We are Miss Genn and Mrs Talisman, your new teachers in Reception. Even though you all know us from Nursery and our Pavement Visits, we cannot wait to get to know the new children and families and see the familiar faces of the children moving up from Nursery. We are lucky to be joined by our wonderful teaching assistants Mrs Levy and Mrs Lack. We know this is going to be the best year for you all!

 

We are excited that with fewer restrictions, the whole school are able to be a community again. The children in Reception will benefit from having assemblies in the hall with the rest of the school, eating in the dining room every day, visiting our school library, using our wonderful playground equipment and enjoying special celebrations with the rest of the school.

 

Throughout the year the children will be given the opportunity to learn through play in a safe and supportive environment. All children learn in different ways and it is important to involve their interests in all activities. The children are given choices and have free flow between the indoor classroom and the outdoor area. Observations will be taken of the children in each area of learning to plan and develop meaningful activities. The activities will be fun, interactive and engaging to match the abilities and interests of the children so they can reach their full potential.

 

This year is going to be a very exciting and incredible year for the while school community. We are looking forward to celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of Etz Chaim with lots of activities and events. We are starting the term with the topic ‘Families and Friends’ during which the children will talk about themselves, what makes them special, their families and we will encourage friendships and what makes a good friend. This is a lovely topic for the start of school, especially to help welcome in our new families.

 

The children will begin learning phonics through the Read Write Inc scheme and will be able to consolidate their learning within the activities set up in the indoor and outdoor areas of the classroom. The children will be developing their mathematical skills in number, problem solving, shapes, pattern, measuring and more. There will be lots of hands on independent learning for the children in all areas of learning as well as guided groups with the teaching staff.

 

Mrs Talisman is looking forward to teaching Jewish Studies and Ivrit this year. The children will be learning all about the Chagim and Jewish life. There will be a big focus on Brachot and traditional customs. The children will learn different Hebrew words and phrases and lots of lovely Ivrit songs.  They will also be working their way through the Aleph Bet, which will lead to our fabulous Aleph Bet party at the end of the year.

 

Your role as parents is also invaluable, learning is key not only in school but in the home as well.  We aim to create strong links between the home and school environment, and to do this the children will need your support with regards to their learning.  We believe that good communication between home and school is central to your child’s learning. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us via the home-school liaison books.