Welcome to Merlin Class

Class Teacher: Miss Morris 

Class TAs: Mrs Hoddinott, Mrs Andrews, Mrs Spyrou (Mon, Tue, Fri PM) & Mrs Hewlett (Wed-Fri)

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Autumn 2; Week 6

We hope you all enjoyed our performances of 'Simply the Nativity' on Tuesday and Wednesday. The children were excited to showcase what they have been working hard on over the past 6 weeks. Well done to all of the children involved. No matter their role, we think they all shone brightly!

We have many tired children in Merlin Class, eagerly on the countdown to Christmas! With 5 days of the Autumn term left, we will be trying to spread that festive cheer a little while longer whilst the countdown continues! This week children were excited to welcome Father Christmas for a brief visit when he landed his helicopter on our field! You can see the excitement had by all in the previous post.

Our writing lessons were used up by our Christmas card crafts this week. The children are excited to bring all of the wonderful Christmas artwork they have created home on the last day of the term.

In maths, we looked at continuing patterns, following an AB, AAB and ABC sequence. The children were keen to decorate their fairy lights, creating a different sequence of patterns each time.

A reminder that children are welcome to write Christmas cards to their friends (please use the class photos on the website to help the children remember the names of all of their peers!). The children can then post their cards in our post box in the library. Please do make sure envelopes clearly state a name and class name - thank you.

When we return back from the Christmas break, children in Merlin Class will be working with our art specialist to create some 3 Little Pigs inspired artwork. Please can all children bring 1 cereal box (or a similar alternative, ideally made from thin cardboard) into school so that these can be used as part of our artwork. Children are welcome to bring these in from next week.
 

Autumn 2; Week 5

Without a doubt, this has been our busiest week by far! Merlin Class enjoyed making their Christingles on Tuesday, ready for our service at the church. We were incredibly proud of how well the children sat through the service and received many compliments on the children's behaviour (and singing!). We hope you enjoyed celebrating this with us.

Merlin were fantastic, all dressed in their festive costumes, for our Nativity dress rehearsal this morning. The weeks of rehearsals are now making sense and the children are very excited to be performing in front of an audience! We cannot wait to welcome you in to see us next week!

Amongst the chaos this week we also wrote our letters to Father Christmas and continued to practise our number bonds to 5 using multilink.

Thank you to all those who came along to our Christmas Fair today. We are very grateful for all your support. Our PTFA work incredibly hard to organise and run events such as the fair held tonight so it is always lovely to see these so busy! Thank you again.

 

Autumn 2; Week 4

In phonics, we have learnt the digraphs /sh/, /th/ and /ng/. There is always such enjoyment when learning new digraphs - the children are particularly keen to spot these sounds in new words!

We shared the story 'Oi Frog' this week. The children blew us away with their rhyming skills - finding rhyming pairs in our literacy lessons and writing short captions.

In maths, we have looked at the composition of 5 using part whole models and 5-frames to help us with our explorations.

A reminder that Wednesday next week is the deadline for Nativity costumes to be in school please. We will be doing a dress rehearsal at the end of the week so it is important we have all the children's costumes by then. Thank you.

It is also our Christingle service next Wednesday. Children are asked to bring oranges in (either on Monday or Tuesday please) for us to make our own Christingles ready for the service.

We are set for a very busy start to December next week!

Autumn 2; Week 3

With November quickly coming to an end, we are set to see lots of festivities begin to fill our calendars! Eagle-eyed readers of our weekly Diary Dates will have noticed our Nativity performance dates were released last week. Children in EYFS and KS1 are working really hard to put on a special performance for you all to enjoy. For those who may have missed this update, we will be hosting two performances of our Nativity - Tuesday 9th December at 2pm and Wednesday 10th December at 5pm. Further information, including booking details will be shared in the upcoming weeks.

I would like to take a moment to commend the children for their hard work in phonics recently. This week, we have been reviewing the children's knowledge and were mightily impressed with the progress every single child has made, whether that has been with their tricky words or grapheme recognition. Thank you for all your support at home with this.

The children's progress is shining through their writing, with lots of confident segmenting of words. This week we have been writing short phrases/sentences to show our understanding of our focus text 'The Leaf Thief' and our recent learning about autumn.

We have been looking at the composition of 3 and 4 this week, using 5 frames to show the numbers hidden within these numbers. The children have been writing number sentences to show their learning. We will be continuing to explore the composition of numbers over the next few weeks, applying a variety of different strategies to help us, including using 10 frames, multilink and part-whole models.

Merlin class were inspired by the frosty weather we saw creep in over the last few days and have had lots of fun creating our own frosty pictures, using water and salt to observe how this changes when it dries. It took a little while to get the ratios right, however this didn't stop the children becoming mesmerised by watching their artwork "freeze" in front of their very eyes!

 

Autumn 2; Week 2

Our learning this week has been heavily focused around Remembrance, with us marking the occasion on Tuesday with a whole school gathering and 2 minute silence. The children created some lovely Remembrance artwork, which I will share in the photos above, as part of our focused learning. We think these look beautiful and are proudly displayed in our classroom!

Our phonics this week introduced the sounds /v/ /w/ /x/ and /y/. Children in Merlin Class have continued to work hard on their tricky words but are still finding these quite difficult to remember. Frequent practise at home will help to embed these trickier words! We learn a new tricky word each day meaning it builds up quickly for the children. Please do keep reviewing these as part of your reading time at home. You can find the tricky words we practised this week on the phonics home learning sheet which comes home in your child's homework folder every Friday - thank you for your support with this.

In maths, we have been representing numbers to 10 and putting their numerals in order. The children have demonstrated their excellent counting skills to check they have represented each number with accuracy. Next week, we will begin to look at the composition of each number, including writing simple addition number sentences.

We have continued to practise our letter formation during our writing sessions, focusing on how our letters sit on the line. We have also been reading 'The leaf thief' this week. The children have been applying their phonics knowledge to write CVC words from the text, with some continuing to challenge themselves to begin writing short sentences/ phrases. We certainly have many keen writers in Merlin Class at the moment - it is lovely to watch them discover, for themselves, the magic of phonics!

Our Nativity rehearsals are well underway, occupying many of our afternoons! The children have now learnt all the songs for the Nativity ( a reminder that you can practise these songs at home here - https://www.countessgythaprimary.co.uk/page/?title=Nativity+2025&pid=292 ). Further details about the Nativity will be shared later this month, including dates for the Nativity performances and booking information. Do keep an eye out in the Diary Dates and your emails for these in the upcoming few weeks.

Autumn 2; Week 1

I hope you have all had a lovely half term. Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn term. Merlin have been readjusting to our classroom rules and routines as we prepare to take on our busiest half term yet!

The news is out... Nativity rehearsals have commenced with all children finding out their very important role on Wednesday. Every child has come home with a Nativity letter informing you of your child's character and the items needed for their costumes. Please do come and speak to me if you have any questions or queries about these. Costumes are not needed in school until early December.

Speaking of Nativity, I have added the songs we are learning to the school website. They are very fun (and catchy!) Children in Merlin are keen to show you all at home the actions that they have learnt so far. Please do feel free to practise these songs at home. I will insert a link here to take you to the website page:
https://www.countessgythaprimary.co.uk/page/?title=Nativity+2025&pid=292
Enjoy!

With Nativity rehearsals falling into our PE slot, we are wriggling around parts of our timetable to fit in the festivities. With this in mind, children may now bring their PE kits into school to change for PE. Many children have already brought their PE kits in. Children should now wear uniform on Wednesdays. Thank you.

We restarted our phonics teaching, learning the sounds (/ff/ /ll/ /ss/) /j/ /v/ and /w/. Children have jumped straight back into reading, working hard to blend sounds together to read words. We have been using our phonics knowledge to write CVC words - with some children challenging themselves to begin to write short phrases! Very, very impressive stuff!

In maths, we have looked at numbers 6 - 10. The children have represented these numbers on a 10 frame and discussed what patterns they noticed. We have also practised forming these numbers, using our number rhymes to help us remember:
6 - make a C and in you go, that's how you make a 6, you know
7 - across the sky and down from heaven, that's how you make a number 7
8 - make a 's' and shut the gate, that's how you make a number 8
9 - circle and line, makes a 9

This week has also been busy with lots of celebrations. The children have learnt about Diwali and enjoyed engaging in some Diwali themed enhanced provision. We have also marked Bonfire Night with the children having lots of fun creating their own firework artwork (we think they look fabulous!). We have also began painting some poppies, which we look forward to 'planting' next week for Remembrance Day.

Autumn 1; Week 7

Happy half term everybody!

We ended the half term with a lovely autumnal welly walk this morning. The children enjoyed finding lots of leaves on the ground and spent a long time exploring the playing field to see if they could find the biggest one! It was a lovely morning together and certainly a delightful way to bring the first half term to a close.

We have been reviewing previously taught sounds in phonics this week, focusing on /d/ /g/ /c/ and /e/. The children have recalled these sounds well and have been challenging themselves to spot these sounds in words. The tricky word 'the' is still proving rather tricky for many so lots of practise recalling that word over the half term would be incredibly helpful 😊

In maths, we have been finding 1 more and 1 less using practical resources. The children have been using multilink cubes as well as 10 frames and counters to represent numbers and find 1 more/less. Number fluency within 5 is really beginning to develop for many. Merlin Class are sharing some brilliant mathematical discussions with each other about the patterns they notice when exploring numbers - well done, Merlin!

Our topic lessons have focused on seasonal change. We discussed things we could observe during autumn and what we have noticed within our local surroundings.

There is no homework set over the holidays, however please do continue to read with your child. Occasional reviews of taught phonics sounds and tricky words so far would also support learning over this period.

Autumn 1; Week 6 

We’ve had a lovely week in class, of course, ending with lots of enthusiasm for the UV disco after school today!

In phonics, we learnt the sounds /h/ /b/ /f/ /l/. Next week we will be reviewing some of the sounds we have learnt throughout this half term. Lots of children are beginning to become confident blenders. This skill really helps the children with their reading. It is lovely to watch them become increasingly more confident with phonics.

In maths, we’ve been exploring the language of ‘more’ and ‘less’. The children have been comparing groups of objects and practising finding one more than a given number. Merlin Class did a great job at using appropriate mathematical language to describe what they noticed.

Our circle time this week was all about emotions. We spoke about what different feelings might look like and how they can feel inside. The children showed great empathy and thoughtfulness during our discussions - well done, Merlin.

During our topic lessons, we discussed the importance of doctors and nurses in our community. We knew that the doctors surgery was opposite the school and many children shared about a time where they were poorly and doctor helped them to feel better. The children have enjoyed a doctors role play this week to bring this learning to life, as well as some craft activities.

Next week marks the final week of our first half term – it’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown! We’re so proud of how well the children have settled into school life. Thank you for all your support.

Autumn 1; Week 5

What a bright and cheerful day we’ve had today for Hello Yellow! It was lovely to see all the children dressed in their brightest clothes, showing their support for mental health awareness and spreading lots of smiles across the classroom. They all looked fantastic, and it certainly brought a burst of sunshine into our day!

This week in phonics, we’ve been learning the sounds /ck/ /e/ /u/ and /r/. The children were especially excited to learn their very first digraph – ck – which means two letters that make one sound! We’ve been so impressed with the progress they are making in their reading. Their blending skills are coming along brilliantly, and it's wonderful to see their confidence growing. Alongside reading, we’ve been working hard on writing CVC words, learning how to segment sounds to help us spell. It is so exciting to see the children beginning to write their own short words!

In maths, we’ve been focusing on subitising (recognising quantities without counting) to 3, even when the groups are presented in different ways. The children have also been practising how to order numerals and quantities up to 5. They’re really developing their number sense and have enjoyed using different practical resources to help with their learning.

During circle time, we talked about what makes each of us special. The children shared some of their favourite things and we discussed how it’s perfectly okay to like different things – it’s what makes us all unique! It was a lovely opportunity for the children to listen to one another and celebrate each other’s individuality.

To round off a lovely week, the children had great fun helping to decorate biscuits for our afternoon bake sale. There were lots of sticky fingers and smiles!

Thank you for your continued support – we’re so proud of all the learning and growing your children are doing each week!

 

Autumn 1; Week 4

It was lovely to see so many of you at our Harvest Celebration on Wednesday. The children enjoyed their visit to the church, showcasing their work and hearing from their older peers about the importance of this festival. We think they did remarkably well, especially as this was their first time joining the school in an assembly style gathering! We look forward to our next celebration there - Christingle - which I'm sure will be here before we know it!

This week in phonics we have learnt the sounds /g/ /o/ /c/ /k/. We have worked hard in our provision to keep reviewing the sounds that we have learnt and how the letters are formed. We have also been focusing on recognising our names and ordering the letters needed to spell them. The children are making great progress with their reading and have enjoyed practising to read CVC words containing the sounds that they have learnt. I have added some words that the children have read this week to the bottom of the weekly phonics sheet so that they can continue to practise their reading at home too!

In maths, we have continued looking at numbers to 5, recognising these numerals and learning how to form them. The children have enjoyed subitising different amounts and learning our different formation rhymes.

We embarked on our first welly walk this week. As part of our focus this half term, we headed out to spot key places in our community including the school, doctors surgery and village shop. We also spoke about other areas we may visit, including the park and the church. Over the next few weeks we will be learning about people who help us.

During our circle time session, we shared a story learning all about Harold the Giraffe. We found out what his favourite food was, what activities he liked to do, what games he liked to play with his friends and who he can go to when he is feeling sad. The children each had a turn at sharing their own responses to these questions and listened really carefully to what others had to say - well done, Merlins!

European Day of Languages

Merlin Class enjoyed lots of Italian themed activities and provision today. Our favourite activity was definitely making pizzas and sampling our hard work in the afternoon! 

Autumn 1; Week 3

Our phonics sounds this week were /i/, /n/, /m/, /d/. The children are doing a great job at remembering their sounds but please do keep reviewing these at home as much as you can. This week, the children have also practised forming these letters. We have been super impressed with the childrens letter formation so far - we have such neat and enthusiastic writers in Merlin class!

In maths we have been looking at 5 frames and how numbers are represented on these. We have also been looking at numerals to 5 and matching them to their correct quantity.

In PSHE, we shared a lovely circle time discussing things we enjoyed about school, the friends we have made and what we want to be when we are older. It is always so sweet to hear their aspirations... 'a van fixer', 'working at legoland' and 'someone who protects the summer holidays' were just a few of my personal favourites!

During our afternoon sessions we have been busy making our harvest artwork ready for our assembly on Wednesday.

Autumn 1; Week 2

The children have been very excited to begin phonics this week. We have been learning the sounds /s/ /a/ /t/ /p/ and practising how to form these letters correctly. It has been great to see the children's enthusiasm towards early reading and writing - long may it continue! 

In maths we have been subitising different amounts and representing numbers to 5. The children have enjoyed our Numberblocks provision this week and showed great skill at building different numbers!

Yoga and music continued to be a big hit this week! I know that many of the children are looking forward to our first PE lesson on Wednesday.

Autumn 1; Week 1 

We cannot quite believe that we have reached the end of our first full week in school (albeit just the mornings, for now!). We are incredibly proud of all our new starters this year - as I'm sure you are too! The children are settling into Merlin Class so well. There are many new things for the children to adjust to when they first start school, however they are taking it all in their stride and have impressed us with how quickly they have embraced school life. I am sure there are lots of tired little ones coming home with you today - we have had a busy week!

We have been making our way through the statutory reception baseline assessments this week. The children have been keen to show off their skills in a variety of different communication, literacy and maths tasks. Our first week of school has, of course, also included lots of play opportunities in our inside and outside environments. The children have been busy making new friends and reuniting with some old ones whilst engaging in a variety of different activities, although our mark making and construction areas certainly seem to be the popular hot spots for now!

On Wednesday we enjoyed our first music lesson with Mr Male. The children had lots of fun listening to the sounds of different instruments, copying musical patterns and moving to music. It was fabulous to see the children so engaged in this lesson, listening carefully to instructions and joining in so enthusiastically.

Thursday was our first yoga session. Alongside music as part of our enrichment opportunities, the children will also take part in weekly yoga sessions every Thursday up until the October half term. The children practised lots of different stretches and listened carefully to Mr Hollard's instructions.

Looking further ahead, we will begin our phonics lessons on Monday, with reading groups beginning the following week (w/c: 22nd September). We are very excited to begin gradually building up our timetable and exploring new learning with the children. There are so many exciting things ahead for Merlin Class!