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Ducklings

Welcome to Ducklings Class (Year R)

Zootopia 2

Today the whole school went to our local cinema, Silver Screen, to watch Zootopia 2. We were very lucky to still be able to visit this side of Christmas as the cinema has been closed for ages to accommodate some building works, they just re-opened in time for us this morning. Everyone had a great time and were extremely well behaved.

Duckling's First Nativity

This week, the Ducklings took to the stage for their first nativity. They were all true stars and performed with such confidence and courage. They were brave, learned their songs and actions brilliantly, and put on a terrific show. The children who had lines worked especially hard to remember them, come in at the right time, and speak loudly enough to be heard. We are so proud of how well they all did, and the true message of Christmas shone through as they retold the birth o

Ducklings Exploring Winter

This week in Ducklings we continued our exploration of winter and began our Christmas festivities. We started with our Nativity performance, where the children have been practising their lines and songs to retell the story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus. This gave them plenty of opportunities to build confidence, practise speaking and listening and enjoy performing together. In the classroom, the children took part in Santa beard trimming, frozen musical statues and lots

Vegetable Soup

Last week, as part of our preparations for making our own delicious soup, the children had the opportunity to taste an example. They began by looking closely at the soup and smelling it, talking about what they noticed. If they felt happy and confident, they were then invited to taste it. We were so proud of how brave many of the children were, especially those who weren’t sure if they would like it. Only a few chose not to taste, and lots of the children even went back for m

Seasonal Change

In Ducklings class, we have been learning all about the seasonal changes as we move from autumn into winter. The children have enjoyed talking about how the weather is getting colder and why we need to wrap up in hats, scarves and gloves. We also discussed the darker mornings and evenings and shared some of the fun things we like to do during the winter months. The children have been busy with lots of hands-on activities. They practised their fine motor skills by cutting out

Christmas Fair

This year's Christmas fair has been a huge success. A massive thank you to all those behind the scenes and on the day making sure all went to plan. How fabulous it was to see so many young entrepreneurs selling their wares and earning some well-earned pennies. Congratulations to all involved.

Birthdays

This week in Ducklings, we have been learning all about birthdays. The children thoroughly enjoyed this theme, especially as our classroom was enhanced with birthday-themed resources such as balloons, birthday cards, party invitations, wrapping paper, birthday hats and party plates and cups. These additions supported the children’s Communication and Language development as they talked about their own birthday experiences and explored new vocabulary. We discussed what we like

The Gingerbread Man

In Ducklings we have been learning all about the story 'The Gingerbread Man'. We were first introduced to the tale when a sneaky gingerbread man came to visit our classroom and left us clues to find. Using our school’s Talk for Writing approach, we learnt the story and used actions to help us remember the order of events. As our confidence grew, we began to innovate the story by changing the animals the Gingerbread Man met along his journey. We have been busy drawing story ma

Rocket Crafting

Yesterday afternoon, the children in Ducklings' Class were thrilled to welcome their grown-ups for a fun-filled rocket-making session. Together, children and adults followed step-by-step instructions from a visual task board, which included helpful picture symbols to support understanding. The room was full of excitement as everyone worked together to design and build their own rockets. This creative activity was not only enjoyable but also a wonderful opportunity to focus on

Biscuits with our Buddies

During the last week of term, the Buddies came together to celebrate the Ducklings’ first term at school. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the special friendships that have developed between the Ducklings and their Year 5 Buddies. These relationships have supported the Ducklings’ sense of belonging and confidence, promoting their Personal, Social and Emotional Development as they learn to form positive and caring connections with others. To celebrate, the Buddies a

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Ducklings Class latest blogs

Term 2 -Celebrations

We hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable half term. We hope the children are recharged and ready for the most magical term of the year! Our second topic this year will be “Celebrations.” We will be looking at celebrations around the world and in different religions. As we begin to enter the second half of our term we will begin our learning about Christmas. We will be learning about the Nativity story and how Christmas is an important Christian celebration, as they celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will also be looking at how our families celebrate Christmas and how it is celebrated across the world.

This term we will also be scheduling in plenty of Nativity rehearsals as we get ready to wow you all with our own performance of the Nativity. A letter will be sent out soon to let you know your child’s role and what costume they will need. If you need any help providing a costume then do please let one of our team know and we will do our best to help.

We are always happy to hear from you, no matter how small your question or concern may seem. You can call the school or send an email at any time and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We will also be at the door during drop-off and pick-up. These are busy times as our focus is on ensuring every child is safe and settled, and we appreciate your patience. Please know we are always here to support both you and your child.

Early Years Curriculum Overview for Term 2 ‘Celebrations’

The Early Years curriculum is organised into several key areas. Below, you will find an overview of what your child will be learning in each area during their first term. You can use this as a way to talk with them at home and share in their experiences. It’s perfectly normal if their answer to “What did you do at school today?” is “I can’t remember!” We will also aim to post a weekly blog so you can see some of the exciting activities and learning your child has been enjoying.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development:
This half term, our PSED focus will centre around belonging, kindness, and respect for others as we explore how people celebrate special times in different ways. Children will reflect on their own family traditions and learn about others through stories, role play, and shared experiences.

We will support them to recognise and express their feelings, take turns in group activities, and show sensitivity to others. Through collaborative tasks and festive preparations, they will build confidence, deepen friendships, and develop a growing sense of community within the classroom.

Communication and Language:
This half term, our Communication and Language focus will be enriched through the theme of Celebrations and Festivals. Children will have daily opportunities to listen to stories from a range of cultures, join in with songs and rhymes, and take part in discussions about family traditions and special times.
We’ll be supporting them to develop new vocabulary, speak in full sentences, and build confidence when sharing ideas with others. Through role play, storytelling, and meaningful conversations, children will continue to grow as thoughtful listeners and expressive speakers.

Physical Development:
This half term, we will continue to support children’s physical development through a range of purposeful and practical activities. Children will refine their fine motor skills through mark making, cutting, threading, and using a variety of tools and materials with increasing control. We’ll also focus on developing gross motor confidence through outdoor play, climbing, balancing, dancing, and moving in different ways.
As the weather changes, children will be encouraged to independently manage zips, boots, and coats, supporting self-care and growing independence. Daily routines, movement games, and time in provision will all help children build strength, coordination, and confidence in their bodies.
In addition, children will have a PE session on Fridays with our sports coach, who will introduce new skills each week and help children gain confidence in physical activity.

Literacy:
This term, we will continue to nurture children’s love of reading and early writing through daily story times, talk-rich activities, and meaningful mark making opportunities. Children will explore a wide range of texts, both fiction and non-fiction, developing their understanding of story structure, characters, and new vocabulary. One of our key texts this term is the classic ‘The Gingerbread Man.’ In writing, we’ll encourage children to make marks with purpose, whether through drawing, name writing, lists, labels, or early sentence work, supported by phonics teaching and adult modelling. We will build their confidence to share ideas, develop pencil control, and see themselves as authors and storytellers in their own right.
A parent workshop will be offered later in the term to help you support your child at home, and we will let you know the date once it is confirmed.

Mathematics:
This term, children will continue to explore number through real-life contexts and purposeful play. We will focus on building a deep understanding of numbers to 5 and beyond—looking at counting, recognising numerals, and comparing quantities using everyday language. Children will explore patterns, shape, size, and position through hands-on activities in both indoor and outdoor provision.
We’ll support them to use mathematical language confidently and begin solving simple problems in playful, practical ways.

Understanding the World:
This term, children will explore how people celebrate special times in different ways. Through stories, discussion, artefacts, and real-life experiences, they will learn about family traditions, religious festivals, and seasonal changes.
We will encourage children to notice similarities and differences, ask questions, and share what they know about their own lives and others’. Outdoor learning and nature walks will help them observe change and talk about the natural world as we move through autumn into winter.
These experiences will support a growing sense of identity, respect for others, and awareness of the world around them.

Expressive Arts and Design:
Children will use a wide range of creative materials to respond to stories, music, and traditions linked to celebrations and festivals. They will have the chance to make decorations, cards, props, and festive artwork using a variety of tools and techniques. Imaginative play will be supported through themed role play and small world setups, encouraging storytelling and character expression. Children will also explore music and movement inspired by different cultures, and begin to talk about their creative choices with increasing confidence.

Alongside adult-guided activities, children will have the freedom to create their own artwork, models, and imaginative pieces... following their interests, ideas and stories.

Reading:
Please enjoy the books your child brings home and share them together. The more children are encouraged to read and be read to, the more confident and enthusiastic they will become.

Reading is an essential life skill.
Listening to stories brings comfort and helps children focus.
It gives them knowledge and language to talk about the world.
Understanding stories helps them see how words and sentences fit together.
Exploring fiction, non-fiction, poems, rhymes, and songs builds their vocabulary and love of language.

Important Reminders:

Please label everything your child brings to school (stamp, sticker, or pen) so lost items can be returned. Please check that the labels you have put in are still attached and not faded.
PE is every Friday and children will come to school in their full PE kit.
If someone different is collecting your child, let us know at drop-off, by email, or by phoning the school office.

Thank you for your support and please feel free to ask us about anything at all. We’re so excited to begin this magical term and can’t wait to see all the adventures ahead!

The Ducklings Team