Spruce 2026 - 2027

Autumn Term 1 

Welcome to a new and exciting term in Spruce Class! This half term, we will be exploring the topic Hot and Cold through stories, practical activities, sensory experiences and lots of opportunities to learn through play. 

We will be looking at how the weather changes throughout the year, with a particular focus on summer and winter. The children will have opportunities to observe the weather, talk about what they can see, hear and feel, explore different clothing for different weather conditions and discover how environments around the world can be different. We will also enjoy stories, creative activities, PE and lots of hands-on learning. 

English 

This half term, our English learning will focus on two exciting stories: Percy the Park Keeper on a Snowy Day and Shark in the Park on a Windy Day. 

Through these stories, children will explore snowy and windy weather, develop new vocabulary and engage in a range of sensory and practical activities. We will explore characters, settings and key events, using props, role play and story sequencing to help bring the stories to life. 

Children will have opportunities to develop their communication, listening and attention skills, as well as early reading, mark-making and writing skills. We will encourage children to describe what they can see, hear and feel and to share their ideas and experiences. 

Maths 

Our Maths focus this half term is Addition and Subtraction and Capacity and Volume. 

Children will develop their understanding of addition and subtraction through practical activities, using objects, toys and everyday resources to combine groups and take objects away. 

We will also explore capacity and volume through lots of hands-on experiences. Children will investigate containers, filling and emptying, and begin to use language such as full, empty, half full, more and less. These activities will give children opportunities to develop their mathematical understanding through real-life and sensory experiences. 

PSHE – Self Awareness 

In PSHE, our focus is Self Awareness, with a close link to things we are good at and people who are special to us. 

Children will explore their own strengths, interests and abilities. We will encourage children to recognise the things they are good at and celebrate their achievements. Through discussion, practical activities, photographs and praise, children will develop their confidence and begin to recognise what makes them special and unique. 

We will also explore the important people in our lives. Children will have opportunities to talk about and recognise the people who are special to them and explore how these people care for and support us. 

Through stories, photographs, role play and class discussions, we will celebrate families, friendships and the special relationships in our lives. 

Science – Seasonal Changes 

In Science, our focus will be Seasonal Changes. 

Children will explore how the weather and our environment change throughout the year, with a particular focus on summer and winter. We will make regular observations of the weather and explore what we can see, hear, touch and feel. 

Children will investigate different types of weather, including sunny, rainy, windy, cloudy and snowy conditions. We will also explore what people wear during different seasons and how the weather can affect the things we do. 

Through practical experiments, outdoor observations and sensory activities, children will develop their curiosity and understanding of the world around them. 

Geography – Weather 

In Geography, our focus will be Weather. 

Children will keep a simple weather diary, making observations about the weather and recording what they notice. We will explore the differences between summer and winter and think about the clothing we might wear in different types of weather. 

We will use our outdoor environment to observe changes in the weather and develop vocabulary such as hot, cold, warm, cool, wet, dry, windy, sunny, cloudy and snowy. 

RE – Noah’s Ark 

In RE, we will be learning about the Christian story of Noah’s Ark. 

Children will explore the story through storytelling, sensory activities, music, role play and creative experiences. We will learn about Noah, the animals, the ark, the rain and the rainbow. 

The story will also provide opportunities to explore themes such as caring for animals, helping others, following instructions and looking after our world. 

PE, Sports and Super Ball Paul 

We will continue to develop our physical skills through PE, sports activities and Super Ball Paul sessions. 

Children will have opportunities to develop their balance, coordination, gross motor skills, throwing and catching and ability to follow simple instructions. 

Our sessions will also support teamwork, communication, confidence and taking turns, while encouraging children to enjoy being active and trying new physical activities. 

Key Information 

• PE and Super Ball Paul – Monday and Friday. 

• Please bring a spare set of clothes and a waterproof coat/wellies, so we are ready for all types of weather. 

• Please ensure children have suitable clothing for outdoor learning and activities. 

• Please provide snacks and/or lunch each day. 

• Please check Dojo announcements regularly for updates and messages. 

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact the Spruce team. We are always happy to help in any way we can.