Reception Home Learning (Snow Day) Tuesday 7th January 2025

Date: 7th Jan 2025 @ 9:49am

Home Learning Day Activities 07.01.2025

School Closed Due to Weather Conditions

Task 1: Learning about the New Year

Read Through the New Year Powerpoint to introduce and discuss what a new year is. Talk about the traditions and why some people celebrate a new beginning.

Months of the Year:

• Discuss the 12 months in a year, emphasising that January is the first month and December is the last.
• Practice saying the months together in order.
• Ensure children understand there are 12 months in a year.
• Play Auld Lang Syne on YouTube
• Watch the London New Year Countdown and Fireworks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBLbRbvWPKc

Task 2- Blending and Reading CVC Words with Phonics Play

This activity helps children practice blending sounds and reading CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words using the ‘Pick a Picture’ game on the Phonics Play website. The focus is on Phase 2 sounds to build early phonics skills. Access using the following link https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/resources/phase/2/pick-a-picture

• Visit the Phonics Play website and select the ‘Pick a Picture’
• Choose Phase 2 when given the option between Phase 2 or 3.
• Your child will be shown CVC words and must blend the sounds to read the word.
• They then select the matching picture for the word they’ve read.
• Encourage your child to try several rounds of the game to build confidence and fluency.

Tips for Parents:

• Sit with your child to guide them if needed, especially if they find blending tricky.
• Model blending by slowly sounding out the word (e.g. "c-a-t" = "cat").
• Praise their efforts and celebrate correct answers to keep them motivated.

Suggested Questions:

• What sound does this word start with?
• Can you blend the sounds together to read the word?
• Does the picture match the word you read?

Task 3- Introduction to Zero

• Read the additional guidance sheet included for parents to understand how to support your child during this activity.
• Use the suggested prompts and questioning techniques from the guidance sheet to reinforce learning.
• Use the "Introduce Zero" PowerPoint by White Rose Maths to explore the concept of zero.

Consolidation Activities:

• Engage in additional activities suggested in the guidance materials to deepen your child’s understanding of zero.
• These might include simple games or real-life scenarios where the concept of zero is applicable.

Task 4- Understanding the World

How Snow Forms
This activity combines science and art to help children understand how snowflakes are made while encouraging creativity.

What to Do:

• Watch a the video about how snowflakes form in the clouds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE8agcLlma8
• Discuss how they are formed to reinforce understading, emphasise that each snowflake is unique and symmetrical.

 

1. Watch the tutorial using this link to learn how to make your own snowflakes:

Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2l0b-0sJLI

• Fold a piece of paper and cut out designs to create your own paper snowflakes.
• Decorate with crayons, markers, or glitter for a personal touch.

Suggested Questions:

• What do you think snowflakes are made of?
• Why do you think each snowflake is different?
• Can you spot the symmetry in your paper snowflake?

Equipment Needed:

• Paper, scissors, crayons, or glitter
• Access to a snowflake video via computer or tablet

Task 5- Letter and Number Formation Practice

This activity helps children practise forming letters and numbers using the interactive website ‘Doorway Online’. The “Free Draw” option is ideal for developing fine motor skills and confidence with handwriting.

• Use the provided link to visit the website https://www.doorwayonline.org.uk/literacy/letter-and-number-formation/
• Select the ‘Free Draw’ option for the most flexibility.
• Encourage your child to trace or write letters and numbers on the screen.
• Use prompts to guide correct letter and number formation, emphasising starting points and direction.

Tips for Parents:

• Sit with your child and demonstrate letter or number formation if needed.
• Focus on areas they find challenging, such as tricky numbers e.g. 5 or 8 or letters e.g. b and d.

Task 6- Frozen-Themed Cosmic Kids Yoga

This activity combines movement and mindfulness with the magic of Frozen! Using the Cosmic Kids Yoga video on YouTube, children can stretch, move, and practice mindfulness while following a Frozen-themed story.

• Use the provided YouTube link to access the Frozen-themed Cosmic Kids Yoga session https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlg052EKMtk&t=872s
• Make sure there’s a safe, clear space for your child to move around.
• Encourage your child to join in with the yoga poses and movements guided by the video.
• They can pretend to be characters from Frozen while stretching and exercising.
• Feel free to join in with your child to make it even more enjoyable!

Tips for Parents:

• Ensure your child has enough space to move safely and comfortably.
• Encourage them to focus on their breathing and balance during the session.
• If they struggle with a pose, remind them it’s okay to try their best and have fun.

Suggested Questions:

• Which part of the yoga story did you enjoy the most?
• Can you teach me your favourite yoga pose from the session?
• How did you feel when you were doing yoga?
• Why is exercise and physical activity good for us?

Equipment Needed:

• Device to access to the YouTube link
• Comfortable clothing and a safe space for movement

 

Powerpoints/documents: See attached files

 

 

 

 

 

 

Files to Download