This term in Bumble Bee Class, our topic has been Down on the Farm, and what an exciting term it has been! We jumped straight into our learning with a fantastic trip to Stonehurst Farm. The children loved meeting the animals, including cows, sheep, pigs (and adorable piglets!), chickens, goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs. We enjoyed a nature walk around the farm and were even lucky enough to ride on a tractor and trailer. Of course, the best bit is playing on the hay bales and swinging on the rope swing!

Our literacy learning began with the story Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell. Soon after, we received a mysterious parcel from the farm that made some very strange noises! This inspired us to write our own versions of the story, titled Dear Farm. Year 1 carefully chose adjectives to describe the animals, while Reception focused on the different animal sounds.

When we opened the box from the farm, we discovered a little ladybird inside! This led us to read What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson. We worked on sequencing the story and describing directions, just like in the book. Year 1 also learned about verbs and wrote some fun, silly sentences about the animals.

To celebrate World Nursery Rhyme Week, we learned the rhymes Incy Wincy Spider, Humpty Dumpty, and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. We created actions, performed them to each other, and enjoyed lots of creative crafts and activities.

In science this half term, we have been learning all about animals. We explored different animal groups (mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and amphibians) what they eat, and the habitats they live in.

During Forest School sessions, we explored leaves and trees, created bark rubbings, and enjoyed the beautiful autumnal changes in nature. We even spotted some of the first signs of winter!

In maths, Year 1 have been adding and subtracting numbers to 10 using counters and number lines, as well as recalling number facts. They have recently begun working with numbers to 20 and enjoyed a week exploring 2D and 3D shapes, especially building towers with stackable 3D shapes.
Reception have focused on numbers 3, 4, and 5, using Numberblocks to support their understanding. They explored number composition and practised counting forwards and backwards.

The highlight of the half term was our nativity, Hooray in a Manger. The children worked incredibly hard, learned their lines, sang beautifully, and confidently performed for their families. Miss Bray and Mrs Gent are extremely proud of the wonderful show the Bumble Bees put on, it was a perfect way to get us all into the Christmas spirit!