During maths this week, we have been looking at using our subitising skills in increasingly complex arrangements. We looked at arrangements of 6 and how we can use our knowledge of number bonds to 6, and our skills of subitising to 5, to help us to identify the number represented. We worked together to decide whether an arrangement was 6 or not 6, and then we used counters to replicate the pattern, before explaining how we knew the pattern showed 6, by identifying known patterns within.
In Crew McGlone, we have been using our magic counting wands to help us to count numbers beyond 10.
Yesterday, Miss Newman’s maths groups recently deepened their understanding of lines of symmetry through a hands-on activity using various 2D shapes. By folding paper cutouts along potential axes, the students could visually test if the two sides overlapped perfectly, allowing them to accurately identify and count the lines of symmetry for each shape. This provided a clear, physical demonstration of geometric properties, helping the students to better grasp the concept of symmetry in practice.
For our new unit about Fractions, Year 2 have enjoyed exploring the concept of wholes and parts by chopping fruit, deconstructing everyday objects and finally partitioning counters. We represented the whole and its parts by drawing pictures of a part, part whole model with the amounts!
During the Summer term, we place a strong focus on supporting our nursery children to develop their independence and resilience as they prepare for their transition into Reception. These are key aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage, particularly within Personal, Social and Emotional Development and Physical Development.
Throughout the year, we have been working hard to strengthen the children’s fine motor skills, and this term we have introduced a focused activity known as “apron entry.” During this activity, each child is given their own clipboard and a shortened pencil, which helps to support correct grip and control.
The children are encouraged to draw an object, letter or shape from the board, with a particular focus in this session on creating circles of their own chosen size and quantity. This open-ended approach allows the children to explore their creativity while also developing important early writing skills.
It was fantastic to see the children’s growing ability to concentrate, as well as their confidence in using an effective pencil grip and forming recognisable shapes. These small but significant steps are helping to build the foundations for future writing.
Well done, Crew Frost—keep up the great work!
Crew Gray have been Getting Smart by working in small teams to complete our times table relays. This was fun and active way for us to continue consolidating our times table knowledge.
This week, Miss Newman’s maths group wrapped up the spring term in an engaging and rewarding way – by completing a fun and interactive Blooket quiz designed to consolidate all the knowledge they’ve built over the past few months.
Throughout the term, the group has worked incredibly hard, developing their understanding across a range of mathematical topics. From problem-solving strategies to key arithmetic skills, every lesson has contributed to their growing confidence and ability.
The children showed great resilience when tackling challenging questions and celebrated each other’s successes along the way.
Well done to everyone in Miss Newman’s group for a brilliant spring term – your hard work is truly paying off! We look forward to continuing this journey of learning and growth in the summer term.
Keep up the great work! 🌟
Today, Crew Frost continued their Easter-themed learning—with a mathematical twist! This week, we have been focusing on number recognition and touch counting as part of our early maths development.
The children were encouraged to count out the correct number of rabbits for each hutch. This supported their understanding of matching quantity to number, which is a key aspect of the EYFS Maths area of learning.
During the activity, the children worked both collaboratively and independently, developing their confidence as well as their communication and language skills. We also saw lots of perseverance and problem-solving as they checked and corrected their counting.
Using their “pinchy fingers” to pick up the rabbits helped to strengthen their fine motor skills, supporting Physical Development—an important foundation for later writing.
Furthermore, as the children develop positive attitudes towards maths through play this makes us so proud as a Crew. Well done, Crew Frost—we are so proud of the fantastic learning we are seeing and can’t wait to watch your confidence in maths continue to grow!
Today in maths, Miss Newman’s maths group took part in a fun and engaging multiplication wheel starter activity, where the children were randomly paired up to race against each other to complete the calculations as quickly and accurately as possible.
The friendly competition created lots of excitement and motivation, helping the children to build confidence in recalling their times tables while also improving their speed and accuracy. It was great to see such positive attitudes, with children encouraging one another and showing determination when faced with more challenging questions.
Everyone worked super hard and showed courage by participating in this exciting starter activity.
Last week in nursery, the children enjoyed a creative and engaging Easter-themed activity that supported several areas of their development.
The children began by developing their fine motor skills as they carefully cut out their own Easter egg shapes. They loved learning all about the oval shape! Activities like cutting help to strengthen the small muscles in their hands, which are essential for writing and their physical development.
Once their eggs were cut out, the children showed wonderful independence and confidence by taking ownership of their work and writing their own names. Writing their names helps children to give meaning to marks they make, while also fostering a sense of pride in their achievements.
The learning didn’t stop there! Many of the children were so engaged that they chose to extend the activity further. Using cotton buds and a range of colours, they explored creating two-part repeating patterns on their eggs an important early maths skill to master!
Using cotton buds also provided another opportunity to refine fine motor control, as the children carefully dipped and dabbed to create their designs. At the same time, they explored colour, creativity, and self-expression, supporting their development within Expressive Arts and Design.
We loved seeing the children so motivated, independent, and proud of their creations. It was a wonderful example of how a simple activity can support multiple areas of learning while allowing children to follow their own interests and ideas.
Well done, Crew Frost!
