made great progress last term when they were mark making, and we will continue to build on this through tracing and name writing. We will be focusing on our Core Words during reading, writing and sensory sessions.

Maths

Our story, “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt”, focusses on the language of position – over, under and through, and we will explore these through a wide range of practical activities, including going on our own bear hunts. We will be exploring 3d shapes and their properties by matching them, sorting them and building with them.

We will continue to extend the children’s number knowledge through rhymes and games, encouraging them to use counting in everyday situations.

Topics that we will be covering across the half-term

PSHE – We are thinking about ways of keeping healthy. We will work on making the children more independent in their self-help skills, especially with regard to toileting, dressing and eating.

Science – We will explore planting and growing food.

DT - We will be exploring fruit and vegetables and then using these to make soup and fruit kebabs

RE - We will be supporting the children to play together and helping them to show respect for each other.

PE

We have PE every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

This year we will be having three shorter PE sessions on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The children will not need a PE kit.

During PE sessions, we will be tackling obstacle courses moving over, under, through and round the equipment. We will develop the children’s steering and pedalling skills through the use of wheeled toys.

Homework

Please share the videos that are added to Dojo, to allow your children to become familiar with the stories, rhymes and signs we will be using each week. Don’t forget to use your Core Word Boards at home, these will be sent home with the new children, when it is appropriate. Some children will also bring home reading books.

Planned Trips

Not applicable

Dates for your diary

Please look at Dojo every day for all the exciting activities and events that are being planned for your children.