We started by learning more about what a rockpool is, how they are formed and what this seaside habitat looks like. The children watched a video clip looking at the different creatures that could be found in rockpools. We identified sea anemones, fish, crabs, starfish, limpets and sea snails. There was lots of descriptive vocabulary being used to discuss the different animals and the children commented on the similarities and differences between these creatures and those we had learnt about during our minibeast topic. 

The children have been focusing on furthering their independence during literacy and numeracy activities. After listing carefully on the carpet, the children have then set off to work on their individual activity as a whole class. They have taken this in their stride and I have been extremely impressed by their confidence and independence. On Monday, the children wrote simple sentences about what they had seen in the rockpool video clip. They were challenged to remember finger spaces, full stops and to use capital letters in the correct places. They then drew a picture to accompany their writing. 

In maths this week, the children have been exploring numbers beyond 20. For some children this is numbers to 100 and for others we have started to explore 3-digit numbers. The children used a large 100 squares to identify numbers and discuss how to build these using dienes and ones. The children then had the challenge of working out the missing numbers on their 100 squares and filling in the gaps. This maths lesson was especially exciting as it took place in the Form 2 classroom. Mrs Varley was present to say hello to the children and answer any questions they had. The children really enjoyed their visit to their future classroom and we have planned more in the coming weeks to ensure the children are settled and excited for their move to Form 2 in September. 

We have been preparing for Father Day in Form 1 and the children enjoyed choosing a present at the Fathers Day stall on Wednesday. It was lovely for the children to select a gift for their Daddies and they would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the RHPA for organising this for them. Back in the classroom, we have also been making cards and gifts. The children really loved using a step by step video which showed them how to draw a little alien in a spaceship - all will all become clear on Sunday! To create a background for their card, the children dipped brushes in white paint and used their finger to flick the bristles, which created a speckled effect. They took great care when writing inside their cards and are excited to bring them home on Friday.

On Thursday afternoon, the children set to work making coasters to give as presents for Fathers Day. The children thought about their design and the colours they wanted to use. They all look unique and the children are looking forward to wrapping them up in tissue paper and adding their gift tags.

The children are working extremely hard in phonics and we have been learning to read longer words and applying all our sounds to write simple sentences. The children's confidence to write independently is growing day by day and they are turning into fantastic writers!