It is important to recognise that yours, and your child's, emotional and mental well-being are paramount, especially during this unprecedented time of social distancing and self-isolation. If you need a pyjama day with movies and treats, have one! If you need to spend the day in the garden because you're all climbing the walls, do it!
I will be updating this page regularly with ideas and home learning suggestions but please remember that they are just that, suggestions. Keep home learning fun and remember that the EYFS is a play based curriculum so if you're playing your child is learning! Have fun, keep safe and Ill see you soon! Mrs Lewis.
I will be updating this page regularly with ideas and home learning suggestions but please remember that they are just that, suggestions. Keep home learning fun and remember that the EYFS is a play based curriculum so if you're playing your child is learning! Have fun, keep safe and Ill see you soon! Mrs Lewis.

Over on the Emotional and Mental Well-being page are a lovely poem and 2 short stories designed to help young children make sense of what is happening in the world. I hope you will find these useful and supportive. Thank you to Mrs Faulks for sending some of these to me to share!
Crazy Creations & Marvellous Music
Our Mini Topic for the week commencing 6th July 2020
Our final mini topic for this term will be Crazy Creations and Marvellous Music! A fantastic reason to let your creativity shine and explore some new arts, dance and music. This week i have included a range of different craft ideas from Twinkl and as there are so many to choose from I have put all the resources in a DropBox. Click on the button below this weeks topic web to see what there is! Ive also included some fantastic books to explore and read together including my personal favourites from the Creatrilogy by Peter H Reynolds; Dot, Ish and Sky colour. They are beautifully illustrated and have lovely story lines that include elements of our Route to Resilience character strengths such as creativity, resilience and self-belief. I hope you all have a fabulous week getting creative and letting your imagination take you wherever you want to go!
Around the World
Our Mini Topic for the week commencing 29th June 2020
This week we will be learning about our world through our mini topic 'Around the World'. We will be using the book Handa's Surprise which has a lovely retelling on YouTube and lots of supporting resources on Twinkl, some of these resources are labelled 'African Surprise'. I'd really love to see your posters about the continent you choose to learn about. I wonder if between us we will cover them all or if we will all choose the same ones...? This week we have also included a PE challenge as we haven't been able to have a school sports day this year.
Did you know that Sunday the 5th July is the 72nd birthday of the NHS? We are hoping to make some celebratory flags or banners in school!
Please do send your photos to me at the class email class1@harby.leics.sch.uk or on Tapestry!
Did you know that Sunday the 5th July is the 72nd birthday of the NHS? We are hoping to make some celebratory flags or banners in school!
Please do send your photos to me at the class email class1@harby.leics.sch.uk or on Tapestry!
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The Great Mini-Beast Adventure
Our mini-topic for the week commencing 22nd June
Were looking forward to exploring mini-beasts some more with our second mini-beast mini topic week. You will find a range of different activities to explore, some book recommendations and some additional supporting resource. This week you can make your own bee or butterfly feeder by following our step-by-step instructions and find out about the ladybird life cycle. There are a range of supporting resources at www.twinkl.co.uk and I have included their home learning challenges.
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Floating and Sinking
Our Mini Topic for the week commencing 15th June
After a fab week of exciting experiments the children at school have chosen Floating and Sinking as this weeks mini topic. We will be exploring floating and sinking in our Reception / Year 1 bubble. We will be doing fish art for a display in school and we would love it if you could join us by completing a fish at home and then dropping it off at school in an envelope marked for the attention of Mrs Lewis. As usual there are lots of resources available on Twinkl that you can add to support learning at home. I have included step by step instructions for the experiments. Please remember that these are suggested learning activities and you can follow your child's interests whichever way it takes their learning. I look forward to seeing pictures of what they have enjoyed doing this coming week either via Tapestry or email to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk
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Exciting Experiments
Our Mini Topic for the week commencing 8th June
We have chosen exciting experiments for this weeks mini topic! I hope you have lots of fun with these. We will be doing some of these experiments at school as well. I've include some books that you might like to read! As usual there are lots of resources available on Twinkl that you can add to support learning at home. I have included step by step instructions for the experiments. Please remember that these are suggested learning activities and you can follow your child's interests whichever way it takes their learning. I look forward to seeing pictures of what they have enjoyed doing this coming week either via Tapestry or email to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk
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Seaside
Our Mini Topic for the week commencing 1st June
As the weather has been so nice I thought we could have a Seaside mini topic, linking nicely with Under the Sea. This week I will be welcoming some of you back to school and some of you will still be learning at home. We will be doing some Seaside linked learning at school as well. I've include some books that you might like to read and some activities including make your own ice cream! As usual there are lots of resources available on Twinkl that you can add to support learning at home. I have included a summer themed booklet of activities from Twinkl that you might like to choose activities from. Please remember that these are suggested learning activities and you can follow your child's interests whichever way it takes their learning. I look forward to seeing pictures of what they have enjoyed doing this coming week either via Tapestry or email to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk.
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Under the Sea
Our Mini Topic of the week commencing 18th May
Our mini-topic this week is Under the Sea. It links really nicely with last weeks topic, Our World. I have included the suggestion of learning about plastic pollution in our oceans. 'Somebody Swallowed Stanley' is a really love story that can help children to understand how single use plastic carrier bags are damaging our ocean wildlife. I've included some other book recommendations, some supporting maths resources from Twinkl (there are lots and lots more available from Twinkl if you would like more), a home learning challenge sheet from Twinkl and a page of images from www.onceuponapicture.co.uk to inspire some creative story telling and some writing! There are lots of opportunities to learn about capacity through water play either in the bath or a paddling pool. Please remember that these are suggested learning activities and you can follow your child's interests whichever way it takes their learning. I look forward to seeing pictures of what they have enjoyed doing this coming week either via Tapestry or email to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk.
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Our World
Our Mini Topic of the week commencing 11th May
This week our mini topic is Our World with opportunities to learn about pollution, recycling and pollinating insects. I know that many of the children in the class are really passionate about looking after the planet in lots of different ways so please feel free to take this topic in the direction that your child finds most interesting. I've also included the home learning challenges for looking after our environment from Twinkl. This week I've also included a free publication with a range of play based activities, some of which I thought would be enjoyed by the children and you can dip into as and when you would like.
- Thank you to everyone who has sent their children's ideas for mini-topics to me, please keep sending them in to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk.

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Princesses, Knights and Dragons
Our Mini Topic for the week commencing 4th May!
We continue our mini topics with Princesses, knights and dragons. There is lots of scope in this topic to take it in the direction your child wants to. They might want to investigate non-fiction elements of castles, royalty and history, or they may want to explore imaginative play with dragons, knights and princesses. As before please encourage your child to take the lead on their learning and consider alternative activities if they would rather. I have included a selection of activities covering the specific areas of learning, but as the planning mentions, these are 'cross curricular' which means they will cover different aspects of the EYFS in the same activity.There are lots of extra (free) downloadable resources on Twinkl which you can use if you would like to. Feel free to add or change activities as you need to.
- Thank you to everyone who has sent their children's ideas for mini-topics to me, please keep sending them in to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk.
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Minibeasts
Our Mini Topic for the Week commencing 27th April!
This week we are looking at minibeasts! Below you will find a mini topic plan with suggested activities and some additional resources. There are lots of extra (free) downloadable resources on Twinkl which you can use if you would like to. Feel free to add or change activities as you need to. Thank you to everyone who has sent their children's ideas for mini-topics to me, please keep sending them in to class1@harby.leics.sch.uk.
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Dinosaurs
Our Mini Topic for the Week commencing 20th April!
Each week, for the next few weeks, we will be having a weekly mini topic inspired by the children. This week we are looking at Dinosaurs! Below you will find a mini topic plan with suggested activities. Feel free to add or change activities as you need to. Please ask your child what they would like to learn about and email me at class1@harby.leics.sch.uk.
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Zog
By Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
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The Great Pet Sale
By Mick Inkpen
The Bog Baby
By Jeanne Willis and Gwen Millward
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This is one of my favourite stories. Once you've watched it why not have a go at imagining what it would be like if you found your own Bog Baby. You could go on a Bog Baby hunt, draw a picture of what your Bog Baby might look like, make a model of it or even make a Bog Baby home to see if you could attract any to live in your garden! If you do a bit of writing you could send it to S.O.B.B. (Save Our Bog Babies) in London to help them with their research (address is on the form!).
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Credit: Anna Lewis Sketchy Muma
24/03/2020
Good Morning!
I just wanted to let you all know that our new class email is up and running. If you would like to ask any questions, share any home learning tips or advice, or would like any specific resources please do get in touch via class1@harby.leics.sch.uk and I will do my best to help.
Keep well,
Mrs Lewis
Good Morning!
I just wanted to let you all know that our new class email is up and running. If you would like to ask any questions, share any home learning tips or advice, or would like any specific resources please do get in touch via class1@harby.leics.sch.uk and I will do my best to help.
Keep well,
Mrs Lewis
23/03/2020
Good Morning Everyone!
I hope you are all well. I just wanted to let you all know that I'm missing my little class and looking forward to seeing you all as soon as I can.
I'm sat in my living room, working on my computer and looking out at the beautiful sunshine. I hope you will all try to get outside today if you can and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! Usually we would give our Spring Scavenger Hunt homework for over the Easter Holidays but now seems as good a time as any! If you can get out and about, see how many of these you can find. Take some pictures and pop them on Tapestry. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you spot!
Take care,
Mrs Lewis
Good Morning Everyone!
I hope you are all well. I just wanted to let you all know that I'm missing my little class and looking forward to seeing you all as soon as I can.
I'm sat in my living room, working on my computer and looking out at the beautiful sunshine. I hope you will all try to get outside today if you can and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! Usually we would give our Spring Scavenger Hunt homework for over the Easter Holidays but now seems as good a time as any! If you can get out and about, see how many of these you can find. Take some pictures and pop them on Tapestry. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you spot!
Take care,
Mrs Lewis

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No Play Dough? No Problem!Why not have a go at making some play dough at home? There are lots of different play dough recipes on the internet. I find that microwave play dough lasts for ages. Play dough is really versatile, loads of fun and a firm favourite. Making it provides lots of opportunities for learning including maths (counting and capacity) and science (talking about how the ingredients have changed and why)!
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Home Learning Activities and Online Resources for the Early Years Foundation Stage
Home Learning
The next few pages are designed to support you and your child whilst you are at home. You may be self-isolating or the school may be closed, whatever the reason there are somethings I’d like you to consider about your child's home learning...
Keep it fun!
On some level your child will know that things are out of the ordinary, be it that they are aware of the Coronavirus or just that they are staying away from school. This can cause a level of worry or upset which, in some cases, will only be amplified by pressure to do ‘school work’. Have fun doing the activities you choose, try and make it a special time for you all and hopefully this will provide a level of distraction from what is happening in the world around us.
Let your child choose
I’ve tried to include a range of activities, resources and online sites that will engage children’s interests in a variety of different ways. Your child is more likely to engage with the activity if s/he has chosen it. Keep their options limited to 2 or 3 activities so they are not overwhelmed and this way you can still direct their learning to a particular topic or area.
Put (almost) EVERYTHING on Tapestry (please!)
Whatever your child is up to, I love seeing it. It really helps me to see how they are applying their learning at home. Tapestry is great, the children can take their own photos if they have access to a camera, you can video them talking about what they are doing or whilst they are doing a task. I'll use the NewsFlash account to send messages and updates. If you cannot get on to your child's Tapestry account please let me know and I will do my best to find a solution if I can.
Having a routine helps
If you can establish a routine, especially if you’re self-isolating or practising social-distancing, then that will help your child. An example might be…
Read, read, read (please)
Please continue to read at home, enjoy books together, show them all the different ways that you read; books, internet, newspapers, magazines. Play reading games. Can they spot the tricky troll words? Hunt the grapheme etc. Act out stories, make puppets, draw pictures about the books you've read or even write short book reviews together. Ask questions like; What do you think would happen if we changed the ending? How could we change the ending? Could we add a new character to this story? What would they be like? Make reading fun and special, and don't forget to snuggle up with some hot chocolate when you can!!
Below you will find a selection of activities in a homework-style grid that you can use to support your child's home learning, these are not colour coded to the EYFS because many of them cover more than one area. There are two further pages in the Class 1 section that include downloadable resources, activities and online resources and websites that may be of interest so please check these out!
Keep checking back, I will be updating these pages with more ideas and resources over the coming weeks!
Have Fun & Keep Well!
Mrs Lewis
The next few pages are designed to support you and your child whilst you are at home. You may be self-isolating or the school may be closed, whatever the reason there are somethings I’d like you to consider about your child's home learning...
Keep it fun!
On some level your child will know that things are out of the ordinary, be it that they are aware of the Coronavirus or just that they are staying away from school. This can cause a level of worry or upset which, in some cases, will only be amplified by pressure to do ‘school work’. Have fun doing the activities you choose, try and make it a special time for you all and hopefully this will provide a level of distraction from what is happening in the world around us.
Let your child choose
I’ve tried to include a range of activities, resources and online sites that will engage children’s interests in a variety of different ways. Your child is more likely to engage with the activity if s/he has chosen it. Keep their options limited to 2 or 3 activities so they are not overwhelmed and this way you can still direct their learning to a particular topic or area.
Put (almost) EVERYTHING on Tapestry (please!)
Whatever your child is up to, I love seeing it. It really helps me to see how they are applying their learning at home. Tapestry is great, the children can take their own photos if they have access to a camera, you can video them talking about what they are doing or whilst they are doing a task. I'll use the NewsFlash account to send messages and updates. If you cannot get on to your child's Tapestry account please let me know and I will do my best to find a solution if I can.
Having a routine helps
If you can establish a routine, especially if you’re self-isolating or practising social-distancing, then that will help your child. An example might be…
- Breakfast, dressed etc
- Phonics play
- Snack and story
- Time in the garden
- Maths play (includes cooking!)
- Lunch
- Messy play, craft or nature play
- Time in the garden
- Tea
- Quiet time activities (TV, jigsaws, threading etc)
- Story, bath, bed
Read, read, read (please)
Please continue to read at home, enjoy books together, show them all the different ways that you read; books, internet, newspapers, magazines. Play reading games. Can they spot the tricky troll words? Hunt the grapheme etc. Act out stories, make puppets, draw pictures about the books you've read or even write short book reviews together. Ask questions like; What do you think would happen if we changed the ending? How could we change the ending? Could we add a new character to this story? What would they be like? Make reading fun and special, and don't forget to snuggle up with some hot chocolate when you can!!
Below you will find a selection of activities in a homework-style grid that you can use to support your child's home learning, these are not colour coded to the EYFS because many of them cover more than one area. There are two further pages in the Class 1 section that include downloadable resources, activities and online resources and websites that may be of interest so please check these out!
Keep checking back, I will be updating these pages with more ideas and resources over the coming weeks!
Have Fun & Keep Well!
Mrs Lewis
CBeebies Alphablocks is a great resource for supporting phonics for early reading and writing! |
Numberblocks is another fantastic CBeebies series designed to support early mathematical concepts! |
Click on the pictures below to be taken to their pages and find a range of games, episodes and other resources
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