Reception is a magical year filled with curiosity, discovery, creativity, and new friendships. Throughout the year, our topics will inspire children to explore the world around them, develop new skills, and grow in confidence as independent learners.

At the moment, you will find information about our Autumn Term learning, including our exciting topics "All About Me and We All Belong Here" and "Let's Celebrate!". These themes will help children settle into school life, develop a sense of belonging, and learn about the diverse communities, cultures, and celebrations that make our world so special.

Term 1: All About Me and We All Belong Here

Our Learning Theme

Our topic, "All About Me and We All Belong Here", encourages children to celebrate what makes them unique while recognising and valuing the differences and similarities between themselves and others. Through our learning, we will explore the concept of diversity, helping children understand that everyone is special and that we all belong.

Literacy

We will enjoy sharing a range of stories and rhymes, including:

• The Colour Monster to help children recognise and talk about their feelings.
• Traditional tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood.
• Nursery rhymes during our special Rhyme Week, developing children's language, listening, and memory skills.

Children will begin their phonics journey, learning new sounds and practising early reading and writing skills.

Understanding the World

We will:

• Learn about ourselves, our families, and our interests.
• Discuss what makes us unique.
• Explore different cultures, traditions, and family backgrounds.
• Celebrate Harvest and learn why communities come together to help others.
• Observe seasonal changes as we investigate the signs of autumn in our school environment.
• Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Through stories, circle times, and classroom activities, children will:

• Learn classroom routines and expectations.
• Develop friendships and cooperation skills.
• Build confidence and independence.
• Recognise and talk about their emotions using The Colour Monster as a starting point

Expressive Arts and Design

Children will have opportunities to:

• Create self-portraits and family artwork.
• Explore autumn colours and natural materials.
• Sing nursery rhymes and harvest songs.
• Engage in imaginative role-play inspired by traditional tales.

Mathematics

We will begin developing early mathematical skills by:

• Counting and recognising numbers.
• Comparing quantities.
• Exploring patterns.
• Sorting and matching objects.

 

Term 2: Let's Celebrate!

This term, our learning will focus on the theme "Let's Celebrate!". We will explore a variety of celebrations, traditions, and special events from different cultures and communities. Through this topic, children will continue to develop their understanding of diversity, learning that people celebrate in different ways and that these differences should be respected and valued.

Our Learning Theme

Children will learn about a range of celebrations including:

• Bonfire Night
• Diwali
• Hanukkah
• Birthdays
• Weddings and Celebrations of Love
• Christmas

By exploring these events, children will discover the similarities and differences between traditions and develop an appreciation of the diverse world around them.

Literacy

We will share a variety of stories, information books, and poems linked to celebrations and festivals. Children will continue their phonics learning, building confidence in recognising sounds, blending words for reading, and beginning to write simple sentences.

Through our topic, children will have opportunities to:

• Retell stories and experiences.
• Discuss family celebrations and traditions.
• Develop their vocabulary through meaningful conversations and role-play.

Understanding the World

Children will:

• Learn about different cultural and religious celebrations.
• Explore why people celebrate special occasions.
• Compare celebrations from different communities.
• Share their own experiences and traditions.
• Develop respect and curiosity about the beliefs and customs of others.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

We will encourage children to:

• Recognise the importance of kindness, friendship, and inclusion.
• Understand that families and communities may celebrate in different ways.
• Develop confidence when sharing their own experiences.
• Build positive relationships through collaborative play and activities.

Expressive Arts and Design

Children will enjoy:

• Creating festival-themed artwork and decorations.
• Exploring colour, pattern, and design inspired by different celebrations.
• Learning songs and performing rhymes linked to seasonal festivities.
• Engaging in imaginative role-play linked to celebrations and special events.

Mathematics

Our mathematical learning will include:

• Counting and representing numbers.
• Comparing quantities.
• Exploring shapes and patterns.
• Using mathematical language in practical activities linked to celebrations.

We look forward to celebrating, learning, and exploring together as we discover the many ways people mark special occasions around the world.