General Information

Phonics

At Nursteed Primary School we have adopted the Sounds-Write Phonics Scheme. In Reception (EYFS) we begin by teaching the children the 'Initial Code'. This involves learning the initial sounds for each letter spelling (for example: 's', 'a', 'i'), then learning to read and write words within which the sounds are more difficult to hear (CCVC - such as 'stop', CVCC - such as 'disk', CCVCC - such as stamp, CCCVC - such as 'strap', and CVCCC - such as 'bumps'), and finally, towards the end of the year, we some spellings which are 'two letters, one sound'. 

As we reach the end of each unit we send home a phonics key-ring so that the children can practice saying sounds, and saying sounds to read words. An example of this is shown in the video below: 

Reading

Our reading scheme follows the Sounds-Write phonics scheme.  The children will only ever read books from the units that they have already covered in phonics. 
The aim of reading these books is to develop fluency at the child’s level. To do this we ask that the children read each book at least 3 times, often more. 

Before they read the book they should:

1. Read the title
2. Open the book, look at the ‘pre-teach’ label, say the sounds that will be in the book, look at the words (which they will not be able to decode), and practise saying them
3. They should then begin to read by saying the sounds and reading the words
4. Finally they should read the sentence again several times to build their fluency

After your child has read the book, a few times you can ask them questions about the text. There are usually a few questions at the back of the book.

It does not matter how many books your child has read, it is more important how many quality reads they have completed.

Thank you for listening to your child practice their reading at home. It is the most important thing you can do to help them with their learning and we hope you enjoy this time together. If you have any questions please feel free to speak to your child’s class teacher.

A video of how to hear your child read their 'home reading book' can be found below.

Thank you for all of your support!

Maths

At Nursteed Primary School we follow the White Rose mathematics scheme of work. In Pluto Class this begins with learning to composition of numbers to 5, naming and describing simple shapes (before Christmas).

Throughout the year we work on:

 - Counting to, and beyond 20, and back, and recognising the pattern of the number system.

 - Subitising numbers to 5 (knowing the number of objects without needing to count).

 - Linking number symbols to numbers of objects and other representations.

 - Comparing and ordering numbers, using a range of mathematical language (fewer, greater, more, less, same, equal, etc.)

 - Recalling the number bonds of all numbers to 5, and some to 10, with subtraction facts too.

 - Solving problems with numbers to 5.

 - Comparing weight, length and capacity.

 - Beginning to describe a sequence of events, real or fictional, using words, such as ‘first’, ‘then…’

 - Recognising simple shapes and using them to make patterns and pictures.

These are skills and knowledge that we will be building on throughout the whole year. 

Maths at Home:

To help your child with their Maths learning there are loads of simple fun things you can do. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Counting steps, sweets, while throwing a ball, counting anything and anywhere!
• Recognising numbers on anything: coins, boxes, street signs, magazines, in the shops, around the home.
• Looking for the shape in your home, and out and about.
• Talking about objects and their size/shape (who has the longest chip? Whose cup will hold more water?).
• Asking simple Maths questions: I have 2 sweets, you have 3. Who has the most? How many are there altogether?; I have 5 chips. If I eat 2 how many will be left?
• Playing board games such as Snakes and Ladders. 

Just have fun with Maths!