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Starfish Class Weekly News

Friday 6th December 2024

This week in maths we have been learning about how to divide a group into two using the part-whole model. There have been lots of busy elves in our Christmas workshop too.  We have also been creating decorations to make our room look festive and enjoyed inviting Year One and Two classes to our concert 'dress rehearsal' on Friday. We look forward to seeing you all on Monday for the real thing!

Friday 29th November 2024

This week we finally got to make our vegetable soup. After lots of peeling, chopping and stirring we ended up with delicious soup and bread for our snack on Wednesday. We also really enjoyed sharing our soup with our families after school.

Friday 22nd November 2024

It's been vegetables galore in Starfish class this week. We started with a vegetable taste test and decided that carrots and cucumber were really popular. We looked closely at different vegetables and then carefully made observational paintings of them. Finally, we wrote lists of vegetables we would thought would make a delicious soup. In Maths we made 'first, then and now' stories and thought about adding 'one more' to a group of objects.

Friday 15th November 2024

This week we have been learning all about the properties of 2D shapes and using them in a number of ways. We completed a shape walk looking for 2D shapes in the environment and rangoli patterns and shape pictures using 2D shapes. On Monday we also joined with the rest of the school for the remembrance service in the playground, we made poppies to help us remember and think about those involved in conflict.

Friday 8th November 2024

This week has been all about fireworks! We used a range of printing tools to create a piece of collaborative artwork. We added words that reminded us of the sounds fireworks make. We also learnt the rhyme, "Remember, remember the fifth of November, gunpowder, treason and plot!" and found out  a little about Guy Fawkes and what he tried to do. We have also been finding out about the Diwali, the Hindu festival of Light along with learning about 3D shapes and their properties.

Friday 25th October 2024

This week went on an adventure in the Library Gardens, looking for signs of autumn. We completed an autumn treasure hunt and searched for a hidden hedgehog. We also worked in groups to create a piece of transient art, using natural materials we discovered around us. Lots of fun was had despite the drizzle!

A huge thank you to all the lovely adults who supported us on our walk. 

Friday 18th October 2024

This week we have been learning thinking about the importance of having kind hands and feet when playing and working with others. We have also learnt about the achievements of the famous British athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, as part of Black History month. We enjoyed creating hedgehog collages and writing words to describe hedgehogs in preparation for next's weeks visit to the Library Gardens.

Friday 11th October 2024

This week we have enjoyed working together to label parts of the body as part of our Science activities. In our Geography work, we have been exploring the school grounds and identifying key features such as the school garden, the swimming pool and even Mr Hautlers' office. Later we used Google Maps to help us create a 3D 'birds eye view' map of our school. We also made the most of the sunny weather during free-flow.

Friday 4th October 2024

This week we have continued to think about how we are all similar but different. We have begun to paint self-portraits by looking at ourselves carefully in a mirror. We have also been learning the sounds s, a , t, p, i, n, m and d and have been matching initial sounds to objects. We have enjoyed playing collaboratively and getting to know each other during snack-time.

Friday 27th September 2024

This week we have enjoyed being at school full time, getting to know our classmates and exploring a range of fine and gross motor activities. We have also been celebrating difference by reading the story of Elmer and discovering that each of us is special and 'unique'. We made a collaborative Elmer collage and then wrote words to describe Elmer. 

Friday 20th September 2024

Starfish class have had a great start to their time at Leigh North Street. They have been busy getting to know new friends, exploring the classroom resources and have enjoyed staying at school for lunch. It's been lovely to see so many happy, smiling faces as they come into class. Well done Starfish class!

Friday 12th July 2024

Well we are almost at the end of another fantastic year. How time flies!

Our little Starfishes have grown into independent, enthusiastic learners who have achieved so much this year. We have loved getting to know them all and we will be sad to see them go but know they are ready for the next exciting part of their school journey in Year One.

Thank you for supporting the children, it's been much appreciated.

Have a super summer holiday!

Best wishes from The Starfish Team 

Friday 5th July 2024

What a busy week!

We began by taking part in an amazing Olympics opening ceremony along with the rest of the school. This was followed by participating in  a production of the 'Selfish giant' performed by Image  Musical Theatre Company. We have also visited Angelfish Class as part of our Year 1 transition, taken part in an Olympic Tri-golf taster session and welcomed our families into class on Celebration Open Evening. 

Friday 28th June 2024

Starfish class have been enjoying the sunshine, exploring the water investigation area and building shelters during free-flow.  After watching our little caterpillars change over the past few weeks there was great excitement as we released our class butterflies in the garden. 

Friday 14th June 2024

This week we had a visit from Snakes Alive team who brought many amazing creatures for us to learn about as part of our minibeast themed activities. The children asked thoughtful questions and had a fantastic time observing and handling a stick insect, a bearded dragon and even a friendly snake! Thank you again to the LNSPS PA  for funding this interactive learning experience.

Friday 7th June 2024

This week we enjoyed talking and writing about what we did during the half-term holiday. We began our  minibeast themed work by using clay to create different model insects. We have also been busy being scientists in our 'minibeast investigation laboratory'. We had an exciting delivery on Tuesday when some teeny caterpillars arrived in class for us to take care of. Watch this space for caterpillar updates! 

Friday 24th May 2024

Starfish class had a fantastic sports morning. We were so proud of the children for showing their ASPIRE values, taking part with enthusiasm, persevering and most importantly, having fun! Thank you to everyone who came to support us at this event.

Friday 17th May 2024

Starfish class have been super busy with all things snails! We enjoyed investigating snails and learning about how they move. We also made colourful collage snails. Later in the week we found out about how we listen to music has changed over time. We found out about musical devices such as CD's, cassette tape's and record player's, learning lots of new vocabulary along the way.

Friday 10th May 2024

This week we thought we would share a snapshot of our 'free flow' fun in the sun!

We were joined in free flow by several local pre-schools. The children had the chance to experience the child-led learning that takes place during this time. Activities range from large construction projects, imaginative play, investigating and physical challenges.

Friday 3^rd May 2024

As part of our science work we have been learning about forces. The children carried out investigations to find out about floating and sinking and pushing and pulling. They pushed cars over different surfaces and decided if a hard or soft push was needed to make the cars travel further. 

Friday 26th April 2024

This term we have begun to use the computers in the ICT suite. We are really looking forward to developing our mouse skills during our computer lessons. We also held a vote to decide who would be  our class 'Friendship Ambassadors. They will be helping to ensure everyone feels happy and included in the playground at lunchtime. During 'free-flow' there were some great examples of teamwork and co-operative play.

Friday 19th April 2024

Starfish class have enjoyed activities based on the story of 'Tiddler' by Julia Donaldson. They have been busy writing sentences about fishes and have created colourful, collage sea creatures for our under the sea display. They thought about the meaning of our ASPIRE words, respect and enjoyment, on our 'learning to learn' day.  

Friday 22nd March 2024

On Tuesday Starfish Class set off on a local area visit. First stop was the beach at Bell Wharf for a snack, under the sea themed game and sandcastle building challenge. This was followed by a return visit to the Library Gardens to sketch spring flowers. The children impressed us with their sensible behaviour, safety awareness and enthusiasm. We were really proud of them! A big thank you to our lovely parent volunteers who made the visit possible.

Friday 15th March 2024

World Book Day fun in Starfish class. Can you guess all the book characters? 

Friday 8th March 2024

As part of our traditional tales topic we have enjoyed acting out the story of Goldilocks and the three bears with puppets. We also designed a safe way to get the Gingerbread Man across the river without him getting soggy. Ideas included bridges, zip-wires, trampolines, stepping stones and even life jackets! 

Friday 1st March 2024

We wanted to share some of our Chinese New Year 'highlights' from just before half term. These included tasting Chinese food and trying to eat with chopsticks, carefully painting Chinese symbols and taking part in a lively dragon dance on the astro field with the rest of the year group. Everyone had a great time taking part and the field was filled with children banging drums, waving scarfs and playing instruments. 

Friday 9th February 2024

We have started to learn about the Chinese New Year and how it is celebrated. The children have listened to the Zodiac Story and enjoyed putting the animals from the story in the correct order. They have been busy creating a 3D dragon head for our festive dragon dance. In maths, we have been exploring ordinal numbers and using words such as shorter and longer to compare the length of objects. As part of children mental health week, we have been talking about ways to look after our mental health and wellbeing. We have particularly enjoyed practicing strategies such as star breathing to help regulate our emotions.

Friday 2nd February 2024

It's been an exciting, royal themed week in Starfish as we completed our History enquiry topic based on 'The King's hats'. We have learnt about who wears a crown and why. We painted detailed pictures of King Charles and found out what happens at a coronation. We learnt some new vocabulary such as 'monarch' and 'ceremony'. We also placed the King's coronation onto a simple timeline. We had fun writing about what we would do if we were King or Queen for a day.

Friday 26th January 2024

Starfish class have had a super busy week exploring ice and the process of melting. The children carried out an investigation placing ice in different locations and monitoring what happened to it over time. They also made their own frozen fruity ice lollies. As part of our winter themed work we have been thinking about how we can help birds survive in the colder months. The children worked together to make simple bird feeders for our playground and they are hoping lots of birds come to visit. 

Friday 19th January 2024

This week we have been busy writing letters to Olaf with directions to help him get home to Arendelle. We also completed our winter collages using frosty colours, worked on the apparatus in our PE session and found different ways to 'show 8' in maths. We have been practising doing up our coats independently, an important skill to master in this chilly weather!

Friday 12th January 2024

Happy New Year!

Last week the children went on a wintery walk around the school grounds. They were amazed to discover a letter from Olaf the Snowman asking for their help to direct him back to his home in Arendelle. After much discussion, the children worked in teams to create a 3D map to help guide Olaf home. Their next challenge will be to write down some directions to go with their map. We have also been thinking about cold colours and have been creating wintery collages to accompany our theme of 'Winter'.

Friday 15th December 2023

This week the children were excited to perform to their families at our Christmas concert. Wearing their handmade reindeer hats they sang and danced their way through the songs they had been practising in class. We were really proud of the children for performing so enthusiastically in front of  large audience. Later in the week we had a fun Christmas lunch complete with crackers and festive tunes!

What a busy, action packed term it's been! We hope you all have a lovely festive break.

Merry Christmas from the Starfish Team.

Friday 8th December 2023

It's official...Christmas is on it's way! 

Starfish class have had lots of fun in Santa's workshop taking on the role of elves, reindeer and even Santa! There have been many 'to do' lists written and calls made the reindeers. The children have also

been busy rehearsing for our Christmas concert, making decorations and being part of the audience at the Year One and Two dress rehearsals.  

Friday 1st December 2023

There was great excitement and anticipation in Starfish class this week as our soup tasting event drew nearer. The children chopped, peeled and prepared all manner of vegetables in order to make their soup. The children enjoyed an advanced tasting ahead of their families and rated their soup 10 out of 10! Starfish class then performed to their families on Wednesday afternoon before everyone got to taste our soup. Thank you to all the Starfish families who were able to join us in class, we hope you enjoyed our soup too!

Friday 24th November 2023

We wanted to share some photographs of the fun we had supporting 'Children in Need' last week. The children looked very snuggly in their PJ's, dressing gowns and onesies. We completed lots of challenges including a group shape hunt in the school grounds, an energetic 'Bearpee' challenge in the hall and an art challenge where we learnt to draw a Super Bear! Some of the children chose some quiet time reading bear themed stories. 

Friday 17th November 2023

This week we have been busy learning about how the Hindu festival of Diwali is celebrated. We have been designing our own rangoli patterns using 2D shapes and also using chalks to create them. We went on a 2D shape hunt and were surprised to find so many different shapes in our EYFS playground. We finished the week in style, wearing our pyjamas to school in support of Children In Need. We took part in an energetic 'Bearpees' challenge led by Joe Wicks and our friends from Year 6. 

Friday 10th November 2023

This week Starfish class worked in groups to create a piece of collaborative firework art. The children used a range of tools and everyday items to print with. They then added labels to their art work describing the sounds fireworks make. We have also learnt about the story of Guy Fawkes and enjoyed saying the rhyme, "Remember, remember the fifth of December". In Maths, we have been investigating 3D shapes and finding out if they roll or stack. We also enjoyed going on a shape hunt around school looking for 3D  shapes in the environment.

Friday 3rd November 2023

We began the week with an interactive experience called 'Now Press Play'. We all wore special head phones and acted out a autumn themed story. On Wednesday we braved the weather to go on an autumn walk to the Library Gardens. We looked for signs of autumn and made transient artwork using the natural materials that we collected. The children behaved beautifully and enjoyed the experience despite the rain! A big thank you to all the lovely parent helpers who accompanied us. 

Friday 20th October 2023

What a busy week! We have been learning about what happens in autumn and each made a collage of an autumn hedgehog by cutting, sticking, painting and printing. We then described our hedgehogs and wrote captions to go with our collages. We have enjoyed playing in the doctors surgery and treating lots of  poorly patients. Several of the children worked co-operatively to clean up the garden area by sweeping up all the fallen autumn leaves. We have been revisiting all the sounds we have learnt so far and had fun combining these sounds to make CVC words.

A big thank you for all your generous harvest food donations, they are much appreciated!

Happy half-term!

Friday 13th October 2023

This week in Starfish we went on a walk around the school grounds to meet some of the adults who help us. We met Mr Robins (our site manager) in his work room and the ladies who run the school office. We were even invited into Mr Hautler's office! We took photographs of key places on our route. On our return to class, we mapped out our walk by making a fantastic 3D map. We have also been talking about all the brilliant, positive things we can do with our hands. Our special phonic sounds this week have been e, u, r and ck.

Friday 6th October 2023

Starfish class have had another busy week at school and have been learning to name and point to different 'body parts' as part of our Science activities. We also carefully painted self-portraits and identified similarities and differences between ourselves and our friends. We challenged ourselves to measure and cut colourful frames for our portraits. In phonics we have learnt about the sounds g, o, c and k. Many of the children have made it onto the ASPIRE chart for showing respect, enjoyment and perseverance during the week. Well done everyone!

Friday 29th September 2023

Well done to Starfish Class for completing their first full week at school!

We have been busy learning the sounds i, n, m and d and have enjoyed singing the songs to accompany these sounds. We have also been reading lots of stories about 'Elmer the elephant' who was unique because of his multicoloured appearance. We talked about how everyone has something that makes them special and unique. We have had fun working with others both in class, during free-flow and at lunchtime.

Friday 22nd September 2023

Starfish Class have enjoyed staying for lunch with their friends this week. In class we have started learning the sounds s, a, t and p and have had lots of fun making colourful 'Rainbow Fish' pictures. We have explored the outdoor equipment during 'free-flow' and have been busy getting to know each other.

Friday 15th September 2023

Starfish Class have really enjoyed their morning or afternoon sessions at school this week. They have had lots of fun exploring and getting to know each other. The children are looking forward to staying for lunch at school next week.  Don't forget the menu can be found on the school website should you wish to take a look.