Explorer 4

Overview of class:

Welcome to Explorer 4 class. We are an ASC class. Our Teacher is Sarah. Our Teaching Assistant is Jodie. Yasmin, Katie (Mon-Tues), Sharon (Wed - Fri), Sharon and Rhianna are the ISA's.

We have a very structured approach to our learning in Explorer 4. This allows us to have consistency, build our confidence and develop our independence within a safe and predictable setting. We have OT sessions twice daily to help to develop our fine and gross motor skills as well as supporting our behaviour, wellbeing helping us to regulate our behaviour and prepare us for learning. We also have individual sessions throughout the day to meet our individual needs.

Spring 2:

Topic

This term, our class has been learning all about sunshine, sunflowers, and what plants need to grow. The children have been investigating the different materials that help flowers thrive, and they have also enjoyed exploring artificial flowers by planting them carefully into pots.

We have been using a range of gardening tools and learning what each one is for. The children have loved getting handson, practising how to plant, dig, and care for their flowers.

English

This term, the children have been exploring a range of exciting dinosaur-themed activities. We have been enjoying books about dinosaurs and bringing them to life through sensory stories, allowing the children to hear, feel, and experience the world of these prehistoric creatures. The children have also been designing their own dinosaurs and labelling their features, helping them develop their creativity, vocabulary, and understanding of the topic.

We continue to practise their phonics and reading skills at their own pace, using a variety of structured, repetitive, and visual activities to help build confidence and develop sound recognition and blending.

Alongside this, the children have taken part in regular fine motor sessions to strengthen their hand muscles and support their functional skills. These have included mark making, writing, playdough activities, cutting, stitching, and pencil‑control tasks.

Maths

This term in Maths, we have been focusing on developing our understanding of number. The children have been exploring concepts such as more and less, sharing, and the same. They have been finding and representing different numbers using a wide variety of toys and resources, helping them learn through hands-on play and practical activities.

In PE this term, the children have taken part in a range of exciting and engaging activities. They have enjoyed trampolining and Boogie Bounce sessions, following a fun, structured routine that includes songs, bubbles, steps, trampettes, the parachute, and sensory resources. These sessions help the children stay active, build their confidence, and develop coordination. Each PE lesson ends with calming sensory time, giving the children a chance to relax and regulate after their physical activity.

Forest school

We have had great fun getting messy with sand, water, mud, and even different types of food. These sensory experiences have helped the children develop confidence, creativity, and curiosity while exploring new textures and materials.

The children have also been using a range of natural resources to make their own markmaking tools. They have loved experimenting with leaves, sticks, stones, and other outdoor materials to create patterns and marks in imaginative ways.

Summer 1:

Reminders:

Please can you check DOJO, your child’s bag for any letters, certificates or messages
If you would like your child to have a snack, we can provide fruit, or you can send a snack in.
Can you please name ALL your child’s belongings including bags, lunch boxes and drink bottles.
PE is on Monday and Forest School is on Tuesday.
Please send children in suitable clothing and include spare clothes and wellies for Forest School.

Thank you for all your help and support this half term, it is always appreciated.

Explorer 4 class photos

Thank you for your continued support.