What topics will be covered in Panda class?

Term 1

This term, we begin learning all about each other! We find out all about who we are, things we enjoy learning and about our families and backgrounds. Later this term, we will begin our topic of "Autumn" in which we will taste autumnal foods and explore the woodland environment. We will look at natural objects such as leaves, acorns, pinecones and conkers. We will be using the book ‘Leaf Man’ by Lois Ehlert to help expand our understanding of the topic. We bring this book to life in creative ways such as woodland walks, making our own leaf man and learning to count using natural materials.

Term 2

In term 2, our topic will be “Let's Celebrate!”, we will be exploring exciting festivals and celebrations such as Diwali, Eid and Bonfire Night. Throughout the term, there will be lots of role-play, singing, and music-making this term and we will recreate special experiences in stimulating and sensory filled ways. To support our learning on this topic we will be reading the following books:
 

'Princess Arabella’s Birthday' by Mylo Freeman

'Welcome to our world' by Moira Butterfield

'Let’s Celebrate: Specials days around the world'

Term 3

This term our topic is “Once upon a time” and we will be focusing on traditional tales and fairy tales from around the world. We will be constructing castles and towers, discussing the components of a traditional tale and having debates on who the baddies and goodies are in our story! We will be retelling the stories we’ve read and we will have lots of opportunities to create our own stories. 

We will be reading the following books

Week 1- The magic paintbrush

Week 2- The story of Robin Hood

Week 3- Snow White

Week 4- Rapunzel

Week 5 & 6- Jack and the Beanstalk

In Maths this term we will continue to work our way through our numbers. This term the focus will be on numbers 6, 7, 8. We will also be looking at 3D shapes and measuring length. We will be practising our addition and subtraction skills practically as well as looking at halving, doubling and sharing.

Term 4

During Term 4, our topic will be “Are Eggs Alive?” in which we will be celebrating Springtime and growing! 

We are very excited to have the opportunity of observing duck eggs hatch in our classrooms. While we are looking after them, we will create observational diaries to record the daily changes we see. We will look after our ducklings by keeping them warm, changing their water and sawdust and giving them some food. This topic will support our learning to look closely at the natural world, discuss what we see and talk about changes that take place over time.  

Throughout this topic, we will also be learning about the growth of plants, the functions of different parts of a plant and what plants need to grow. We will be taking part in a visit to a virtual farm where we will learn about important processes that happen on the farm to look after plants and animals.  

We will be reading the following books: 

Week 1 & 2 – The Green Giant 

Week 3 & 4 – The Little Red Hen 

Week 4 & 5 – Chicken Licken 

In Maths, we will be exploring the number 10 including finding number bonds, and subtraction facts to 10. We will also be exploring 3D shapes and participating in problem solving opportunities such as constructing animal homes fit for purpose using our maths skills.  

Term 5

During this term, we will be learning all about 'Space'! Children will learn the names and properties of planets in our solar system and learn about astronauts such as Mae Jemison, Kalpana Chawla and Neil Armstrong. Children will enjoy learning about the differences between Earth and Space and the changes that astronauts need to make in order to survive on their journeys. Children will be fascinated to learn about food that astronauts eat in space, and we will even expereince making our very own astronaut's chocolate pudding!

We will really look forward to Space Day as our memorable experience this term in which we will dress up as something space related (astronauts, planets, stars etc!). 

Term 6

We're all going to the seaside! During this topic, we will learn all about life under the ocean, or at the beach! Children will research lots of information to find facts about different ocean animals and learn about adaptations they have to survive under the sea. 

Children will learn about the Great Barrier Reef and about the pollution our oceans are facing and the damage that is sadly being caused.