Writing Simple Sentences

(Preparing for the Early Learning Goal – GLD)

Children are supported to bring together their phonics, ideas and confidence to write short sentences.

Children will:

• Write simple sentences using familiar words and sounds

  • For example: “The pig is in the mud.”

  • “I can see a big bad wolf.”

• Use a wide range of sounds they have learned to spell words independently

• Read back their own writing and make simple changes with support

• Spell words in a way that makes sense phonetically, even if not yet correct

• Use writing for real purposes such as:

  • Retelling stories

  • Writing messages, lists and instructions

  • Creating story maps and simple plans

• Begin to use capital letters and full stops, though not always consistently

Secure Sentence Writing & Readiness for Year 1

(Meeting the Early Learning Goal for Writing)

By the end of Reception, children become confident, purposeful writers.

Children will:

• Form letters clearly and correctly

• Write simple sentences that can be read and understood by others

  • For example:

    • “The chick came out of the egg.”

    • “We planted a seed and it grew.”

• Use phonics knowledge to spell words as they sound

• Correctly spell some common everyday words such as I, the, to, go, he, she, we

• Leave spaces between words more reliably

• Show increasing awareness of capital letters and punctuation

• Write for different purposes, such as:

  • Instructions (planting seeds)

  • Maps and labels

  • Simple fact files about animals or topics they have learned about

Reading Confidence & Comprehension

(Now Approaching and Meeting GLD Expectations)

Children develop fluency, understanding and enjoyment as readers.

Children will:

• Read simple sentences using known sounds and familiar tricky words

• Use phonics independently to read new or unfamiliar words

• Read words with adjacent consonants (such as frog, stop, clap)

• Re-read books to build confidence, fluency and expression

• Answer questions about stories they have read or heard

• Retell traditional tales using correct order and story language

• Talk about characters, settings and events

• Explain new words they learn from stories

• Make simple predictions and inferences

  • For example: “He looks sad because…”

Children meeting GLD will also be able to:

• Talk confidently about their favourite books and explain why they like them

Personal, Social & Emotional Development Through Stories

Stories are used to support emotional understanding and confidence.

Children will:

• Explore characters’ feelings and behaviour

• Talk about right and wrong

• Develop empathy through discussion

• Build confidence through storytelling, role-play and performance

Creative Thinking & Problem Solving

Children are encouraged to think deeply, work together and persevere.

Children will:

• Show curiosity and imagination

• Work collaboratively on shared projects

• Keep trying when solving problems

• Build confidence through imaginative play and exploration

Physical Development

Children continue strengthening coordination and control.

Children will:

• Take part in weekly PE sessions with Bee Active

• Develop fine motor skills through cutting, threading and dough activities

• Enjoy daily movement activities such as Squiggle Whilst You Wiggle

• Practise pencil control and mark making

• Build strength and confidence through obstacle courses, ball games, bikes and scooters

• Have gross and fine motor skills assessed to support progress

Communication & Language

Children become confident communicators and storytellers.

Children will:

• Retell stories using story language

• Join in with repeated phrases and rhymes

• Develop listening and attention skills

• Ask and answer questions about stories

• Use new vocabulary confidently

Early Maths

Children consolidate number knowledge and mathematical thinking.

Children will:

• Count, compare and explore numbers to 20 and beyond

• Understand more, fewer and equal

• Explore 2D and 3D shapes

• Learn about position and direction

• Compose and decompose numbers

• Solve problems through hands-on activities

• Take part in consolidation activities and summer assessments

Understanding the World

Children explore stories, space and the wider world.

Children will:

• Compare different stories and traditional tales from various cultures

• Sequence events and explore characters and settings

• Learn about space, planets, stars, the moon and astronauts

• Explore night and day

• Use simple technology such as videos and images

• Learn about beliefs through Christian and Islamic stories

• Observe seasonal changes through summer walks

Expressive Arts & Design

Children express ideas creatively through many forms.

Children will:

• Take part in story-based role play and small world play

• Create story maps, puppets and masks

• Draw and paint characters and settings

• Explore music and movement linked to stories and space

• Design rockets, planets and space scenes using different materials

• Explore light, dark and glow effects