This week we have started our new topic, Up Above and Down Below. What a wonderful week to begin exploring this topic, with fireworks lighting up the sky!

We have been learning about why we might see fireworks at this time of year, finding out about both Bonfire Night and Diwali and why these celebrations are important to different people.

The children have loved getting creative and exploring construction, using the blocks to build some fantastic tall towers and even having a go at building the Houses of Parliament! We have also created some beautiful firework pictures, using lots of bright colours to capture the excitement of fireworks in the night sky. We have started to do some writing too, practising our early writing skills and having a go at putting our ideas on paper.

In phonics, we have learnt the sounds p, i and n, and have been practising recognising and saying each sound. In maths, our focus has been on number 5, exploring what it looks like and finding different ways to represent it.

The children will now be bringing home their reading books in their book bags, along with a phonics book to help them practise the sounds we have been learning in class. Please try to share their reading books as often as possible, even if it is just for a few minutes each day. Little and often makes a big difference!

Please also spend some time practising the sounds in their phonics books, encouraging the children to recognise the letters and say the sounds they represent.

The children can also have a go at some writing at home. At this stage, we are particularly focusing on lowercase letters, so please encourage them to practise writing these rather than capital letters. It doesn't need to be perfect – having a go, building confidence and enjoying writing are what matter most!

Well done, Shell Class, for another busy week full of learning, creativity and fun!

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