This week in Dexter Class

Last week we had a fantastic time with the Year 5s joining us for a week of enrichment activities. These included a walk around the village and on the Common to complete sketches of the landscape which children then completed using watercolours. For Dexter class, this was for the first time in many cases and it was fun to learn a new discipline of painting .We also produced a bookmark using stitching techniques and made a wire sculpture. As a group we collaborated to produce some outdoor enhancements including a ribbon den and hanging hoops. Lastly we made some 'God's Eyes' and the Year 5 children were so helpful in assisting the younger ones to complete their projects.

This week the classroom feels quite spacious without the Year 5s-it reminds me of the story A Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson! Speaking of which, our Literacy focus for the next two weeks will be on one of her other rhyming stories The Snail and the Whale. We will explore the story over the next couple of weeks. We will also look at habitats around the world and hopefully observe some real life snails from our outdoor area, learning lots of facts about them.

In maths we continue with our work on subtraction looking at First, Then, Next stories to support our learning and mastery of maths operations.

In RE we will focus on the theme of how we say thank you to God and explore why Christians like to thank their Creator and how this might be achieved.

In Phonics we begin learning Phase 5 sounds, for example ay as in play, ea as in tea. The children will bring home some words to practise reading and spelling to support them with their reading and writing as we move towards year 1.

We will be producing some artwork based on the illustrations from the Snail and the Whale and also taking part in some drama by re-enacting the story. I would also take some time to listen to an instrumental retelling of the story which I think the children will enjoy.

So, the summer seems to be making an appearance at last so hopefully we will have opportunities to be outside. Please remember hats, water bottles and apply sunscreen too. I'm ever the optimist!