Introduction

Here are some simple tips to help you during your home learning journey.

Using the Home Learning Mat.

Every Week we will be sending out a home learning mat (usually sent out on a Thursday to cover the following week). This consists of three pages:

1. The time table page:
On this page you will find activities to do on a daily basis. These are always centred on English, Maths, phonics and some sort of teacher interaction. Basically your child will be taking part in 3 short lessons a day- all based around videos or online learning.

2. The stars page:
This page has a range of activities and each one earns you a star. Do all the activities a week to earn all 8 stars!  You can pick and choose the activities you want to do. These are typically art, craft and physical activities. 

3. The on going activities page.
These are activities you can do at any time. They are things you can do on a walk, at dinner time, as a family or any other time that fits. They aren't structured or too formal and just expand your child's skills in simple ways. These are typically life and everyday skills.

Submitting Work

Sometimes you will be asked to submit work. This will be set as an assignment using Microsoft Team. Information on this will be emailed to you such as how to use it along with login details.

Note: We will be asking parents just to submit photos as an attachment and not using the One Note feature in Reception.

Bug Club:

A website that has a range of books and motivates your child by earning rewards such as stickers, decorative items and games.

Numbots

A maths App and website that improve calculation skills whilst earning coins and customising robots.

Routine:

A routine means having set times of the day to do work with your child. Being in reception, they should have periods of free play but having set times really helps focus. Try setting up a time table and doing things such as reading after breakfast, some drawing after outside time, some counting after a walk or some writing after lunch. Routines can be tricky to establish but they pay off!

Challenge

Every child has their strengths and weaknesses and some children will require a bit more support or might learn by being shown things by their parents where as others will work independently or need to extend their work. Let them have a good go at things and support them the best you can.

Asking for help:

We are here to help you and by asking questions or requesting certain resources we can put them on the website. Email reception-teachers@heymann.notts.sch.uk and we will get back to you.

Well Being and Health

Learning from home, juggling a job, parenting and day-to-day living can be challenging so make sure you are giving yourself time. A daily walk, a family activity or trying new things really can make a difference to your mood. Only take part in the home learning when you are healthy enough to do so. 

Resources

Make sure you have an area set up for home learning with access to pens, pencils and paper. Having a set place can improve the routine. Also, we have tried to find online resources to use but real book can be helpful so see what you can find. Reception children should be on Pink or Red books at this time.

Zoom and Online Lessons

Every person is different and not all will feel comfortable taking part in online video calls. From previous experience, we know children will become more confident over time with these, but don't worry if your child doesn't feel like talking or joining in much in the early Zooms.- we will love just seeing them and we know they will get a lot out of seeing the class.

Top Online Resources:

https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/ - a phonics site that is free

https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/early-years-foundation-stage - free online lessons

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/go a free resource with every different curriculum area for all ages.

https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/  free phonics games to use. We are currently working at phase 3

https://www.youtube.com/c/MrTsPhonics/playlists - check out his letters and sounds play list.

https://whiterosemaths.com/homelearning/early-years/ - The Maths scheme we follow.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJfz4ZD1ADS08wFg70j0Niw - Koo koo Kangaroo (something to dance to on a rainy day)

https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga - Yoga activities for exercise.