Introduction

Our overarching theme is 'The Rainforest'.

Core curriculum areas

Literacy

This term we begin by reading, learning and reciting our favourite poems. We also have a go at writing our own verses to build a class anthology. We then learn to read, follow and write a simple set of instructions. We finish the term concentrating on stories with a familiar setting. There is a continual focus throughout the term on long vowel sounds (ai,ee,ie,oa,oo) and sentence structure.

Numeracy

Children will be introduced to the number line method at the beginning of the term, which will aid them with in adding and subtracting larger numbers. There will also be a focus on properties of numbers, sequences, place value, fractions, shape and space and problems involving money.

Science

The first half of the term will focus on  variation, looking at various similarities and differences between plants, animals and humans. The second half of term will be spent studying electricity and making simple circuits.

Information and communication technology (ICT)

We will be following a unit called Writing Stories, which develops the children's word processing skills. Our second unit this term is ‘Writing Stories’, which develops the children’s word processing skills. Our second unit this term is creating pictures using a program called Dazzle.

Foundation subjects

Geography

We will be introducing the children to the topic of The Rainforest and exploring animal and plant life in the major Rainforests of the world.  Links will be made with our Science topic of Variation.

Religious education (RE)

We will introduce Judaism in the first half term and learn about various festivals (Sukkot, Hannukah) and traditions (Shabbat). We will share some of the parables of Jesus and towards the end of term learn the Christmas story.

Physical education (PE)

Related to our work about the Rainforest, the children compose and perform a Rainforest animal dance. A short unit on games introduces simple ball skills. In the second half term we practise travelling and balancing in gymnastics, first with floor work and moving to apparatus.

Personal, social and health education (PSHE)

We focus on new beginnings and the importance of belonging to a group. The children will learn how to contribute to shaping a welcoming, safe and fair learning community for all.

Art

Collage techniques will be explored in the making of a rainforest scene.

The children will learn more about constructing a detailed self portrait and there will be various art and craft activities related to Christmas.

Design and technology (DT)

This term our Design and Technology unit is Pulleys. The children will make a simple wind-up toy linked to our Rainforest theme.

You can help at home with

regular reading practice, sharing poems, exploring sounds in words and looking at patterns, playing with money and using maths in everyday situations and researching the rainforest.