Seasonal pumpkins, Diwali, poetry basket & phonics with Beatrix Potter class

Beatrix Potter class • November 17, 2023

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Reception have been enjoying exploring seasonal pumpkins. One morning, we discovered some pumpkins, dots and a picture of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

We read a story about how she loves dots and has created lots of famous art work using dots! We decided to create our own pumpkin dot art by sticking the dots to the pumpkins. This activity helped to strengthen our growing finger muscles. 

he following day, we were greeted with a carved jack-o-lantern and a book titled 'Pumpkin Jack'. We enthusiastically read the story all about the lifecycle of a pumpkin. Over the year, we will watch Pumpkin Jack change and hopefully sprout into a new pumpkin vine!


Reception have worked so hard on their phonics! This term, we have started using our phonics workstation. Children independently use the station to access a short phonics video linked to their current next steps. Most children are currently working on their 'Fred Talk' (oral blending), some children are developing their blending skills, and a few children are already reading and spelling words. We are so proud of the class for being so enthusiastic towards their learning!


This term, we are finding out about and comparing different festivals of light. We will look at customs that are the same and different over the year. This week, we have been finding out about Diwali. The children made clay divas, rangoli patterns and read the story of Rama and Sita. 


Each week, the class will be learning a different poem as part of 'Poetry Basket'. This is a short seasonal poem that children recite every day along with actions to build up their knowledge of poetry. The children particularly enjoyed performing 'Five Little Pumpkins'. 


On Friday mornings, Reception parents have joined us for 'Cosy Club'. This is a time to join us in class and snuggle up with a story. Thank you to all those parents who have been able to join us! 

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