Cygnet Class

Teacher: Mrs Gabrielle Manzi

LSA / SEN: Mrs Michelle Rose, Mrs Margaret Cornthwaite, Mrs Serena Patten and Miss Sophie Farmer

Welcome to Cygnet Class!

The new reception children have settled into Cygnet class very well this week and we have really enjoyed getting to know them. They have been busy painting, building, dressing-up, making music, playing and making new friends, and they have especially enjoyed their school lunches! We have read lots of stories together too.

Autumn Term 2021

Thank you to all the new parents who came to the EYFS workshop last night. It was so lovely to be able to welcome you in person into the school and into Cygnet class. Please find the powerpoint from Mrs Manzi’s presentation attached for you to look at at your leisure.

Foundation workshop 2021v.2

Here is the link to the handwriting website which has lots of ideas to help you support the development of gross and fine motor skills in preparation for handwriting. https://teachhandwriting.co.uk/parents.html

We will start the term with the topic Wonderful Me! We will learn about what makes us special, how to look after our bodies and how to look after each other. We will also be learning how to use our learning muscles: Tough Tortoise, Team Ant and Wise Owl.

Eco-Heroes 

Our science topic this term is about the effects of plastics on the animals who live in our oceans. We will be learning all about nurdles, single use plastics and how we can help save our seas.

In English we will be using Talk for Writing to explore the story of ‘The Enormous Turnip’. Year one will be learning about adjectives and how to write a perfect sentence. We will also be writing some poetry about ourselves and learning how to use labels and captions in topic work.

In Maths reception children will be learning to count five, then ten objects. You can help by counting lots of different things at home together. We will also be learning about different shapes in the environment and how to make repeating patterns. Don’t forget to watch Number blocks together!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/joinin/numberblocks-help-your-child-with-maths

Year 1 children will be working on counting, reading and writing numbers to 10 in numerals and words. They will be learning about addition and subtraction using different strategies including a number line and part, part whole. You can help by supporting your child to write their numerals correctly at home.

In our phonics lessons reception children will learn the first phonemes and how to blend them to make simple words. Parents will have the chance to learn all about phonics in an evening workshop with Mrs Manzi. I do hope you can all come along.

Year 1 will focus on their handwriting this term, learning how to join some of their letters using cursive writing. In phonics they will revise some sounds from last term before moving onto new letters and sounds from phase 5. There will be a year 1 phonics workshop for parents to show you how to support your child at home.

Reception parents will have a chance to come in and talk to Mrs Manzi about how their child has settled into school. You will receive further details about how to make an appointment soon.

Don’t forget to send your child in with a named PE kit and wellington boots for wet welly walks. Children will also need a complete set of named spare clothes too, just in case of accidents!

In Cygnet Class we love reading! Here we are sharing our favourite books with our friends.

KS1 Curriculum Overview

Cygnet Class is where the youngest children begin their time with us. The children in this class are Reception and  Year 1.  Mrs Manzi, the class teacher, is supported by many very experienced voluntary helpers. In Cygnet Class there is a mixture of play based learning and more formal teacher led learning. A particular favourite of the week is the Welly Walk, where the children go off site around the village and local area learning about their surroundings. Children in Cygnet class have daily phonics lessons. Many of the children will say that their favourite part of the week is creative dance, a favourite of Mrs Manzi’s.

Here are some pictures of our work on Cave Art. We had great fun making our own paint and paint brushes and printing in clay with natural objects.

Useful Documents