Mr Avis
assisted by Denise, Jemma, Natalie,
Rosemary and Stacey
CURRICULUM
OVERVIEW
Click here for Reception overview
MATHS
In maths, we’ll build on children’s early number knowledge by focusing on numbers up to 10. Children will explore how numbers can be made in different ways, compare numbers, and begin to talk about their thinking using mathematical language. We’ll also investigate measurement, including length, height, weight and capacity, through practical, hands on activities. By revisiting ideas in lots of different ways, children develop confidence and a secure understanding of number.
WELCOME TO RECEPTION!
We are excited to welcome your children back for 2026. The spring term is all about making the most of the new routines established, maintaining friendships and enjoying lots of fun, creative learning experiences. Our aim is to help every child feel happy, confident and curious as they continue their time in Reception.
WRITING
We’ll be using stories linked to our theme to inspire our writing. We’re now focusing on using the sounds we know to help us spell: ‘sounding out’ words.
Of course, using the correct pencil grip is still important and we can see the benefits for those who are consistently using it.
Correct pencil grip video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPg9qpq6Hhg
PHONICS
We follow the Little Wandle Letters & Sounds programme. This term, children will be learning the next set of sounds (known as Phase 3).
Phase 3 Graphemes
After consolidating and reviewing Phase 2 Graphemes, we’ll move onto Phase 3 Graphemes
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Phase 2 graphemes (autumn 1 and 2)
s a t p i n m d g o c k ck e u r h b f l
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ff ll ss j v w x y z zz qu ch sh th ng nk
• words with –s /s/ added at the end (hats sits)
• words ending in s /z/ (his) and with –s /z/ added at the
end (bags sings)
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Phase 3 graphemes (spring 1 and 2)
ai ee igh oa oo oo ar or ur ow oi ear air er
• words with double letters
• longer words
• words with double letters, longer words, words with two
or more digraphs, words ending in –ing, compound words
• words with s /z/ in the middle
• words with –s /s/ /z/ at the end
• words with –es /z/ at the end
R.E.
In RE our big question is ‘What can we learn from the Stories of Jesus?’ We’ll consider how Jesus rescued people.
Later in the term we’ll move on to ‘What is in an Easter garden? where we’ll think about why Easter is so special.
IDEAS FOR HOME
We know families are always looking for simple ways to support learning at home. Below are some easy, playful ideas you might like to try. They are completely optional, but they can make everyday moments fun opportunities for maths and reading.
Parent Tips: Supporting Maths at Home
• Show numbers on fingers in different ways, for example, 4 could be 3 and 1, or 2 and 2.
• Count everyday objects: socks, apples, cars on the road, steps up to bed.
• Play “What’s missing?”: line up 3 or 4 toys, hide one, and see if your child can work out which has gone.
• Make numbers with food: “Two halves make one whole grape.”
• Build and break: make a tower of 5 blocks, then knock some off: “We had 5, now 2 have fallen, how many are left?”
• Spot numbers in the world: on doors, buses and signs.
Parent Tips: Helping with Reading
Books are a brilliant way to build your child’s language skills. At this stage, the most important thing is talking together about what you read, rather than focusing on sounding out or blending every word.
• Talk in full sentences. Encourage your child to answer in complete sentences when talking about a story.
• Rephrase gently: if your child says something in a short or slightly muddled way, repeat it back in a fuller sentence so they can learn from your example.
• Ask open questions: try “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character feels like that?”
• Make connections: link the story to your child’s own life: “This reminds me of when we went to the park. What did you do there?”
• Enjoy the book together: let your child turn the pages, look closely at the pictures and retell the story in their own words.
PE
PE is on Wednesdays. Please make sure your child arrives in school in their PE kit.
In PE we’ll be working on moving with control: things like footwork, balancing, jumping and landing. We’ll also practise working together and building confidence through physical activity.
Fine motor skills are just as important, so we’ll be encouraging children to use scissors, paintbrushes, cutlery and of course, pencils, helping them build the strength and control they need for writing.
RECOMMENDED READS
Click here for Reception book list
THEME
This term our theme is ‘The World Around Me’. We’ll be looking at how different the world can be when we travel it and also when we look back in time.
History: Peek into the Past
Opportunities for the children to reflect on memories and experiences from their own past and comment on images of familiar situations in the past.
Geography: Around The World
Exploring diverse global environments, comparing them to local ones through activities using digital map exploration, books and role play to enhance the understanding of geographical and cultural differences.