Knowl Hill CofE Academy ''Together We Succeed''
Helpful Information
Reading & Phonics
Throughout the Foundation year, the children will learn phonics sounds and develop their skills in blending sounds together to read words. They will also learn and practise a range of red words and green words to support their reading development. Please see the attached phonics sounds, red words and green words for the learning we will be focusing on in school. Children will bring a reading book home to share with you, and we encourage regular reading at home. Reading books will be changed every Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is a bank holiday). We encourage children to read their book more than once, as re-reading helps to build confidence, fluency and understanding. Please record any reading completed at home in your child's reading record. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child to develop a love of reading.
Handwriting
In Foundation, we teach pre-cursive handwriting, helping children learn to form letters correctly with the correct starting and finishing points. Pre-cursive handwriting provides a strong foundation for joined handwriting as children progress through the school.
Before children are ready to write letters, we focus on developing the physical skills needed for successful writing. Strong shoulder muscles, core strength, hand strength and fine motor control are all essential for handwriting.
You can support your child's handwriting development at home through play and everyday activities. Playing with playdough, threading beads, completing jigsaw puzzles, building with construction toys, using tweezers to pick up small objects, colouring, painting and drawing all help to strengthen the muscles and coordination needed for writing. Encouraging activities such as climbing, ball games and outdoor mark-making with chalk can also help children develop the strength, control and confidence they need to become successful writers.
Bikeability
On Friday mornings, our Foundation children take part in Bikeability sessions. To ensure they are comfortable and able to participate safely, we ask that children come to school wearing their PE kit on these days.
PE Kit:-
Winter
T- Shirt (House colour).
Black track suit bottoms.
Black track suit top.
Trainers.
Summer
T- Shirt (House colour).
Black Shorts
Trainers.
Eistedford
Each spring, we hold our annual Eisteddfod competition. This is a special event where children have the opportunity to take part in a range of creative and performance-based activities, such as singing, reciting poems and performance. The Eisteddfod provides a wonderful opportunity for children to showcase their talents, build confidence and celebrate their achievements in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Below is a list of poems that are suitable for Foundation children to learn and perform. Children are welcome to choose a poem from this list, but they may also select their own poem or performance if they prefer. The list is simply provided as a source of ideas and inspiration for those who would like some suggestions. We encourage children to choose something they enjoy and feel confident performing.
Parent Information Evening
Please find the PowerPoints from our information evening below. These are available for anyone who was unable to attend or would like to revisit the information at a later date.