Early Years Long term planning
Below you will find a copy of the long term plan used by all Reception classes. This plan shows the aspects of the Early Learning Goals that we will be working towards in each term. Please remember that your child is aiming to achieve these goals by the end of their reception year but all children are different and will achieve these goals at their own rate.
Reception Spring Term 1
This half term our topic is ‘Explorers’. We will be learning about the world we live in, the insects, animals and plants that live in our local area. The children will be taking part in a project with the Essex Wildlife Trust to develop our outside area. In RE we will be looking at celebrations in our Church community.
Literacy
In Literacy we will be looking at information books. We will be extending our writing and trying to write simple sentences. We will be making our own bug characters and writing about them. We will revise the sounds we have learnt and also begin to learn new sounds including two letter sounds such as /ch/ and /sh/.
Maths
In maths we will begin to compare sizes and use some simple measurements. We will be using language such as ‘bigger’, ‘smaller’, ‘taller’, ‘shorter’. We will be looking at different sized bugs to help us with this. We will also be learning about positional language, for example ‘behind’, ‘in front’, ‘next to’.
Understanding of the World
We will be learning about different bugs as part of our ‘Explorers’ topic. We will also be looking at birds, particularly focusing on our class name birds which are sparrows, wrens and robins.
Expressive Art and Design
In this subject we will be using the skills we have learnt to do some modelling using recycled materials. We will also be doing some observational paintings and drawings. Our artist focus is Aboriginal art.
Come and See (R.E)
We will be thinking about what a celebration is and how we celebrate them in our church. We will also be learning a story from the scripture taken from Luke 2:25-32. In this story Simeone celebrates the coming of Jesus of Nazareth.
To help your child with this topic, you could talk to them about the following questions
Think about your childhood. Which celebrations did you most enjoy? How did you celebrate? Who took part?
Which celebration are you looking forward to in the coming months? How will you celebrate? Who else will take part?
This half term our topic is ‘Explorers’. We will be learning about the world we live in, the insects, animals and plants that live in our local area. The children will be taking part in a project with the Essex Wildlife Trust to develop our outside area. In RE we will be looking at celebrations in our Church community.
Literacy
In Literacy we will be looking at information books. We will be extending our writing and trying to write simple sentences. We will be making our own bug characters and writing about them. We will revise the sounds we have learnt and also begin to learn new sounds including two letter sounds such as /ch/ and /sh/.
Maths
In maths we will begin to compare sizes and use some simple measurements. We will be using language such as ‘bigger’, ‘smaller’, ‘taller’, ‘shorter’. We will be looking at different sized bugs to help us with this. We will also be learning about positional language, for example ‘behind’, ‘in front’, ‘next to’.
Understanding of the World
We will be learning about different bugs as part of our ‘Explorers’ topic. We will also be looking at birds, particularly focusing on our class name birds which are sparrows, wrens and robins.
Expressive Art and Design
In this subject we will be using the skills we have learnt to do some modelling using recycled materials. We will also be doing some observational paintings and drawings. Our artist focus is Aboriginal art.
Come and See (R.E)
We will be thinking about what a celebration is and how we celebrate them in our church. We will also be learning a story from the scripture taken from Luke 2:25-32. In this story Simeone celebrates the coming of Jesus of Nazareth.
To help your child with this topic, you could talk to them about the following questions
Think about your childhood. Which celebrations did you most enjoy? How did you celebrate? Who took part?
Which celebration are you looking forward to in the coming months? How will you celebrate? Who else will take part?
Reception Autumn 2
Our topic is ‘Festivals’. We will be looking at different celebrations around the world. Some of the festivals we will learn about are Fireworks night, Diwali, Advent and Christmas. The children will have a chance to experience different foods and art from around the world.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The children will be learning to speak confidently about their own needs, wants, interests and opinions. We will also be learning about the importance of listening respectfully to others. The children will also be learning about risk assessment. Each day we will choose 2 risk assessors who will join the adults on their daily risk assessments to learn about keeping safe.
Communication and Language
We will be focusing on being confident speakers and listeners. It is important that the children do our weekly Big Talk challenge at home as they will be expected to talk about it during our big talk sessions. The children will be answering and asking questions, as well as giving simple instructions.
Physical Development
Our PE will be dance and gymnastics. We will be using the big climbing equipment and the children will be challenged to negotiate space, climb and jump safely. The children will also learn about using, carrying and storing equipment safely. In dance the children will learn some simple dances and will be encouraged to experiment with different ways of moving to music, working alone and in partners to create simple dances.
In class we will be continuing to develop our fine motor skills, building the muscles the children will need for writing.
Literacy
This half-term we will be beginning to write and read simple words. We will be continuing with our daily phonics sessions so please check the Reception update for each weeks sounds. Encourage your child to form the letters correctly and use their sounds when spelling simple words. We will be providing lots of different opportunities to write in class such as fireworks poems, spider facts and letters to Father Christmas.
We will also be beginning to learn some of our Key words. We will be sending home weekly Key words for you to focus on with your child. Please look out for these words in reading books, build them with magnetic letters, practise writing them with pens, pencils or paints. You might like to cut your key words out and go on a word hunt, you can make them into cards and play matching games and snap, anything that will help your child become familiar with these words!
Mathematics
In mathematics we will be focusing on counting confidently to 20 and recognising the numerals 0-20. We will also be doing some simple addition and subtraction. You can help your child by finding 1 more or 1 less from groups of objects to 10 or 20 if they are confident! We will also be doing some simple addition sums using objects e.g. 3 bears add 2 bears equals 5 bears.
Closer to Christmas we will be looking at patterns using colours, shapes and sizes.
Understanding the world
The children will be learning about different cultures and beliefs around the world. We will be exploring different festivals and the way people celebrate them. The children will be learning that it is important to be sensitive and respectful of other people’s needs and views. It will be an exciting chance for the children to share their knowledge. A big thank-you to everyone who has sent in a leaf for our welcome tree, if you haven’t sent yours in yet there is still plenty of time to do so.
Expressive arts and design
We will be continuing our dance lessons where the children will have opportunities to learn new dances and make up their own dances. With Christmas approaching we will be experimenting with a variety of resources to make christmas decorations. We will also be exploring different painting techniques to create our mixed-media fireworks pictures.
Our topic is ‘Festivals’. We will be looking at different celebrations around the world. Some of the festivals we will learn about are Fireworks night, Diwali, Advent and Christmas. The children will have a chance to experience different foods and art from around the world.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The children will be learning to speak confidently about their own needs, wants, interests and opinions. We will also be learning about the importance of listening respectfully to others. The children will also be learning about risk assessment. Each day we will choose 2 risk assessors who will join the adults on their daily risk assessments to learn about keeping safe.
Communication and Language
We will be focusing on being confident speakers and listeners. It is important that the children do our weekly Big Talk challenge at home as they will be expected to talk about it during our big talk sessions. The children will be answering and asking questions, as well as giving simple instructions.
Physical Development
Our PE will be dance and gymnastics. We will be using the big climbing equipment and the children will be challenged to negotiate space, climb and jump safely. The children will also learn about using, carrying and storing equipment safely. In dance the children will learn some simple dances and will be encouraged to experiment with different ways of moving to music, working alone and in partners to create simple dances.
In class we will be continuing to develop our fine motor skills, building the muscles the children will need for writing.
Literacy
This half-term we will be beginning to write and read simple words. We will be continuing with our daily phonics sessions so please check the Reception update for each weeks sounds. Encourage your child to form the letters correctly and use their sounds when spelling simple words. We will be providing lots of different opportunities to write in class such as fireworks poems, spider facts and letters to Father Christmas.
We will also be beginning to learn some of our Key words. We will be sending home weekly Key words for you to focus on with your child. Please look out for these words in reading books, build them with magnetic letters, practise writing them with pens, pencils or paints. You might like to cut your key words out and go on a word hunt, you can make them into cards and play matching games and snap, anything that will help your child become familiar with these words!
Mathematics
In mathematics we will be focusing on counting confidently to 20 and recognising the numerals 0-20. We will also be doing some simple addition and subtraction. You can help your child by finding 1 more or 1 less from groups of objects to 10 or 20 if they are confident! We will also be doing some simple addition sums using objects e.g. 3 bears add 2 bears equals 5 bears.
Closer to Christmas we will be looking at patterns using colours, shapes and sizes.
Understanding the world
The children will be learning about different cultures and beliefs around the world. We will be exploring different festivals and the way people celebrate them. The children will be learning that it is important to be sensitive and respectful of other people’s needs and views. It will be an exciting chance for the children to share their knowledge. A big thank-you to everyone who has sent in a leaf for our welcome tree, if you haven’t sent yours in yet there is still plenty of time to do so.
Expressive arts and design
We will be continuing our dance lessons where the children will have opportunities to learn new dances and make up their own dances. With Christmas approaching we will be experimenting with a variety of resources to make christmas decorations. We will also be exploring different painting techniques to create our mixed-media fireworks pictures.
Reception Spring Term 1
Spring 1
This half term our topic is ‘Explorers’. We will be learning about the world we live in, the insects, animals and plants that live in our local area. The children will be taking part in a project with the Essex Wildlife Trust to develop our outside area. In RE we will be looking at celebrations in our Church community.
Literacy
In Literacy we will be looking at information books. We will be extending our writing and trying to write simple sentences. We will be making our own bug characters and writing about them. We will revise the sounds we have learnt and also begin to learn new sounds including two letter sounds such as /ch/ and /sh/.
Maths
In maths we will begin to compare sizes and use some simple measurements. We will be using language such as ‘bigger’, ‘smaller’, ‘taller’, ‘shorter’. We will be looking at different sized bugs to help us with this.
Understanding of the World
We will be learning about different bugs as part of our ‘Explorers’ topic, including the endagered stag beetle. We will also be looking at birds, particularly focusing on our class name birds which are sparrows and robins.
Expressive Art and Design
In this subject we will be using the skills we have learnt to do some modelling using recycled materials. We will also be doing some observational paintings and drawings.
Come and See (R.E)
We will be thinking about what a celebration is and how we celebrate them in our church. We will also be learning a story from the scripture taken from Luke 2:25-32. In this story Simeone celebrates the coming of Jesus of Nazareth.
To help your child with this topic, you could talk to them about the following questions
Think about your childhood. Which celebrations did you most enjoy? How did you celebrate? Who took part?
Which celebration are you looking forward to in the coming months? How will you celebrate? Who else will take part?
Spring 1
This half term our topic is ‘Explorers’. We will be learning about the world we live in, the insects, animals and plants that live in our local area. The children will be taking part in a project with the Essex Wildlife Trust to develop our outside area. In RE we will be looking at celebrations in our Church community.
Literacy
In Literacy we will be looking at information books. We will be extending our writing and trying to write simple sentences. We will be making our own bug characters and writing about them. We will revise the sounds we have learnt and also begin to learn new sounds including two letter sounds such as /ch/ and /sh/.
Maths
In maths we will begin to compare sizes and use some simple measurements. We will be using language such as ‘bigger’, ‘smaller’, ‘taller’, ‘shorter’. We will be looking at different sized bugs to help us with this.
Understanding of the World
We will be learning about different bugs as part of our ‘Explorers’ topic, including the endagered stag beetle. We will also be looking at birds, particularly focusing on our class name birds which are sparrows and robins.
Expressive Art and Design
In this subject we will be using the skills we have learnt to do some modelling using recycled materials. We will also be doing some observational paintings and drawings.
Come and See (R.E)
We will be thinking about what a celebration is and how we celebrate them in our church. We will also be learning a story from the scripture taken from Luke 2:25-32. In this story Simeone celebrates the coming of Jesus of Nazareth.
To help your child with this topic, you could talk to them about the following questions
Think about your childhood. Which celebrations did you most enjoy? How did you celebrate? Who took part?
Which celebration are you looking forward to in the coming months? How will you celebrate? Who else will take part?
Reception Autumn 2
Our topic is ‘Festivals’. We will be looking at different celebrations around the world. Some of the festivals we will learn about are Fireworks night, Divali, Advent and Christmas. The children will have a chance to experience different foods and art from around the world.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The children will be learning to speak confidently about their own needs, wants, interests and opinions. We will also be learning about the importance of listening respectfully to others. The children will also be learning about risk assessment. Each day we will choose 4 risk assessors who will join the adults on their daily risk assessments to learn about keeping safe.
Communication and Language
We will be focusing on being confident speakers and listeners. It is important that the children do our weekly Big Talk challenge at home as they will be expected to talk about it during our big talk sessions. The children will be answering and asking questions, as well as giving simple instructions.
Physical Development
Our PE will be dance and gymnastics. We will be using the big climbing equipment and the children will be challenged to negotiate space, climb and jump safely. The children will also learn about using, carrying and storing equipment safely. In dance the children will learn some simple dances and will be encouraged to experiment with different ways of moving to music, working alone and in partners to create simple dances.
In class we will be continuing to develop our fine motor skills, building the muscles the children will need for writing.
Literacy
This half-term we will be beginning to write and read simple words. We will be continuing with our daily phonics sessions so please check the Reception update for each weeks sounds. Encourage your child to form the letters correctly and use their sounds when spelling simple words. We will be providing lots of different opportunities to write in class such as fireworks poems, spider facts and letters to Father Christmas.
We will also be beginning to learn some of our Key words. We will be sending home weekly Key words for you to focus on with your child. Please look out for these words in reading books, build them with magnetic letters, practise writing them with pens, pencils or paints. You might like to cut your key words out and go on a word hunt, you can make them into cards and play matching games and snap, anything that will help your child become familiar with these words!
Mathematics
In mathematics we will be focusing on counting confidently to 20 and recognising the numerals 0-20. We will also be doing some simple addition and subtraction. You can help your child by finding 1 more or 1 less from groups of objects to 10 or 20 if they are confident! We will also be doing some simple addition sums using objects e.g. 3 bears add 2 bears equals 5 bears.
Closer to Christmas we will be looking at patterns using colours, shapes and sizes.
Understanding the world
The children will be learning about different cultures and beliefs around the world. We will be exploring different festivals and the way people celebrate them. The children will be learning that it is important to be sensitive and respectful of other people’s needs and views. It will be an exciting chance for the children to share their knowledge. A big thank-you to everyone who has sent in a leaf for our welcome tree, if you haven’t sent yours in yet there is still plenty of time to do so.
Expressive arts and design
We will be continuing our dance lessons where the children will have opportunities to learn new dances and make up their own dances. With Christmas approaching we will be experimenting with a variety of resources to make christmas decorations. We will also be exploring different painting techniques to create our mixed-media fireworks pictures.
Our topic is ‘Festivals’. We will be looking at different celebrations around the world. Some of the festivals we will learn about are Fireworks night, Divali, Advent and Christmas. The children will have a chance to experience different foods and art from around the world.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
The children will be learning to speak confidently about their own needs, wants, interests and opinions. We will also be learning about the importance of listening respectfully to others. The children will also be learning about risk assessment. Each day we will choose 4 risk assessors who will join the adults on their daily risk assessments to learn about keeping safe.
Communication and Language
We will be focusing on being confident speakers and listeners. It is important that the children do our weekly Big Talk challenge at home as they will be expected to talk about it during our big talk sessions. The children will be answering and asking questions, as well as giving simple instructions.
Physical Development
Our PE will be dance and gymnastics. We will be using the big climbing equipment and the children will be challenged to negotiate space, climb and jump safely. The children will also learn about using, carrying and storing equipment safely. In dance the children will learn some simple dances and will be encouraged to experiment with different ways of moving to music, working alone and in partners to create simple dances.
In class we will be continuing to develop our fine motor skills, building the muscles the children will need for writing.
Literacy
This half-term we will be beginning to write and read simple words. We will be continuing with our daily phonics sessions so please check the Reception update for each weeks sounds. Encourage your child to form the letters correctly and use their sounds when spelling simple words. We will be providing lots of different opportunities to write in class such as fireworks poems, spider facts and letters to Father Christmas.
We will also be beginning to learn some of our Key words. We will be sending home weekly Key words for you to focus on with your child. Please look out for these words in reading books, build them with magnetic letters, practise writing them with pens, pencils or paints. You might like to cut your key words out and go on a word hunt, you can make them into cards and play matching games and snap, anything that will help your child become familiar with these words!
Mathematics
In mathematics we will be focusing on counting confidently to 20 and recognising the numerals 0-20. We will also be doing some simple addition and subtraction. You can help your child by finding 1 more or 1 less from groups of objects to 10 or 20 if they are confident! We will also be doing some simple addition sums using objects e.g. 3 bears add 2 bears equals 5 bears.
Closer to Christmas we will be looking at patterns using colours, shapes and sizes.
Understanding the world
The children will be learning about different cultures and beliefs around the world. We will be exploring different festivals and the way people celebrate them. The children will be learning that it is important to be sensitive and respectful of other people’s needs and views. It will be an exciting chance for the children to share their knowledge. A big thank-you to everyone who has sent in a leaf for our welcome tree, if you haven’t sent yours in yet there is still plenty of time to do so.
Expressive arts and design
We will be continuing our dance lessons where the children will have opportunities to learn new dances and make up their own dances. With Christmas approaching we will be experimenting with a variety of resources to make christmas decorations. We will also be exploring different painting techniques to create our mixed-media fireworks pictures.
Autumn 1
We will be beginning our learning in different curriculum areas. Below you will find some of the things we will cover in different areas but please check the parent’s area on our website and your child’s book bag regularly for the Reception Class update, which will share ideas you can try at home. Our topic this term is ‘Our Community’ in which we will be learning about family, friends and our school and church community.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
During the first half term our most important focus is making sure all the children are settled and happy at school. The children will be learning school rules and routines for the first time, making new friends and learning their way around a new environment.
Communication and Language
We will be focusing on giving instructions and following them. We will also be listening to stories and talking about them.
Physical Development
We will be focusing on dance and gymnastics where the children will be learning to move in a variety of ways and learning to jump safely.
Literacy
In Literacy we will be beginning our daily Phonics sessions. Your child will be learning the different sounds that letters make. We will send out the sounds we will be learning each week in our Reception Update. We will also practise sounding out simple words, for example c-a-t makes cat. You can help your child by doing some fun writing activities, for example painting the letters they have learned or writing them in gloop (corn flour and water mixed but be warned this can be messy!) You could also play games such as ‘I spy with sounds instead of letters.
Mathematics
In Mathematics we are focusing on counting 1-1. This means we help the children to count amounts of objects accurately. We will also be learning to recognise the different numerals and how to write them. You can help your child by getting them to help you with simple counting around the house, for example ‘Can you count me out 5 forks for dinner?’
Understanding the World
In Understanding the World we will be thinking about our families and how people have different ideas and interests. We will also be thinking about autumn and the changes that we are seeing in our outside area.
We will be learning to use different apps on the ipads. We hope to start a video diary on the ipads which we will share with our pen pal schools in India and the USA.
Expressive Art and Design
In Expressive Art and Design we will be thinking about using colour. The children will be painting Autumn pictures and self portraits. We will be learning different songs and dances.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
During the first half term our most important focus is making sure all the children are settled and happy at school. The children will be learning school rules and routines for the first time, making new friends and learning their way around a new environment.
Communication and Language
We will be focusing on giving instructions and following them. We will also be listening to stories and talking about them.
Physical Development
We will be focusing on dance and gymnastics where the children will be learning to move in a variety of ways and learning to jump safely.
Literacy
In Literacy we will be beginning our daily Phonics sessions. Your child will be learning the different sounds that letters make. We will send out the sounds we will be learning each week in our Reception Update. We will also practise sounding out simple words, for example c-a-t makes cat. You can help your child by doing some fun writing activities, for example painting the letters they have learned or writing them in gloop (corn flour and water mixed but be warned this can be messy!) You could also play games such as ‘I spy with sounds instead of letters.
Mathematics
In Mathematics we are focusing on counting 1-1. This means we help the children to count amounts of objects accurately. We will also be learning to recognise the different numerals and how to write them. You can help your child by getting them to help you with simple counting around the house, for example ‘Can you count me out 5 forks for dinner?’
Understanding the World
In Understanding the World we will be thinking about our families and how people have different ideas and interests. We will also be thinking about autumn and the changes that we are seeing in our outside area.
We will be learning to use different apps on the ipads. We hope to start a video diary on the ipads which we will share with our pen pal schools in India and the USA.
Expressive Art and Design
In Expressive Art and Design we will be thinking about using colour. The children will be painting Autumn pictures and self portraits. We will be learning different songs and dances.
Long term planning