Reception 2 in King Richard III College, Mallorca is a class where learning through play is still a part of the educational experience as is building on the firm foundations already set in the previous year. Most importantly each child is treated as an individual and allowed to work at the level he or she feels comfortable with. When the children start in September they are already familiar with their letters and sounds which are introduced in Reception 1.
In Term 1, Reception 2 learn their sounds using the Jolly Phonics scheme. In Term 2 they are then ready to begin reading and forming their letters and simple words. Using the Ginn reading scheme supplemented with phonics books by the end of the second term many children in the class have a sight vocabulary of 20 words or more, they can write their own name and can form letters correctly when writing.
In Numeracy, as well as being able to write and recognise numbers to 20, we learn about shapes, size, time, money and simple addition and subtraction.
The topics covered in Reception 2 include superheroes, people who help us, the garden, under the sea, recycling and countries of the world. As we are an International school in Spain we have several different nationalities in the class and so enjoy a good source of information for the latter topic.
We also study simple Science, Music and Art in Reception 2 as well as finding time to play with puzzles and games, read books, both in the classroom and in the well-appointed Library.
The children enjoy Physical Education twice a week taught by a specialist teacher.
By the end of the year in Reception 2 many students will be able to read more than 50 words, write a simple sentence, add and subtract in preparation to begin the more formal learning introduced in Year 1.
The Nursery Day
8:45am
Registration / Calendar /
Story or Topic
9:00am
Morning Activities
10:15am
Playtime
10:30am
Continuing morning activities
11:45am
Toilet & Hand Washing
12:00pm
Lunch
12:30pm
Outside Play Time
13:00pm
Class activities
2:15pm
Snack / Play Time
2:30pm
Afternoon Activities
3:45pm
Tidy Up Time / Toilet / Hand Washing
As in the morning, Children are encouraged to help tidy the nursery so that they begin to understand that equipment and toys should be cared for and looked after.
3:50pm
Story and Goodbye
Home time at 4:00pm
Areas of Development
Communication Language & Literacy
In both small and large groups, children are encouraged to extend their vocabulary and fluency by talking, listening and responding to stories, songs and rhymes.
Children are helped to understand that written symbols carry a meaning, to be aware of the purposes of writing, and when ready, to use drawn and written symbols themselves.
Opportunities to do this are always available – notebooks during role-play, writing books and freely available paper for any purpose.
A well stocked book corner gives every child the opportunity and encouragement to become familiar with books, to be able to handle them and understand that they can be used as a source of reference and for story telling.
Personal, Social & Emotional Development
Within a nurturing environment, children are individually supported in developing confidence, autonomy and self – respect. They are encouraged to co-operate and share with children and adults in the group, as well as to play independently.
Through activities, conversation and practical example, they learn acceptable ways to express their own feelings and to have respect for the feelings of others. All children are given the opportunity to take responsibility for themselves, as appropriate, as well as the property of the other children and adults in the group.
The children have daily circle time where thoughts and feelings, achievements and celebrations can be discussed and shared.
Problem Solving, Reasoning & Numeracy
By means of both adult led and child initiated activities, children become familiar with sorting, matching, ordering, sequencing and counting, which form the basis for early mathematics.
As they use their developing mathematical understanding to solve practical problems, children are assisted to learn and use mathematical language including shape names, position, size, volume and number.
Songs, games stories and picture books help children become aware of number sequences, and we provide a wide range of mathematical games and activities for the children to help them use and develop their mathematical skills.
Knowledge & Understanding of the World
A safe and stimulating environment allows the children to observe and experiment with a range of natural and manufactured materials. They learn to recognise differences, patterns and similarities, and to share and record their findings. Children are assisted in exploring and understanding their environment, both within the group and also in the wider community. They learn to respect other people, and expect to be respected themselves.
An array of safe and well maintained equipment enables children to extend their technological understanding, using simple tools and techniques as appropriate to achieve their intentions and to solve problems.
The topic for each term also extends children’s awareness and understanding of the world. Recent topics have included Growing, Penguins and Safe in the Sun. We also celebrate different festivals from around the world and encourage children to recognise and respect cultural differences.
Regular nature walks around the school area give the children first hand experience of what is happening around them.
Physical Development
A range of equipment and opportunities, both indoors and out, allows children to develop confidence in the uses and development of their own physical skills. A high level of adult supervision enables children to create and meet physical challenges safely, developing increasing skill and control in moving, climbing and balancing. At the same time, children are helped to develop the fine motor skills they will need to use tools such as pencils and the handling and manipulating of small objects, for example, puzzles. We have access to the school hall and gym equipment and also the adventure playground, as well as our own play area equipped with slide, playhouses and sandpit and water play.
Children are also encouraged to develop awareness of their own bodies and how to stay healthy.
Creative Development
Children are encouraged to use a wide range of resources in order to express their own ideas and feelings in two and three dimensions. Art equipment which enables them to do this includes: paint, glue, crayons, chalks, junk modeling, fabric, etc. These provide open-ended exploration of colour, shape and texture and the development of skills in painting, drawing and collage.
Children join in with and respond to music and stories, and there are many opportunities for imaginative role-play. The role-play area changes its focus regularly, often linked to the theme for the term; recent examples include a shop, kitchen, and The Antarctic (Penguins). Daily singing and music sessions teach the children a range of songs and sounds for their own enjoyment and for performances such as Christmas, and other holidays.