Reception Staff
Mrs Richards – Reception Teacher
Hi, my name is Chrissy Richards and I am going to be teaching Reception class at St John’s from September 2021. Having previously worked at St John’s for 7 years as an HLTA in Reception, I am absolutely thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to return to the school where my heart truly belongs, in the capacity of class teacher! In addition to many years experience working in the Early Years sector, my degree was also studying Early Years specifically. I am hugely passionate about my job and feel privileged to be a part of your child’s learning and development journey. I look forward to working in partnership with you. It is my intention to ensure your child thrives this year, and has a wonderful, memorable start to their school life!
In addition to being Reception teacher, this year I will be subject coordinator across school for Art and DT.
When I am not in school teaching, I really enjoy gardening and long walks in the countryside or by the coast with my family and friends. On Sundays I volunteer as a kid’s leader at my church.
Mrs Hogarth – HLTA
My name is Mrs. Hogarth and I am the Higher-Level Teaching Assistant in Reception. I work as part of the EYFS team to support the planning and implementation of the EYFS curriculum and to provide a safe and stimulating environment for all the children to learn and play in.
Since 2008 my role has evolved from working in Nursery to now being based in the Reception Class with Miss Smith. What I absolutely love about working with this age group is being able to share with the children all the things I enjoy doing with my family such as baking, gardening, exploring the outdoors and having fun!
Reception Important Information
Mrs Richards (Reception Class Teacher) and Mrs Hogarth (HLTA) work full time in Reception. On a Wednesday and Thursday morning, Mrs Moan (SENDco) provides additional support to the Reception Class.
Reading Books
Developing reading skills is fundamental to your child’s development and a huge part of their Reception journey! Children will receive a book every Friday to bring home and practise, as well as being able to access books and activities through Active Learn, with each child receiving a personal log-in. Additionally, staff will hear the children read throughout the week on a one-to-one basis. Children will also read to adults during other activities such as Guided Reading. The reading books that are sent home must be practised numerous times at home so that the children become confident young readers.
Homework
Throughout the year we ask parents to consolidate the skills being explored in the classroom such as children writing their own name, practising their counting, sharing books and developing their independence. After October half term, the children will also receive weekly spelling homework to further develop their learning in Phonics. The children will be taught sounds and words throughout their daily phonics sessions and will receive their spellings every Monday. The children will be tested on these words on a Friday. The worksheet does not need to be handed back in to school.
PE Lessons
At the moment, Reception children will be completing all PE lessons outdoors every Friday. Therefore, we are encouraging children to come into school children dressed in suitable clothing for completing physical activities but will also allow them to be comfortable throughout the rest of the day.
Suggested kit:
plain white t-shirt or polo shirt
black, grey or navy tracksuit bottoms
trainers
Children can wear their red school jumpers over their white t-shirts and must still bring a coat on this day.
Additional Information
It would be extremely helpful if you could name your child’s uniform (especially the jumpers) in case they are misplaced throughout the school day. Please do not bring bags of spare clothes in to school for your child (unless a specific need has been discussed with staff) as we have limited storage space for this and have lots of spare clothes available if needed.
Finally, we look forward to getting to know you as we support your child together. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the team.
Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs Richards, Mrs Hogarth and Mrs Moan.
Indian food tasting experience -Diwali
We tried Pakora, onion Bhaji, samosa, poppadoms and mango chutney as part of our RE learning about the Hindu Festival of Light, Diwali.
Remember, Remember the Fifth of November!
We had our own safe bonfire in Reception. We listened to a story, sang songs, enjoyed hot dogs, chocolate sparklers and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
Visit from Bishop Auckland Fire Station
This week Reception have been learning about Guy Fawkes in preparation for Bonfire night. We were very lucky to have some very special visitors in from Bishop Auckland Fire Station. We were able to have a good look at the fire engine and learnt all about the very important job that firefighters do to help keep us all safe. We learnt how to keep safe around fireworks and what we should do if our clothes ever caught fire- STOP, DROP and ROLL!
Reception Newsletter
Reception News Autumn 1 – 2021
Click on the link below to view the topics that will be taught this academic year.
Reception Curriculum Overview 2020
Home Learning
Information regarding home learning – updated 16/03/21
Reception’s virtual classroom is ready for use, you can find the link by accessing through Active Learn, or following the link Reception Virtual Classroom
Additional tasks have been added to Purple Mash. Keep checking as more tasks may be added throughout the week. You can also complete your own learning using Mini Mash. Remember to complete the games and books on Active Learn too.
Log in details for Purple Mash
Username – First name and first initial of surname, e.g. KateS
Password – 1234
Log in details for Active Learn
Username – First name and first initial of surname, e.g. KateS
Password – 12345
School Code – apxm
Please get in touch if you have any problems accessing your online learning.
Home Learning Link – https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQfKCsJWs8uP9psknfknJbdfUYQLi3WLQkuMqZ7ulklbUhhaOXOovm_e-XqqctOdiilAIRtu_G7Xd-X/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000
Other useful websites:
- Play online games to help with your counting skills – https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/3-5-years/counting
- Use the Cbeebies website and watch educational shows like Alphablocks https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/alphablocks and Numberblocks https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/numberblocks
- Phonics Play has a variety of free games for children to access to practise their sound recognition and blending https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/
- Cosmic Kids Yoga – https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cosmic+kids+yoga
- Joe Wickes PE https://www.youtube.com/results?sp=mAEB&search_query=joe+wickes+pe
- Nursery Rhymes and Songs https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/nursery-rhymes-a-to-z-index/z4ddgwx
Stay safe and we hope to see everyone soon.
