In writing the children began to look at simple sentences. They looked at what who? was using our colourful semantics.
Writing
First Day Back Crew!
For our first day back we enjoyed an extended crew session in Crew Ramsay. We spoke about the beautiful Work in our class last half term and celebrated these with the new unveiling of our Beautiful Work display. These children have worked on their pledges and showcased real growth and perseverance! We then enjoyed a challenge in groups playing The Leaning Tower of Feet-za! This reminded us to reflect on our work/challenges and strategise for improvement, always. Great work guys!
Multiplication Manipulatives!
We have been really grasping the concept of multiplication by exposing the structure of repeated addition first. Here we are multiplying numbers with bricks, base ten and sticks! We are so secure with this now that writing equations is easy work. Good Job Crew Ramsay!
Exploring Length 📏
Today we began our new maths unit about length and perimeter.
We used rulers to draw and measure lines of different lengths and also explored the different types of rulers and metre sticks.
We’re on the move.
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Caution construction zone ahead!
Crew Frost have had a wonderful week exploring all areas of our provision! It has been lovely to see the children so engaged and independent in their play.
This week, many of the children have been particularly interested in developing their small world play, creating different homes and habitats for our animals. Through this, they have been using their imaginations brilliantly and building detailed role-play stories together. This strongly supports their Communication and Language development, as they listened to one another’s ideas, shared their own thoughts, and worked collaboratively to extend their play.
We have also seen fantastic examples of Personal, Social and Emotional Development, with children taking turns, negotiating roles, and working as a team to achieve a shared goal. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence grow as they solved problems together.
In addition, the children really impressed us with their critical thinking and perseverance while experimenting with balancing and manipulating different materials. This hands-on exploration links to both Physical Development(developing control and coordination) and Mathematics, as they explored concepts such as balance, size, and stability through trial and error.
These experiences reflect the EYFS Development Matters guidance by providing meaningful, play-based opportunities for children to think creatively, communicate effectively, and develop resilience.
Out door maths
Over the past few days, the children have thoroughly enjoyed exploring maths through our outdoor provision. Using our “fast maths eyes,” we have been identifying and talking about shapes we can see in the environment, developing our early numberical skills and deepening our understanding of shape in meaningful, real-life contexts.
The children have also been busy creating simple two-part repeating patterns using natural resources such as sticks, leaves, twigs and stones. This hands-on exploration supports the Mathematics area of learning, particularly by recognizing, continuing, and creating patterns, while also encouraging problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration.
Crew Frost have also been given opportunities to write numbers using chalk and other outdoor materials which has strengthened fine motor control and pencil grip. As the children formed numbers, we used fun phrases such as “around the tree, around the tree, that’s the way we make a three” to reinforce correct formation in an engaging and memorable way.
These experiences offer rich, practical, and play-based opportunities for Crew Frost to build strong foundations in number, shape, and pattern through active exploration.
Well done, Crew Frost — amazing mathematical thinking.
Sharing our Stories: 13/02/2026
Beautiful work this week
Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!
To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.
Top of the Blogs
G30 Beautiful Work @ XP Gateshead
Chinese New Year Festival @ Norton Infants
An Unforgettable Ski Trip to Pila with Our School Students @ XP East
Magnificent Mathematical Treasure Hunt @ Norton Juniors
Share your stories with us!
Write to us at [email protected] – we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!
Reading Rewards
These four children have successfully completed our Willy Wonka reading challenge and have read 30 times this half term. Enjoy your rewards!
Academic Crew – personalised learning
Recently, during Academic Crew in Year 6 we have been showing independence, collaboration and hard thinking to help us get smart. During these sessions, we have our own learning target that we are focusing on. Some of us are improving our writing skills, some of us are becoming better readers and others are becoming better mathematicians. Last week, postcards were given to Rory, Tommy and Tiarna for their effort during this session. This week, postcards were given to Charlie, Ruby and Toby. Follow us to find out who will be next!
