Finch

Welcome to Finch Class!

Class Teacher: Mrs Daniels
Support Staff: Mrs Cardy, Mrs Cuthbert, and Mrs Hubbard

In Finch Class, we pride ourselves on being friendly, caring, and enthusiastic learners who work together as a team.

Phonics

The children take part in a daily phonics session every day to support their reading and writing skills.

You can help at home by practising phonics regularly with your child. This will help to reinforce what they are learning in school and build their confidence.

Here are some helpful websites and videos you can use at home:

1.  Phonics Play (Free Resources)

   • A popular site with games and activities.

   • Try: “Buried Treasure” and “Picnic on Pluto”.

   • Some content is paid, but there’s a free section.

2. Letters and Sounds for Home and School (YouTube)

   • Created by the Department for Education during lockdown.

   • Daily phonics lessons by phase.

3. BBC Bitesize Phonics

   • Fun videos, songs, and games to support early reading.

4. Teach Your Monster to Read

   • Free on the website (the app is paid).

   • Covers Phases 2–5 of Letters and Sounds.

5. Oxford Owl

   • Free eBooks matched to your child’s phonics level.

   • Also includes phonics guides for parents.

6. Topmarks - Early Years English

   • Interactive games for phonics and spelling.

7. ICT Games

   • Teacher-made phonics games designed for classroom and home use.

8. Alphablocks (CBeebies)

   • A fun way to learn phonics through characters and animations.

   • Great for visual and auditory learners.

Reading

• Children are expected to read every day at home using their school reading book.

• Please remember to record all reading in their reading records.

• Every Tuesday afternoon, the children visit the school library, where they can choose a book to bring home and enjoy with an adult.

PE and Forest School

• Monday: Children should come to school wearing suitable clothes for Forest School.

• Thursday: Children must wear their full PE kit to school.

• Earrings must be removed on both days for safety reasons.

Classroom Bits and Bobs

• Please send your child with a named water bottle each day so they can stay hydrated and refill when needed.

• A fruit or vegetable snack is provided as part of the Government’s free scheme.
  If you wish to send an additional healthy snack, please ensure it follows the school’s healthy eating policy.

• As the weather changes, children will need a waterproof coat, hat, scarf, and gloves for playtimes and lunchtime.