Miss Chapman, Miss Matthews, Mrs Chahal and all the staff in the foundation stage offer the new children starting this term a very warm welcome, we look forward to seeing you learn and grow this term. Welcome back to our existing children. We hope you had a lovely festive break.
We continue with our over-arching focus on our spiritual treasure within: our own qualities and the qualities of others. Matthew teaches us that what we value the most is what our hearts are drawn to. What we treasure is what will become our life’s focus. Thank you to all the families who have already filled pages of our Treasure Trove Books, sharing your child’s treasures. They have loved sharing them. Lots more children will have a chance to contribute to these this Spring Term.
This term, in the EYFS, we ask:
I wonder how we can be curious communicators
This gives us the opportunity to encourage confident talking, extend the children’s vocabulary and respond to the questions that their wonderful, enquiring minds ask. To support your child’s speech and language development, if they are using a dummy during the day time, please see below for tips and advice.
During our RE learning, this term we will be thinking about:
From Galilee to Jerusalem – Hear about – The Wise Men visiting Jesus; Jesus welcoming the little children, Jesus blessing the little children. Consider: How can we live like Jesus?
From Desert to Garden – Hear about – Lent is a time to care for others. Jesus died on a cross. Jesus was given new life by God his Father. Jesus rose and everyone celebrates. Love God and love everyone. Consider: How does Lent prepare us for Jesus’ death and resurrection?
Explore other faiths of Hinduism and Sikhism and compare with our own.
Our key stories this term will be:
FS1 (Miss Chapman/Mrs Chahal’s class) – The Epiphany; Jack and the Beanstalk; Jasper’s Beanstalk; Rosie’s Walk; The Easter Story. Story Steps Stories will be Ella’s Rainbow and A Storm at the Farm.
FS2 (Miss Matthews’ class) – The Epiphany; The Three Billy Goats’ Gruff; The Little Red Hen; The Easter Story.
Other Learning:
Art: Painting with fingers, natural objects and brushes.
Science:
FS1 – Animals – pets and farm.
FS2 – Forces / Sound / Animals
History / Geography :
FS1 – Celebrations
FS2 – Long, Long Ago
Physical Development: Ball Skills, Gymnastics, Scissor skills
Relationships and Health Education: My Body, My Rules / Staying Safe – Inside and Out / Growing Up – changing bodies
Why Dummies Should Be Stopped by Age Three
Speech & Language: Constant dummy use hinders babbling, experimenting with sounds, and forming words, potentially leading to unclear speech or lisping later on. Dental Issues: Prolonged sucking can push front teeth forward (protrusion) or create a gap (open bite), often requiring orthodontic work. Middle Ear Infections: Sucking can open the Eustachian tube, allowing bacteria from the nose to enter the middle ear, increasing infection risk.
Tips for Weaning Off Dummies
Limit Daytime Use: Restrict dummies to sleep times only, removing them when the child is awake and interacting. Make it a Celebration: Use a special occasion like a birthday or holiday to ceremoniously give the dummy away to fairies or Santa, exchanging it for a gift. Use Books: Read stories like The Last Noo-Noo to help children understand and prepare for giving it up. Praise & Rewards: Offer lots of praise and use sticker charts to reward the child for not using their dummy.
Our role play areas will change from a Vets to a Farm Shop – linking with an upcoming visit to Manor Farm, East Leake.
We will continue to keep you informed throughout the Spring term via our weekly updates which will be sent through email.
You can also check out our FS Blog on the school website: http://brwacademy.com here we share and celebrate children’s work and successes. Please, as ever, come and talk to us if you have any questions.
