The Voices Foundation

​Beech Class are on great form with their singing, as was witnessed by Carole from The Voices Foundation project on Monday.  The children are exploring pitch, tempo and dynamics through singing short songs, some of which you may recognise from your own childhood.  We sang ‘A sailor went to sea’ with actions; we’re hoping to progress on to the partner clapping game.  Carole was particularly impressed by the children’s confidence to sing solo in front of the class.  This was demonstrated in the song ‘Copy me’.  We just need to perfect all singing together in time!
As you know, Mr Dray teaches the children on Wednesday afternoons.  I happened to be in the classroom when the children were making ‘stained glass windows’ in the style of Charles Rennie Mackintosh.  The children worked with focus and great care to cut out intricate designs on black paper……. a marvellous activity to brush up on scissor skills. 
Miss Coleman brought a very proud Y1 boy to me this week.  He had worked incredibly hard on his handwriting in her ‘Read, Write, Inc.’ group and is achieving fantastic results: the difference between now and September is remarkable.  The children will be changing their RWI books on a Wednesday.  However, the picture books from the book corner may be changed anytime.
In Computing with Miss Barton, the children have tested their new knowledge of control of the Bee-Bots (robots) to challenge themselves to predict where the Bee-Bot will stop.  They have also been looking at what keeps us healthy in PSHE.  With Miss Barton, they decided that sleep, water, oxygen, exercise and food keeps us alive and well, with only the occasional cake and chocolate.
Beech Class have been tremendously busy during our ‘continuous provision’ times.  This is an opportunity for children to work independently and to lead their own learning and skill development.  About half the class are in the process of making a model from ‘junk’ (please keep it coming), while the dolls are looking very smart in their outfits.  The writing basket should be up and running from next week.
Things you can do to support your child next week:

• Y1s – recognising numbers to 50
• Y2s – count forwards and backwards in 2s, 5s and 10s
• Remind your child to change their picture books
• Talk about looking after our ears (keeping them clean, small objects, hearing tests etc.)

Have a lovely weekend.
Audra Fitzgerald