Reception

Autumn Term 2025

Friday 21st November 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week:

As part of a whole school art project, this week the children looked at the beautiful picture book “Hello Lighthouse” by Sophie Blackhall. They painted a colour wash thinking about what kind of atmosphere they wanted to create before using different implements to create textured paper which they could then tear into wave shapes. Finally, they created a lighthouse silhouettes practising their cutting skills. We have added some pictures of our fabulous displays – we hope you agree, they are real works of art! This has inspired work in our Workshop and Construction areas where children attempted to build their own lighthouses, discussing the challenges of making the tall, thin shape.

We have also continued to work on learning songs for our nativity “Babushka”. Today, you will have received a letter, tickets and a costume slip. Please check your child’s book bag for these as they contain a lot of important information relating to show days. We will be starting rehearsals next week and we are all very excited for you to see the show on 9^th December!

Today, the children were thrilled that their buddies visited and together, they created some fabulous bunting for the Christmas Fair.

Phonics and Reading:

Please check your child’s book bag for information on this week’s phonics. Our Talk Through Stories book this week has been “Babushka” by Sandra Ann Horn.

Maths:

We have continued to focus on subitising and looking at the different patterns we can create with 5. We have also begun to look at number formation. The rhymes we use to teach these are attached so you can reinforce at home.

Weather:

As we settle into more wintery weather over the coming months, please make sure your child has a warm coat and hat, gloves etc. Please label everything clearly with your child’s name.

Christmas Decoration Homework:

It is a long-standing tradition at Newlaithes for every child to create a small Christmas decoration to hang on our Christmas trees in school. Please can you make one at home using recycled materials and bring it in by Monday 1^st December. We can’t wait to see what the children come up with!

Dates for your Diary

Christmas Dinner Day – Wednesday 3^rd December

Reception Nativity – 2.30pm and 6pm, Tuesday 9^th December

Christmas Reading Session – 2.45pm, Monday 15^th December

Christmas Party – Thursday 18^th December