Children will learn that the world is made up of different countries by exploring a world map. They will also discover that the Earth is made up of land and water, developing an early understanding of the world around them. Children will have the opportunity to try different fruits from around the world, discussing what they look like and what they taste like.

 

Maths

During our maths lessons, children will focus on numbers 1 to 10, developing confidence with counting, recognising numbers, and understanding quantity. We follow the White Rose Maths Reception Spring Term framework, which uses a mastery approach and small, manageable steps to build deep understanding. Key learning blocks include:

Alive in 5

 

Mass and Capacity

 

Growing 6, 7 and 8

 

Length, Height and Time

 

Building 9 and 10

 

Exploring 3D Shapes

 

Children will learn through a range of hands-on activities, stories, and play-based learning, with a focus on:

 

Number recognition and comparison

 

Understanding size, shape, and measure

 

Developing spatial awareness and mathematical language

 

This approach helps children build strong foundations in maths while learning in an engaging and enjoyable way.

 

Writing

Children will continue to develop their early writing skills by learning to orally compose simple sentences and captions. They will practise saying a sentence out loud and holding it in their memory before attempting to write it, helping them understand that spoken language can be written down.

 

In phonics, children will use their growing knowledge of sounds to spell independently. They will:

 

Spell VC and CVC words using Set 1 graphemes

 

Progress to spelling VC, CVC and CVCC words using Set 1 and Set 2 graphemes

 

Children will also learn to read and spell some common irregular (tricky) words, such as the, to, no, and go, which cannot be sounded out easily and need to be remembered by sight.

 

Writing opportunities will be meaningful and engaging, encouraging children to apply their phonics knowledge confidently while developing independence and pride in their writing.

 

 

Communication and Language 

Children will develop strong listening, attention, and speaking skills, helping them to communicate confidently and effectively in a range of situations.

 

A key focus will be active listening, where children learn:

 

Good looking – looking at the person who is speaking

 

Good listening – listening carefully to what is being said

 

Good sitting – sitting calmly and ready to learn

 

Children will understand why listening is important and practise listening attentively in whole-class, small-group, and one-to-one situations. They will learn how to listen carefully by looking at the speaker and thinking about what is being said, maintaining attention and sitting quietly for short periods during appropriate activities.

 

Through stories and discussions, children will:

 

Make predictions about what might happen next or how a story might end

 

Engage with both fiction and non-fiction books

 

Link events in stories to their own experiences

 

Introduce storylines into their play

 

Children will practise turn-taking in conversations, considering the listener and learning when to speak and when to listen. They will use talk imaginatively, pretending that objects stand for something else during play.

 

As their language develops, children will:

 

Orally construct a simple sentence from a picture

 

Begin to use past tense verbs (e.g. ran, fell), even if still developing accuracy

 

Offer explanations for why things happen

 

Recount events from their day

 

Start to use simple conjunctions, such as and, to link ideas

 

Expressive Arts and Design 

We will continue to explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques and experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. The children will have the opportunity to use a wide range of recycled and everyday materials. They will learn how to attach and join materials together using different techniques such as tape, glue, string, split pins, and simple fixings.

Children will be encouraged to design, create, and evaluate their own models, developing their imagination and problem-solving skills as they decide which materials and joining methods work best. Through this hands-on process, they will explore shape, texture, and form, while building confidence in expressing their own ideas.

 

Junk modelling also supports the development of fine motor skills, coordination, and perseverance, as children experiment, make changes, and take pride in their creations. Activities will be open-ended and play-based, allowing children to create freely while learning to use tools and materials safely and appropriately.

 

 

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Alongside Communication and Language, children will develop skills in Managing Self and Self-Regulation, particularly through:

Listening and following instructions

 

Taking on challenges and persevering

 

Showing pride in their achievements by sharing their work with others

 

Making choices and communicating their needs

 

Naming trusted adults in school they can turn to if they need help or feel worried

 

These skills support children in becoming confident, independent learners who can express themselves clearly and build positive relationships.

 

 

Physical Development

In PE, children will take part in gymnastics sessions that focus on developing strength, balance, and coordination. They will practise stretching and curling movements, learning how to control their bodies in different ways.

Children will also explore the safe use of apparatus, such as mats, benches, and low-level equipment. They will learn to climb, balance, roll, and travel confidently, developing body awareness and control. Sessions will encourage children to move creatively, follow instructions, and work both independently and with others, while building confidence and enjoyment in physical activity.