Westonzoyland Primary School ‘Achieving, Learning and Growing Together’
Merlin – Miss Stockford (Reception)
Welcome to our Merlin class page, where we keep you up to date with our learning, and where you can find useful information specific to our class.
The teaching team
Miss Stockford and Mrs Melinn
Outdoor learning is on Tuesdays though we do try to book an additional slot sometime within the week, where we spend time in the garden or forest school area. We do, however, need wellies in school every day now the weather is wetter in order to access our learning both indoors and out! Our PE this half term is incorporated within our active learning, so please make sure children have trainers in school every day too.
Our learning is centred around mini topics, usually based on class books that we are sharing within class as well as enveloping the interests of our children.
Initially, we will be using the topic 'All about me' so that children can develop confidence in sharing what is most familiar, their families, and talk about themselves and their interests, celebrating themselves and others' in a reassuring environment as well as exploring feelings and emotions, differences and similarities.
We will be focusing on friendships and respect, and establishing the boundaries which keep us safe and ready for learning throughout the day. Listening and developing attention within a larger group is also a big focus, with lots of games to encourage this.
We are very passionate about the sharing of books and learning how to read here at Westonzoyland. When your child is ready, we will issue them with a reading book (suited to their ability) and do ask parents or guardians help nurture the love and enjoyment of reading by listening to your child read at least 3 times over a week. If you need any support ideas, please do not hesitate to ask either Miss Stockford or Mrs Melinn 😃
We have a email address dedicated to Merlin parents, where I will do my best to answer any queries ASAP. Please remember that obviously during school hours I am very much with the children but will respond as soon as I can. Any questions or information referring to attendance, such as if your child is ill, should still go through the office as per usual.
414.merlin@educ.somerset.gov.uk
Google Classroom
Google classroom, as explained in last week's school letter (sent via email), will be our base for setting work if children are home learning (whether self-isolating or if the bubble is closed). For further help here is a link to support you, kindly organised by Mrs Meyers. Merlins will not be expected to access Google classroom without support - it is really for parents to access the resources for their child, and then for practical work to be photographed and uploaded to Tapestry.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PFoiBC5d-nglqHpYiPMtbJmRrWybMXmuBwDs1rLEWlQ/edit?usp=sharing
We decided to collect donations for our local food bank this year instead of giving presents. The children have been awesome in bringing in much needed food and toiletries for those who desperately need it. A big thank you to all parents - we were truly blown away by your generosity.
August 2020
I am getting really excited about going to school. We have lots of new activities to explore. Look at what is ready so far - all in our new Merlin classroom! Your drawers are ready for your book bags. Can you find your name? I can’t wait to put activities outside - we are waiting for the hedges to be cut at the moment.
Have you been practising putting on your uniform - make sure a parent takes a photo of you looking really smart. Check that you know where your name is in each piece of your uniform so it’s easy to find.
I am sure you are all really good at washing your hands properly, but keep practising as we will be doing lots at school to help keep our toys clean and keep everyone safe.
Keep an eye on the website as I might put new photos up to show you what’s happening in Merlin.
Take care and stay safe
Miss Stockford
Ready for learning
Tuesday 10th March
With the help of a little glitter the children have been exploring how to keep ourselves as healthy as possible and if we don’t wash our hands effectively, germs can be transferred on to everything we touch. We discussed how the need of good hand washing practice can help us from spreading those nasty germs.
Tuesday 11th February
Our trip to Bristol Zoo was a very enjoyable day out and even the cold weather didn’t deter us from having an amazing time. From giant tortoises to flamingos and lions to penguins, we explored the zoo to our heart’s content and had a great time singing (rather loudly) on the bus....all the way there and all the way back!! 😄
Friday 10th January 2020
Our first outdoor learning session of the New year had us looking after our feathered friends by making some bird feeders and explored the great outdoors re-enacting some of their favourite stories we have used as part of the children learning within the classroom including Stickman, Lost and Found and Whatever next!
Thursday 9th January 2020
We have been feeling the beat today in Merlin Class having an amazing time using our Charanga Music program and playing the musical instruments in time to the music.
From everyone in Merlin Class, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy new year 🥳
Friday 13th December 2019
Our outdoor learning over the last few weeks have been given a sprinkling of Christmas magic. We started with some yummy hot chocolate to keep us warm while we worked hard in the forest school area making our log reindeer decorations and jingle bell sticks.
We also had some time to show off some of our expert den building skills, digging out ground for tripod supports and resourcing from what we could find around us. We then used these for table and chairs and more importantly waterproof walls to keep the cold and rain out.
We love going outside to explore the wonderful surroundings we have at school!!!
Friday 15th November
Thank you to all our families and friends who sponsored the children. Merlin Class had great fun running with Miss Stockford and Mrs Melinn to raise money for this worthy cause. The children showed a great deal of determination to reach their goals and are very proud of their achievement.
Monday 11th November 2019
Today we said a big welcome to Caroline and Christie from NSPCC. They spoke to the children about ‘Speak out and stay safe’ and introduced their mascot, Buddy the speech bubble to help the children understand the importance of this message.
Tuesday 5th November 2019
Carnival fever!!! After what the children described as an ‘amazing’ Bridgwater Carnival, we have taken to creating some of our very own works of art. They worked hard to make their carts as colourful as possible using paint, glitter and tissue paper.
Welcome back after what we hope has been a wonderful half term break!
Week commencing 18th October 2019
Halloween fun in Merlin Class this week with lots of exciting learning opportunities for the children to take part in including potion making, spider web art and pumpkin making.
During this week’s outdoor learning session Merlin Class had lots of fun exploring the extensive outdoor space to make some leave garland. We then used these to decorate our outdoor classroom.
Week beginning 7th October 2019
We explored the forest school area during our outdoor learning session. We counted sticks, placing them in order from shortest to longest and recognised and ordered numerals to 8.
Week beginning 30th September
Baking our bread rolls, just like the little red hen in our class story this week, using various techniques in the process.
Baking our bread rolls, just like the little red hen in our class story this week, using various techniques in the process.
Week commencing 9th September 2019
Food, glorious food!! Merlin have been busy cooking up a storm today. We have made some delicious apple and blackberry crumbles and discovering that cooking with our family and friends is a great way to experience lots of different textures, tastes and smells as well as practice using a whole range of skills. Next stop.... Great British bake-off! 👨🍳👩🍳
Week commencing 2nd September 2019
Merlin have had a successful first PE session this afternoon. We used our bodies to move like a variety of different animals from prowling and leaping like a tiger to steadily trudging like an elephant. 😀
