Sensory Learning for Meerkats!
What a sensory week we have had in Meerkats this week. We have been learning all about Kevin and what he likes and dislikes in our class book ‘Can I build another me?’ by Shinsuke Yoshitake. Using our senses of smell, sight and touch, the children explored different food stuffs to think about their own likes and dislikes. The children guessed some of the smells straight away just by looking at them, others however, proved trickier and they had to rely on their other senses. Some caused quite humorous reactions of ‘yuk’ and instant nose pinching especially the ‘love it – hate it’ marmite. Myself and Mrs Allen, were so impressed with the children for having a go and smelling and touching all the foods – one even felt with her feet what salad feels like! Do check out the pictures to see the reactions.
Using our hands creatively and inspired by Augusta Savage and her works. the children explored techniques to shape playdough before moving onto clay in Art. We have noticed the differences between working with the two in preparation for making our sculptures next week. We rolled, squashed and moulded the materials and created a clay pot. It was fantastic to hear the children talk about their own feelings of success with what they had made.
We have continued listening to different styles of music and this week introduced using blocks to help us keep the beat and tempo. We enjoyed singing ‘She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain’ and all stayed in time, the musical heartbeat, with the help of the blocks. We have also been using music to support our English learning too and a favourite at the moment is our rap to help us use commas correctly. Here’s the link so you can share it at home https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWVHbN26z9A
In outdoor PE we have been practising our ball skills and the children worked so well with their partners rolling accurately and taking their time to hit the target. We finished the lesson playing a great game of astronauts and aliens. It was lovely to see the children support each other and be such good sports – they have really gelled as a new class. Well done marvellous Meerkats, we are so proud of you all!
RWI books will be sent home every Friday for you to share with your child. You can also visit the RWI blog to access videos and links to support your children with their phonics and reading. https://www.westbury-inf.wilts.sch.uk/News/Friday-20th-September-2024/
A letter has been sent home in preparation for our swimming next term. Please complete this as soon as possible and return it to school. On that note, we do need helpers to be able to attend the lessons. If you are able to walk to and from the pool with us (Swimarium) on Tuesday afternoons please let myself or one of the team know as soon as possible.
TRIP TO HOLBOUNE MUSEUM – THURSDAY 26th SEPTMEBER
The children need to bring a small backpack to carry their lunch – lunch will be provided by school along with a bottle of water. Children to wear their full school uniform please and bring a waterproof coat as we will be able to explore the park in Sydney Gardens too. We will be leaving at 9.00 sharp and returning by the end of the school day. Thank you to the parents who have volunteered to come with us.
Next week, I will be in class every day with our wonderful TAs, Mrs Allen and Miss Smith. We also have Miss Turner, Bath Spa Student Teacher, joining Meerkat Class from Monday up until February. She popped in to meet the children this week and we can see she will be a fabulous addition to the Meerkats Class team.
Wishing you all a very happy and relaxing weekend!
Mrs Jeffery, Mrs Allen and Ms Smith
Class email – class3@westbury-inf.wilts.sch.uk
