Ash Blog - Reception
Bunny Hop Prize from FoTW!
Ash class were excited to find out that we had won a prize from Friends of Tanners Wood! We were one of the classes that had raised the most money during the recent Bunny Hop fundraiser. Ash class have loved playing with their new water equipment including pipes and pumps. Thank you to all the friends and family of Ash class that donated to the fundraiser and thank you to Friends of Tanners Wood!
Writing - Somebody Swallowed Stanley
Ash class are making amazing progress with their writing! This week, we have thought about what a sea creature would say if it accidentally swallowed Stanley (a plastic bag in the ocean) from our quality text Somebody Swallowed Stanley.
Maths - Odd or Even?
Ash class have been learning about odd and even numbers, talking about how we know if a number is odd or even. We made odd or even monsters to show our learning - can you spot which one is odd and which one is even?
Stay & Play and Bunny Hop
Thank you to all the adults that came to our stay and play sessions this week! The children loved doing Easter crafts with you and showing you all their wonderful work in the class floor books, learning journals and writing books.
Ash class were very excited to put on their bunny ears and get hopping around the daily mile track to raise money for the Friends of Tanners Wood! Thank you for all your donations.
Spring Performance
Reception gave a fantastic performance to family members last week with excellent singing and dancing as well as looking adorable in their spring costumes! Thank you to all that attended and for all the adults that helped with the practising. Most importantly well done to all the children - you were amazing!
Dinosaur Workshop
Ash class loved being paleontologists for the day during our Dinosaur Workshop! We learnt about how the dinosaurs became extinct and used paintbrushes to carefully uncover dinosaur fossils and bones. We even got to meet and stroke some special dinosaurs!
World Book Day
What a fantastic World Book Day with all these amazing book character costumes!
Ash class have had a wonderful week from decorating our door using the fairy tale theme of Hansel and Gretel, to creating Gingerbread House pictures, decorating Gingerbread house biscuits, creating pebble trails and a visit from 'Bookman' for an inspiring workshop all about our favourite stories.
Ice Age!
Our learning has been linked to the book 'We went to find a Woolly Mammoth' by Catherine Cawthorne. Ash class have loved learning about different 'mammoth' animals during the Ice Age including the Giant Elephant Bird and Sabre-Tooth Tigers. We made giant eggs using papier mache as well as cave pictures using charcoal and enjoyed painting snowflakes on foil.
Science Experiments
We have been learning about germs, linked to our story 'The Disgusting Sandwich'. We did some experiments to show how germs spread and how germs can be dispersed. We showed how germs can spread by putting glitter on our hands and seeing how far the glitter would go when we touched each other's hands. Then we tested what would happen to pepper in water when we added hand soap. We talked about the importance of washing our hands to stop germs from spreading.
Creative Day
During our Creative Day, Ash class created a fantastic display based on the story 'Rajiv's Starry Feelings' by Niall Moorjani. We talked about the different feelings in the story and what our star constellations would look like if we could see our own happiness. We decorated words and stars with glitter, made rockets, painted branches and used collage to create leaves as well as the characters in the story.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Ash class have enjoyed celebrating Christmas this week with Christmas jumper day, Christmas lunch and our Christmas party! We read the story 'How to Hide a Lion at Christmas' and enjoyed spotting lions each day in the classroom that kept moving as well as singing Christmas songs. Have a restful break and we will see you back at school in 2026!
Christmas!
We have been getting ready for Christmas in Ash class by decorating our Christmas tree, wrapping presents and writing Christmas cards.
The Giant Jam Sandwich
In Ash class, we have been reading the Giant Jam Sandwich story. We made dough to bake bread rolls and spread butter and jam on then to make our own jam sandwiches.
Knife and Fork Skills Workshop
Reception practised our knife and fork skills during a workshop in the hall. We learnt how to lay the table and how to hold our knife and fork correctly. Then we used them to cut up a watermelon and enjoyed eating the watermelon afterwards!
Supertato
Ash class have created their own Supertato using new potatoes.
Ash - supertato
PE
Ash - Week 5 2025
Watford Observer
Ash - Watford Observer
Funnybones
Ash class have completed their first shared writing this week! They have learnt some names for the bones in the human skeleton.
Ash - shared writing
Ash class' first week 2025
Ash class have have enjoyed exploring their new environment and playing together. A wonderful start to Reception!!
Ash - first week
Careers Day 2025
A huge thank you to Mr Fewery and Miss Wong, who came to talk to Ash class about their careers as a solicitor and paediatric nurse.
Ash - Careers Day
Stay and Play
Ash Class of 2024-2025 had their final Stay and Play where they completed lots of summer crafts with the help of their adults.
Ash - Stay and Play
Trip to Hertfordshire Zoo
Ash class had a wonderful day exploring the zoo. They saw so many magnificent animals and could share lots of facts about dinosaurs. They were exceptionally well behaved and did the school proud!!
Ash - Hertfordshire Zoo
Superworm Writing
"Superworm is super long. Superworm is super strong. Watch him wiggle, watch him squirm. Hip hip hooray for Superworm."
Ash - Superworm writing
Assembly
Ash class were absolute superstars in their assembly this morning. They talked clearly and confidently while sharing their learning!
Ash - assembly
Step by step drawing
The children enjoyed exploring and drawing fruit and vegetables.
Ash - drawing
Ash - step by step drawing
VE Day
Wonderful start to summer term
Ash class started the summer term with a BANG! They looked at the bread / germ experiment from before Easter and talked about the importance of washing hands. They also dressed up as pirates as well as thinking about pirate names.
Ash - S1Wk1
Stay and Play
What a wonderful way to end an amazing half term! A huge thank you to all adults who attended - it was wonderful to see wider family engaging in lots of creative mess and activities. Wishing you all a very happy, hoppy and healthy Easter.
Ash - Easter Stay and Play
PE - Apparatus
Today, Ash class used the apparatus for the first time. They were really brave and confident - we are so proud of them.
Ash - apparatus
Dinosaur Workshop
The children enjoyed being paleontologists. The they explored fossils using paintbrushes.
Ash - dinosaur workshop
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom / World Book Day
Supermouse and the Volcano of Doom
Mr Wolf's Pancakes
The children have enjoyed exploring Mr Wolf' Pancakes
Ash - Mr Wolf's Pancakes
this week. They have written shopping lists, learnt about wolves and labelled them, talked about height and used the story sack to talk through the story.
Maths - lengths
Ash class read Superworm, by Julia Donaldson. They talked about the correct vocabulary to use when describing length - long, short, longer, shorter, longest, shortest, equal lengths and the same lengths. They then made their own worms and talked about the length.
Ash - length
Dinosaur lengths
Ms Schofield shared photos from her day out to The Natural History Museum. Ash class talked about the dinosaurs and used non-fiction books to find out more. Some children asked to find out the lengths of dinosaurs so Ms Schofield used string, a meter stick and a tape measure to show how long some dinosaurs were. Other children decided to make Andy's clock which is at The Natural History Museum.
Ash - NHM
Dragon Dance
Ash class used the scarves to explore moving in different ways. They had watched a Chinese New Year lion dance and dragon dance.
Ash - dragon dance
Dinosaur Encyclopaedia
Ash class have been fascinated with the dinosaur encyclopaedias. They asked if they could make their own.
Ash - dinosaur encyclopaedia
Billy and the Dragon
Last week Ash class explored, 'Billy and the Dragon', by Nadia Shireen. They thought about the illustrations in order to create a display in the hall.
Ash - display
Funnybones Writing
Ash class learnt about the names of some bones. They then added labels to a large skeleton.
Ash Funnybones
People who help us
Ash class learnt about Vets, Doctors and Firefighters. They enjoyed a visit from Garston Fire Service. They also enjoyed using stethescopes, making animal masks and creating Vet lanyards.
Autumn term
Friday 4th October
Our quality text this week was Owl Babies. The children wanted to make owls and nests.
Owls
Thursday 16th May 2024
Story maps
This week, the children have been creating story maps based on our class book 'The Troll' by Julia Donaldson. They all look amazing Ash class. Well done!
April and May 2024
What have Ash class been getting up to (so far) for the first part of the summer term?
Pirates- Ash class have really enjoyed learning about pirates, making treasure maps, writing 'Wanted' posters and posing as pirates.
Understanding the world- minibeast hunting
Literacy- Developing our writing skills
Maths- Exploring shape and patterns (tangrams)
Maths- solving puzzles
25th - 28th March 2024
Easter Stay and Play
Thank you to all the parents and carers who came to the Ash class 'Stay and Play' sessions, this week. It was lovely to see so many adults and children making an Easter craft and the children sharing their work with their parent or carer!
Wishing all our EYFS families a wonderful and restful Easter holidays.
Tuesday 26th March 2024
Exploring patterns
Ash class have been looking at repeating patterns- Which action/shape or colour comes next? Can you spot the mistake? Can you make your own repeating pattern?
18th - 22nd March 2024
Exploring shape
Which 3D shapes can stack? Which 3D shapes can roll? Can you name and sort 3D shapes?
Ash class have been exploring 3D shapes. They have been learning the names for 3D shapes, sorting 3D shapes, exploring which 3D shapes stack and which 3D shapes roll and spotting 3D shapes in the wider world.
Spring Performance- March 2024
'There's a Sunflower in my Supper'
Well done to all the children in Ash and Beech class. You all were amazing!
Thank you to our Narrators, Cows, Mr Bull, Doctor Cow, Ladybirds, Wise Old Owl, Bees, Sunflowers, Squirrels and The Market Sellers.
Friday 8th March 2024
World Book Day 2024
Oh, the places you'll go!
What a wonderful, exciting and joyful day! Thank you Ash class parents and carers for all your efforts in organising your child with a World Book Day Costume. All the children looked amazing.
I hope Ash class are ready for an amazing adventure today. I wonder where we they want to go?
Thursday 7th March 2024
Dinosaur workshop
Ash class were very excited about meeting some dinosaurs and becoming palaeontologists for the morning. We were lucky enough to search for fossils and name them before we were given the chance to meet some amazing baby dinosaurs. Wow!
Friday 1st March 2024
This week the whole school took part in a poetry activity to celebrate the forthcoming World Book Day. Reception chose to create their lines, for the whole school poem, based on the story 'Little Red Riding Hood.' We really enjoyed creating the actions too.
Wednesday 14th February 2024
Here is a copy of all the tricky words (words you can not sound out) and sounds the children will learn in phonics
Wednesday 31st January 2024
TW Letter formation patters
Here is a copy of the letter formation patter we use in class, everyday. All parents were given a copy at the last parents evening, in October 2023. Please let us us know if you would like another one.
Friday 26th January 2024
Free the dinosaurs!
The children in Ash class were given a set of frozen dinosaurs. Their mission was to free them! They had to choose one of the choices below to free their dinosaur:
Choices
1. Cold water 2. Warm water 3. Hot water 4. Salt
5. Salt and water 6. Radiator 7. Sunshine 8. Hammers
Can you work out which method was the fastest? Which method was slowest?
Mystery reader
Today, Ash class were treated to a story read by a very special auntie. Thank you for sharing a wonderful story with us.
Friday 19th January 2024
Today, the children made their own dinosaur fossils using salt dough. Wow! Take a look at how we made them.
Phonics
Here is the video for the Phase 3 sounds and actions, which we will be teaching this term. Scroll down for the Phase 2 sounds and actions video.
/i/video/freecompress-Phase_3_Action_video.mp4
Pencil grip
Right handed
1. Pick/Nip 2. Flip 3.Grip
Left handed
1. Pick/Nip 2. Flip 3.Grip
Phonics
Here is the video for the Phase 2 sounds which we are teaching the children this term
/i/video/Phase_2_Action_video_.mp4
Tortoise Time!
On Tuesday, Miss Reilly brought in her pet tortoise , Henry, to show Ash, Beech and Apple class. We have been learning about hibernating animals, which Henry will be starting very soon. We were so excited to see him and learn about what he likes and enjoys doing.
Wednesday 18th October 2023
Reading records
Hearing your child/children read at home is very important part of child's learning. When you hear your child read at home, please can parents/carers ensure they sign and write a small comment in the book (about how they read), so we know they are being heard read at home and how they are progressing.
Thank you for your continued support.
Monday 16th October 2023
Letter and Number Formation
Mrs Vassiliou has found a letter and number formation website, to help the children form their letters and numbers the correct way. It is completely free and really easy to use.
www.doorwayonline.org.uk/activities/letterformation
You can choose the following:
* Size of the letter- small, medium, large
* Writing speed- slow, medium, fast
* Letter position, which should always be
* Whether you want a midline
You can choose which numbers and letters to form and which size to view them. Please make sure you always choose to form the letters and numbers from the top.
You can also choose how you view the number or letter- (Press space or on the ball to start), (Press on the ball and follow with your cursor/finger) or
Enjoy practising your numbers and letters!
Friday 13th October 2023
Mystery reader
To end our busy week, Ash class had a visit from Finn's Mum who, very kindly, read the whole class the story "The Day the Crayons Quit" by Drew Daywalt.
Thank you for sharing a story with us.
Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th October 2023
What a week!
Ash class have had a very busy week. We have been visited by Steve Frew, a Commonwealth Gymnastics gold medallist and celebrated World mental health day. Throughout the week we have created our own letter collages and explored a range of sensory trays containing sawdust, glitter sand, cornflour water, shaving foam and cloud dough. The children used their sense of sight, touch and smell to describe how the items felt, looked and smelt.
Tuesday 10th October 2023
World Mental Health Day
Today, Ash class talked about what it meant by mental health and the importance of good mental health. The children were asked to draw a picture of their happy place. A place where you could remember or imagine, if you were feeling sad.
"My happy place is being with my family."
"My happy place is playing at the park."
"My happy place is playing football."
"My happy place is going holiday and going to the beach,"
Monday 9th October 2023
Athlete Day
Monday was a very exciting day. The whole school got to meet the 2002 Commonwealth Gymnastics gold medallist, Steve Frew. Each class got to take part in a very energetic and fun exercise session before being dazzled and amazed by Steve Frew's gymnastic skills and strength!
Friday 29th September 2023
Busy Friday!
There was lots of learning going on in Ash today and throughout the week. All the children have settled into exploring both their inside and outside classrooms and forming some lovely friendships.
Friday 22nd September 2023
Mystery Reader
Ash class were very lucky to have a mystery reader pop into read a story.
'The Hugasaurus' by Rachel Bright.
Our reader this week was Ayaan's Mum. Thank for sharing a story with us!
Sports Day
Wednesday 28th June 2023
What a wonderful Sports Day we had on Wednesday. The EYFS team are so proud of all the children for taking part and trying their best. Thank you to all our parents for taking the time to come and watch. Well done EYFS! Well done Ash class!
My Body
Thursday 8th June 2023
In PSED today, we having been naming and identifying body parts. We also talked about the functions of the following parts of the body- nose, ears, mouth and eyes. Excellent labelling Ash!
"We use our hears to listen." We use our eyes to see."
How does someone communicate if they can not hear? "They can use sign language."
Easter Garden
Thursday 30th March 2023
Today, the children created a class Easter garden, which linked to their learning about The Easter story (Jesus) and Easter being a symbol of new life. What an amazing job they did!
Easter Stay and Play
Monday 20th- Friday 24th March 2023
This week, each day, we were joined by the some of parents of the children in Ash class. This lovely visit is a chance for the children to show their parents what we get up to in Reception. This time we were creating Easter chicks. rabbits and lambs. Wow! Fantastic job Ash Class.
Number and letter Formation
Monday 20th March 2023
Mrs Vassiliou has found a letter and number formation website, to help the children form their letters and numbers the correct way. It is completely free and really easy to use.
www.doorwayonline.org.uk/activities/letterformation
You can choose the following:
* Size of the letter- small, medium, large
* Writing speed- slow, medium, fast
* Letter position, which should always be
* Whether you want a midline
You can choose which numbers and letters to form and which size to view them. Please make sure you always choose to form the letters and numbers from the top.
You can also choose how you view the number or letter- (Press space or on the ball to start), (Press on the ball and follow with your cursor/finger) or
Enjoy practising your numbers and letters!
Fairy Tale Settings
Friday 10th March 2023
All this week, Ash class have been drawing scenes from Fairy Tale stories. Wow! They look amazing Ash. We have some very talented artists in Reception. What do you think?
Free the dinosaurs!
Friday 27th January 2023
Ash class were given an exciting investigation this week. How could they free the frozen dinosaurs? Everyone was given a variety of tools and objects to try and free them- hammers, warm water and salt. Which one worked? Which one was the fastest to free the dinosaur? Which one took the longest time to free the dinosaur? Check out some children in action!
Design a talking dinosaur
Thursday 12th January 2023
Today, the children have been designing their own talking dinosaur on the computer. They had to use their mouse skills to choose, what colour, type, size, and noise their dinosaur would make. Well done Ash!
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Perseverance
Thursday 5th January 2023
Happy New Year!
Ash class have hit the ground running today, after the festive break. Today, we have been talking about perseverance and not giving up. I set the children a challenge- to separate the mini stars from the plastic eyes, whilst blind folded. Here are some photos of some of the children persevering. Fantastic start to the new year Ash!
Thank you
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
The EYFS team would like to say a huge thank you for all the lovely gifts and cards we have received from our children and parents, this term. We wish you all a lovely restful Christmas. See you in the new year!
Christmas
Thursday 15th December 2022
Christmas has arrived in Ash class. The children have been busy with their Christmas crafts this week. Look at our wonderful sparkly trees. Wow!
Potion making
Friday 2nd December 2022
Ash class have been making some wonderful potions, which the children were inspired to do, after reading about the witch in 'The Jolly Postman'. Looks like the children had lots of messy fun!
Perfecting our computing skills
Thursday 17th November 2022
Ash class are becoming more confident when using a keyboard, controlling a mouse and logging onto the computer. We are super proud of their progress and the children love using the computers.
Fireworks
Friday 4th November 2022
Ash class have been celebrating the fireworks season by creating their own firework pictures. Wow! They look amazing and very realistic.
Please take care over the weekend, when seeing fireworks. Remember the safety tips from Fireman Sam and stay safe!
Stay and Play
Thursday 20th October 2022
It has been a real pleasure seeing so many parents come in, this week and learn about all the activities we are using to help develop each child's fine and gross motor skills. Thank you for all who attended and do not worry, if you could not make it this time. There will be another opportunity in the future. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves. We loved showing you our learning!
Monday Autumn Walk- Friday 7th October 2022
This week, Ash class, went on a lovely Autumn hunt. Can you guess what we collected on our travels? We had lots of fun spotting objects and colours outside
Rock Steady Music Assembly- Thursday 29th September 2022
Ash and Beech class joined year 1 and 2 during a special assembly today. The assembly was about the new club starting, after school, called Rock Steady Music. Some children from all year groups were able to take part and play the instruments on display. One of our very own Reception children got a chance to play the electric guitar.
Remembering the Queen and our Family Tree- 16th September 2022
Ash class have been very busy settling and exploring their new classroom. They had lots of fun decorating our family tree and creating flowers to remember Queen Elizabeth 11.
