Reception 2024 - 2025

 Hello and welcome to Reception at St. John's Church of England Primary School

My name is Miss Gill and I am teaching the Reception Class this year. I have a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies and QTS in Early Years and Primary Education. 

In Reception we will have lots of fun and I am excited to take the children on a wonderful learning journey. My aim as their teacher is to ensure that children leave school with great skills for life and happy memories shared by all.

At St John's, we have a rich and exciting Early Years Curriculum that ensures all of the children at our school develop a JOY of living and learning. We believe that it is vital for young children to learn through play and exploration and we do this through a balance of carefully planned independent learning opportunities and adult directed activities both inside and outside the classroom. Nurture is also a strength that we pride ourselves on and all adults get to know each child in Reception very well. Our key person system, adds another layer of support for each child and we get to know your child and their individual interests and can plan for their next steps to ensure progress is always made. We also form a key partnership with our school families and enjoy sharing our class achievements regularly.

Our topic

‘Where do I live?'

This exciting and immersive experience allows children to explore the wonders of classic stories while making meaningful connections across the curriculum. Here’s how we bring these tales to life in our learning:

We dive into the magic of traditional tales, reading and retelling well-loved stories like The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Through creative writing, role-play, and discussions, we explore characters, settings, and moral lessons.

In PSED, we think about people who help us—just like the kind helpers we see in some traditional tales. We even look forward to welcoming a special visitor who can tell us more about the importance of helping others!

Our geography lessons focus on where we live and the different types of houses we see, just like the homes in The Three Little Pigs. We explore our local area and think about how houses vary in design and materials.

In history, we delve into Southport’s fascinating past. We explore how the area has changed over time, helping children make connections between history and their everyday surroundings.

Our science lessons examine materials and their features, inspired by the clever problem-solving in traditional tales. We investigate what makes a house strong, like bricks in The Three Little Pigs, and experiment with materials ourselves!

In RE, we explore Bible stories and the tales Jesus might have heard, encouraging children to reflect on the moral messages within these timeless narratives.

This topic is a hands-on, immersive experience that sparks creativity, curiosity, and a love for learning.

By exploring traditional tales in fun and meaningful ways, we create memories that will last a lifetime!

Key Information

Class Teacher: Miss Gill

Teaching Assistants: Miss Alty, Ms Halsall, Mrs Hawthorn 

Reading

The children will take part in structured daily phonics sessions for half an hour each day. If you would like to check how to pronounce some of the phonemes we have been learning in phonics, please click on the link below. This will take you to our phonics scheme, 'Little Wandle Letters and Sounds'  parents' page. Scroll down to see three different videos for our phases.

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

There are also lots of additional opportunities for reading throughout our day for your child to take part in.

This term your child will bring home 3 books, one which will be matched to your child's phonics stage, guided reading book and one shared book that is for you to read and enjoy with your child. Please encourage your child to read at home to promot a love for reading. Don't forget to sign your reading record!

Thank you for all of your continued support!

Reception's book change day: Thursday/ Friday 

Please see below for top tips for supporting your child with reading at home!

P.E Day

Reception P.E day is Wednesday. Children can come into school dressed in their P.E kit. Children can wear dark joggers or leggings if the weather is cold as well as pumps or trainers. Children also need to wear either their school jumper or cardigan.

Snack

In Reception we enjoy a healthy daily snack. If you would like your child to have a snack during the morning the cost is £12 per term.

Other information

Below in 'files' are important documents for you to read and explore that will tell you about Reception in St John's.

To support your child's learning at home you may find the following websites useful:

https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/resources/phase/2

https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/free-ebooks/

https://www.ictgames.com/