Reception
Welcome to Reception's class page
This week we have been focusing on the story ‘Leaf Man’ by Lois Ehlert. The children have really enjoyed listening to the story and exploring the different leaves. We have looked at and compared their size, shape and colour. We have also looked at Autumn and the changes that occur. This week has also been Diwali, we hope you had a wonderful celebration if you were one of our families celebrating.
The children completed their phonics assessments in class this week and we are very proud of all the children and how well they are doing on their phonics journey. We have learnt 30! Yes, 30! Sounds this half term. The children will be bringing home some copies of their assessments so you can see where they may needs some further support and practise. Below we have linked a video from Little Wandle website showing how to pronounce ‘pure sounds’ and another on how we teach blending in class.
How we teach blending - YouTube
Please help the children to secure all their sounds and then use these to practise blending them to build their confidence.
After half term we will be beginning our new topic of ‘Space’ and we can’t wait for our special visit form the Wonderdome. Our Science governor, Rev. Diana, will be joining us too.
After half term we will also be starting our Forest school sessions on Welly Wednesdays. Please ensure all the children have fully waterproofs and welly boots which fit. We will be going to the woods even if it is raining. We do not want them to be inappropriately prepare.
We hope you have a wonderful half term and look forward to welcoming you back on Monday 3rd November,
Miss Conyard, Mrs Highsted, Mrs Morley and Mrs Shew
It would be helpful if your child could bring in their welly boots and waterproofs, which can be left in school as the weather is changeable at the moment. After half term we will be starting Forest school with our afternoon children, so make sure you have named puddle suits and wellies ready for then at the very latest!
Home Learning over half term
Over half term I would like you to practise any sounds you are still struggling with. Use the sounds cards to make up cvc (consonants, vowel, consonant words, i.e. cat) and practise blending them. Little and often each day will see a big impact on the children’s learning. The children will have 2 phonics books over half term as books will not be changed until Friday, our usual book changing day.
Half term is for family time and making memories. Below are some examples of things you could do. Please feel free to email in any family celebrations or news to admin@leverstockgreen.herts.sch.uk so we can print the photos and add them to our family news board in class.
Have a lovely restful break and we look forward to seeing you Monday 3rd November for an exciting half term looking at ‘Space’.
Miss Conyard and the Reception team
Week 7 20.10.25
Leaf Man
During drawing club this week we have wondered about who might be hiding in the leaf piles. We also used Thursday night's storm to think about where Leaf Man was blown away to. We drew where we thought he landed.
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Star in the Jar reward - Mini Disco in class
This afternoon the children had thier star in the jar reward, a mini disco. The children loved doing lots fo silly songs and a few just dance hits. Well done on a fantastic half term Reception.
Week 6 13.10.25
Castle fun
We has great fun on the castle this week building up our muscles to help us with our writing. Look at us climb and hang! We even had a go on the firemans pole.
A few reminders:
We have had several jumpers and cardigans go missing in class. Please can you ensure your child’s uniform is named. Can I also request you check if the uniform you have at home is yours? Some missing jumpers have the children’s names in. 30 jumpers all look the same to a 4 or 5-year-old.
The school day is: 8.45 am – 3.15 pm
Jewellery is not allowed. 1 pair of studs only.
Bags – book bags only. Please no large bags or backpacks. There is not the room in the cloakroom.
Please put names on EVERYTHING!
Named water bottle – no squash or juice!!!!
Reassure your child the adult collecting them WILL be here at home time
Arrive on the playground, Miss Conyard will meet you at the garden gate. You will meet there in the afternoon too.
Say a confident goodbye – even if you don’t feel it!
Please do not stop and wave through the windows!
As the weather is unpredictable at the moment, please remember to bring a raincoat to school every day.
Reception PE Day 2025-26
Tuesday
Please come to school in your PE kit on Tuesday, ready for PE. The children will not be getting changed at school, so they will not need school uniform in their bags.
Please remember to remove the children's earrings on PE days.
Family learning
Thank you to everyone who managed to join us for our family learning about phonics and our meet-the-teacher meeting this week. Below are some pictures from our afternoon and the slides shared on the day.
Curriculum Map
Look at all the exciting things we will be doing this half term.
Recommended Reading List
Healthy lunch box ideas
Please see below for some ideas about how to have a healthy and balanced lunch box.
Some important dates to be aware of.
October
27th – 3rd November Half Term
November
4th – Flu Vaccinations (R)
10th – Nursery Family learning, 9am
13th – Wonderdome visit
14th – Children in Need (Details to follow)
20th – Open book afternoon
28th – Occasional Day
December
5th PTA Elfridges
10th NHS screening
11th Carols on the Green
12th PTA Carols around the Tree
15th PTA Panto
16th Early Year Christmas Performance
17th Christmas Jumper day
17th Christmas Lunch day
18th Christmas Church Service, all families welcome
Library Adventure with Hertfordshire Libraries
This autumn Hertfordshire Libraries are encouraging all Reception children to have their own library card. Our special ‘My First Library Adventure’ promotion gives your child the chance to win one of 50 personalised signed books by author-illustrator Ged Adamson (‘The Elephant Detectives’). Plus two children will win a special library visit with Ged Adamson for their whole class!
It’s easy for your child to take part. They just need to visit a Hertfordshire Library* twice by 21 December 2025 with their special ‘My First Library Adventure’ bookmark which they were given at school. For each step of the Adventure they will collect a sticker to celebrate their progress.
(*Please visit Hemel Hempstead Library as Leverstock Green Community Library is not taking part in the promotion).
A message for any families who are due to be starting our Reception Class in September.
I have attached a pdf story of a child starting school for you to share with your child. This will enable you to introduce the idea of staying all day at school, and will help all children that will be full time in September. Read the story and talk about it with your child. Doing this several times every now and again will help your child understand some of the experiences that will be ahead for them and help them cope emotionally for what could possibly be a challenge. We are very much looking forward to meeting you and your child and begin the process of getting to know you.
Ms Munro, Early Years Leader
Suzie goes to school
Starting Schools Booklet
Here is a copy of the new Starting School booklet for the parents and children starting reception September 2025
Curriculum Map
Look at all the exciting things we will be doing this half term.
Phonics Support
Phase 2 sounds taught in Reception Autumn 1
Phase 2 sounds taught in Reception Autumn 2
Phase 3 sounds taught in Reception Spring 1
This Phase 3 sounds taught in Reception Spring 1 video is designed to be shared with families to help them support the learning at home.
’50 Things to do before you’re five’
There is an app for families in Hertfordshire! It’s called ’50 Things to do before you’re five‘, it’s intention is to improve outcomes for our younger children. It’s full of ideas for activities and experiences that are free or low cost that encourage communication and language, being active and trying new things. Many experiences are outdoors and open ended so the whole family can take part!
How many experiences and memories can you tick off?
Further Phonics Support
Suggested websites