Early Learning Centre

· Engaging in ‘book walks’ as they are introduced to picture story books. Reflecting on what the book is about as they examine the front cover and illustrations throughout the story. 

· Tuning in to a specific letter contained in the book and practicing the sound(s) it makes; identifying words in the book beginning with that sound.

· Children beginning to recognise their name in written form through the use of name cards and tags for their work. Developing an understanding of the use of a capital letter for the first letter of their name, followed by lower case letters 

· Strengthening and refining fine motor muscles through engaging in a range of experiences such as playdough, peg boards, hammering boards, geo boards, painting and drawing

· Developing an understanding of shapes, their names and the properties of these through the use of tessellated tiles, magnetic shapes and shape treasure hunts 

· Exploring the textures of different objects and developing the vocabulary to describe these (smooth, rough, bumpy, spikey, soft, hard)

Inquiry

· Continuing to explore the Unit of Inquiry All About Me 

· Developing an awareness of their own physical characteristics through the drawing, painting and collage of self-portraits. 

Selecting paint colours and collage materials that correspond with their own unique features.

 · Exploring models of a human skeleton and torso and discussing these and their purpose of their different parts

· Playing group games and singing songs to support the children’s learning of the names of their peers 

· Introducing the use of the Zones of Regulation, with children adding their photograph to the chart that highlights how they are feeling that day 

· Reading stories about feelings and emotions, including ‘Inside my heart’ by Jo Witek and ‘My many coloured days’ by Dr Seuss 

· Representing different emotions as they create faces with the playdough