Welcome to Orange and Apple Classes

Staff

Apple Class

Room Lead: Bobbie

Early Years Support Workers: Denada, Jackie, Havanna

Orange Class

Room Lead: Sherren

Early Years Support Workers: Chelsea, Vicotria, Chloe and Charlie

On this page you can find out about the curriculum in 0-3's and some useful information to help your child with their learning at home.

This year (2024-25) we will be following Cycle 2.

Autumn Term Cycle 1

Cycle 1

Our theme this term is Into the Woods. The children will be learning about the changes in the seasons, plants and animals that can be found in woodland, cooking with seasonal food and exploring natural art. More information can be found in the Autumn Term Plan below.

We will be reading the following books:

      

          

 

Cycle 2

Our theme this term is Food and Festivals. The children will be learning about where food comes from, seasonal foods and different foods from around the world. They will find out about how different cultures and religions celebrate through exploring different festivals. In art, children will explore pattern and print looking at work by artists Alma Thomas and Bisa Butler. More information can be found in the Autumn Term Plan below.

We will be reading the following books:

    

      

 

Spring Term 

Cycle 1

Our theme this term is All About Me. The children will be learning about families, how bodies work and the changes that happen as they grow, In art, they will be exploring self-portraits looking at the art of Frida Kahlo. More information can be found in the Spring Term Plan below.

We will be reading the following books:

 

 

Cycle 2

Our theme this term is Imaginary Worlds. The children will be learning about topics that support them to develop their imagination, creating stories and characters and having adventures. In art, children will explore the art of Yayoi Kusama.   More information can be found in the Spring Term Plan below.

We will be reading the following books:

   

     

         

 

Summer Term

Cycle 1

Our theme this term is In the Garden. The children will be learning about plants and animals that they might find in the garden and local natural spaces and  find out about the life cycles of some of these. They will have the opportunity to take part in gardening and growing activities.  In art, they will be exploring flora and fauna looking at the art of Van Gough, Rousseau and Eric Carle. More information can be found in the Summer Term Plan below.

We will be reading the following books:

      

    

Cycle 2

Our theme this term is About Town.  The children will be exploring places and buildings in their local area, learning about maps and directions, getting to know the people who help us and finding out about how we travel around our neighbourhood. In art, they will be learning about shape and architecture through artists Paul Klee and Yinka Ilori and architect Zaha Hadid. 

More information can be found in the Summer Term Plan below.

We will be reading the following books:

   

      

     

 

Curriculum Enrichment in the EYFS

Useful Websites

Cbeebies has great videos and games that help children in all areas of their learning.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies

We use the Little Wandle Phonics Scheme to teach children to learn to read. Their website has support for learning Nursery Rhymes at home.

https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/#tabnametabNurseryRhymes-Videos

N Rich Maths has ideas you can use at home for maths games with your child.

https://nrich.maths.org/13371

50 Things to do before you are 5 (from Bradford Council but you can do them in Islington too!)

https://www.stedmundsbradford.org.uk/information/50-things

Creative Star has lots of ideas for playing outside in nature.

https://creativestarlearning.co.uk/?s=10+ideas

Tips and advice for supporting your child's learning at home.

https://wordsforlife.org.uk/parent-support/

Reading at home with your child

Sharing a book with a child is fun! It's a time for closeness, laughing and talking together – and it can also give children a flying start in life and help them become lifelong readers.

If you’re not feeling confident about reading aloud or sharing books, don’t worry – there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy a story together. But if you’d like some tips, here are a few pointers to help you out.

It’s never too early to start

It’s never too early to start sharing books with them – they might not understand the words, but they will love cuddling up, hearing your voice, and looking at the pictures.

• Give black and white books a go when they’re little. You might receive the Bookstart Newborn pack, which includes black and white images for you to share. These are perfect in the early days when their eyes are still developing.
• In England and Wales, ask your health visitor or library about where you can pick up your free Bookstart Baby pack. It includes books, tips and advice to help you get started.
• Join your local library. Libraries are full of great advice and recommendations, and you’ll have a new supply of books to enjoy. Your library may also host Rhymetimes and other sessions for little ones – you’ll be able to have fun and meet other families, too.
• Get other family members involved. Storytime is something that everyone can enjoy, and it’s a great way to bond. For example, there are lots of books about the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren – maybe your little one would enjoy sharing one of those stories with their own nanny and granddad?

As your child gets a bit older

Sharing picture books can be a lot of fun – but don’t worry if your child gets distracted, chews the book or wanders off… that’s perfectly normal! Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of time in your busy day, either – just a few minutes can make a huge difference.

Here are some more tips to help you enjoy storytime together:

• Ask your child to choose what they’d like to read. They’ll feel more interested in the story if they’ve picked it out themselves. (And don’t worry if they keep returning to the same story, either!)
• If you can, turn off the TV, radio and computer. It’s easier for both of you to enjoy the story without any other distractions.
• Sit close together. You could encourage your child to hold the book themselves and turn the pages, too.
• Take a look at the pictures. You don’t just have to read the words on the page. Maybe there’s something funny in the pictures that you can giggle about together, or perhaps your child enjoys guessing what will happen next.
• Ask questions and talk about the book. Picture books can be a great way to talk through your child’s fears and worries, or to help them deal with their emotions. Give them space to talk, and ask how they feel about the situations in the story.
• Have fun! There’s no right or wrong way to share a story – as long as you and your child are having fun. Don’t be afraid to act out situations or use funny voices… your little ones will love it!

Find out more about reading with your child by downloading the Book Trust Guides.

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/tips-and-advice/reading-tips/

There is a list of recommended books below and your child will also be able to borrow books to bring home from the class library.

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-babies-0-12-months/

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/1/100-best-0-5/