Literacy
In Literacy, we have been continuing to use different materials, textures, and objects to create purposeful marks linked to our sea and pirate theme. We have been exploring words beginning with our focused phonic sounds, with most learners working on s, a, and t, and some learners exploring ai, ie, and ou.
We have been engaging with a variety of stories linked to our context for learning, including pirate adventures, under the sea stories and ocean journeys. These have supported us to develop our imagination, early comprehension and communication skills. We have used sensory storytelling approaches, visual supports and choice boards to allow learners to select and engage with familiar songs, rhymes and stories linked to the sea, such as pirate songs and ocean-themed rhymes.
Through our play and exploration, learners have been encouraged to make choices, respond to stories and begin to recognise familiar words, symbols and images related to our topic.
Numeracy
In Numeracy, we have been exploring number through meaningful, hands-on experiences within our sea-themed learning. Learners have been developing number awareness using resources such as Numicon, counting cubes, natural materials like shells and stones, and pirate-themed objects such as treasure coins.
We have been counting, matching and sorting objects found “under the sea” and “on the beach,” helping us to develop early counting skills and an understanding of quantity. Some learners have been engaging in “number of the day” activities, while others have been exploring simple challenges such as filling treasure chests with a given number of objects or sharing items between characters.
These activities are helping to build confidence in recognising numbers, making choices, and developing early problem-solving skills.
Health and Wellbeing (HWB)
We continue to develop our skills in sharing, turn-taking and building positive relationships through structured play and group activities. Many of our learners are becoming more aware of others and are beginning to communicate their needs, choices and actions with peers and adults.
Sensory opportunities remain a key part of our day, supporting learners to regulate and engage. We have been exploring a variety of sensory experiences linked to water, sand and natural materials to support calmness and focus.
This week, we have introduced a focus on summer safety and staying safe in the sun. Learners have been exploring:
- Wearing sun hats and appropriate clothing
- Using sun cream with adult support
- Drinking water regularly to stay hydrated
- Engaging in cooling sensory experiences
- Recognising when to seek shade
These experiences have been supported through role play, visuals and practical routines to help learners understand how to keep themselves safe.
Context for Learning
Our Context for Learning this term is “Journey Across the Sea – Under the Water and Over the Waves.”
Through this theme, we have been exploring:
- Pirates and treasure islands – engaging in imaginative play, map-making and treasure hunts
- Sea and sand – sensory exploration using water trays, sand play and natural materials
- Animals in the ocean and rockpools – learning about different sea creatures through stories, small world play and sensory activities
- Under the sea environments – exploring colours, textures and movements linked to ocean life
Our learning has been highly sensory and play-based, allowing all learners to access experiences at their level. We have used a range of visual supports, objects and interactive activities to encourage curiosity, communication and engagement.
As we move into the summer period, we are linking our sea learning to real-life experiences, including beach safety and how to stay safe in the sun, helping learners make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.
Colour Run
We had a fantastic time during our sponsored colour run, which was filled with excitement, music and lots of colour! The learners enjoyed taking part in a fun-filled obstacle course, exploring different activities while being covered in bright powders. It was a joyful and engaging event, with everyone showing enthusiasm, confidence and big smiles throughout the day.
What is in the Box? Day
We had a fantastic time during our “What’s in the Box?” day, which sparked lots of curiosity, excitement and engagement. Our box was filled with a variety of bucket time toys, providing rich sensory experiences to support regulation and engagement throughout the day.
Learners explored pushing, pulling and interacting with different objects, showing enjoyment and increasing confidence. We also observed learners beginning to use symbolisation to support communication and control during play, helping to enhance their understanding and interaction with activities.
