Autumn Term 2026

This autumn, Buttercup class will enjoy a wide range of learning experiences. Below is an outline of what we’ll be covering.

PE

PE lessons are on Wednesday and Friday.

On these days, the children need to come into school with their full PE kit on, earrings taken out, and hair tied back.

When Mrs Shortt has planning time on Friday afternoons, the children will be having PE with a special sports coach and Forest School with Mr Madeley.

Reading

Please send reading bags into school every day, with your child’s reading books and reading record. Reading books are changed once a week.

Supporting your child with reading

Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.

There are two types of reading book that your child may bring home.

• A phonics reading book; this will be at the correct phonic stage for your child, and they should be able to read this fluently and independently.
• A sharing book; your child will not be able to read this on their own, and is for both of you to read and enjoy together.

Phonics Reading book (Changed on a Thursday)

This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy, as your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading. Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise and celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Sharing book (changed on a Monday)

In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together. Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!

Phonics and Writing

Many of the children in Buttercup class will be participating in daily phonics lessons to support their decoding and blending skills. Please support your child to practise and reinforce the phonemes and graphemes we are learning in school by using the ‘Phonics Home Learning’ sheets. More information and support can be found on the Little Wandle website –

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

Children will have access to writing, phonics and mark making activities on a daily basis where staff will model and articulate correct letter formation. The children will also enjoy weekly ‘Drawing Club’ sessions.

Maths

We use the NCETM approach to make maths meaningful and enjoyable for all children. Lessons are practical and hands-on, helping children learn through play, talk, and exploration. We focus on building strong number skills, such as counting, recognising numbers, and spotting patterns, while encouraging children to explain their ideas. Maths is part of everyday classroom life, helping children grow in confidence and develop a positive attitude towards learning. In addition, White Rose is used to support the teaching of Shape, Space and Measure.

Thank you

Thank you to all our parents and carers for your continued support. Your encouragement at home, involvement in school activities, and partnership in your child’s learning make a tremendous difference.

Please do get in touch if you require further information.

The Buttercup Team