Term 1 Update

It was great to see so many families at our Parent Information Evening earlier in the term and to meet so many parents of our new Cycle 2 children.  It has been lovely to see the new children grow in confidence and independence and to see the older children step up into the role of class leaders.

Our focus this term in Cultural studies is The Second Great Story. This is the story of the creation and evolution of the life on Earth. It furthers the children’s understanding of  the idea that all things are interconnected. We began by coming together and listening to the First Great Story and the story of the Big Bang and how our galaxy, sun and planets were formed. We then listened to the Second Great Story where we investigated the Timeline of Life, a long chart with pictures and information about microorganisms, plants, and animals that have lived (or now live) on the earth. The great diversity of life is emphasized, and special care is paid to the “jobs” that each living thing does to contribute to life on earth.

This lesson has lead us to the study of:

• Ancient Life: eras of the earth, evolution, extinction, fossil records, excavation
• Classification Systems
• The five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae and Animalia Kingdoms

As a Cycle Group we have been coming together for fitness electives each Tuesday morning. All of the children in Cycle 2 have chosen from skipping, circus skills or dance and it has been wonderful to watch their confidence and skills develop. The children are also looking forward to participating in Tennis lessons in week 10.

We are always looking for an extra pair of hands to help out so if you do have some spare time, to listen to reading in the mornings or to help on a Friday morning with Fruity Friday, pop in and have chat to us. We would love to have you as part of our classroom.

Judy, Jo and Jane.