Willow class pupils learn best from child centred approaches to learning. Intensive interaction, interactive story- telling and Interactive music provide a staple diet to develop two way social communication. The pupils benefit from high visual elements to learning such as symbols and pictures but within a low arousal environment. Attention Autism is used to develop attention to another’s agenda and to increase the time that the children can concentrate and learn within a group setting. Augmentative communication strategies such as PECS are used to help children make their needs known to others. TEACCH stations help children to practise and embed curriculum skills in a distraction free environment. Hands on sensory activities are included every day to enable children to fully engage with the curriculum.
Willow Topic – Hooray, Let’s go on Holiday! – Summer Term
Dear Parents,
Over the summer term those of us in Willow class will be following a unit of work on a theme that focuses on ‘Holidays’.This unit ofwork has been designed upon part of the International Primary Curriculum.
During this unit we will be focusing on Geography and International/social aspects and outcomes.
In Geography, we’ll be finding out:
- About the places people go to on holiday
- How they get to their holiday destination
- Some of the things people do on holiday
- What people wear on holiday
In International, we’ll be finding out:
- What is the same and what is different between the lives and home countries of the different children around the world in different countries.
- How to say ‘hello’ in another language
We will be exploring activities such as packing a suitcase, looking at travel brochures, exploring air and rail transport through role play and videos and images. When we explore different countries we will explore the tastes and smells of particular cultural aspects such as food and explore music and clothing associated with different cultures.
We already know the interest you take in your child’s work. If you can, please discuss with your child different holidays and countries for example looking back at holiday pictures, exploring and discussing different cuisines you may eat at home. If you have the chance to further their interest in the ideas of this theme please take it, but your enthusiasm and interest is most important.
We hope they have had an enjoyable time in the classroom. And we hope you have enjoyed seeing your child work with enthusiasm. If you have any comments or questions about your child’s learning, please get in touch.
We will be sending home a vocabulary symbol sheet and Makaton sign sheet to let you know some of the language we will be using regularly with your child.
Thank you in advance for any supporting work you undertake at home
Willow team
Willow Class Plan – Spring Term
FREEZE IT!
In Willow this half term we will be studying the topic Freeze it! During the unit we will be focusing on Science and International aspects.
In Science, we’ll be finding out:
- All about ice and water
- At what temperature water freezes
- How long ice takes to melt
- What happens when we freeze other liquids
- How we can turn ice into a healthy food
- Which materials will keep ice cool
In International, we’ll be finding out:
- About the differences between hot and cold countries
We will enjoy exploring making ice and watching it melt as well as freezing different types of liquids such as making our own ice poles. The international aspect of the unit will see us exploring the jungle and Arctic including the animals and habitats you find there in the varying temperatures.
