Our first Talk for Writing text is ‘The Dot’ by Peter H Reynolds: a story about a girl called Vashti, who feels challenged when faced with a blank sheet of paper in an art class. However, with encouragement from her teacher who urges, “Just make your mark and see where it takes you”, Vashti develops in confidence until a gallery is filled with her art and she inspires another child to pick up a paintbrush.

The book shows how a positive mindset – shifting from, “I can’t” to “I can’t yet” – enables us to achieve so much more and feel proud of ourselves. We were impressed when the children suggested that, when we are stuck, we can ask a friend, ask an adult or we can practise and practise like Vashti.

Take a look at the super art we have created from our dots this week. Well done, everyone! We would love to see any artwork that you create at home: please post on Tapestry so we can celebrate.

It’s hard to know whether the Reception or Year 6 children were most excited about meeting their buddies today but it was precious to observe. Year 6 children are there to support your child at lunctime in the playground and at various other moments across the year. Parents can meet buddies at the Box Exhibition on Wednesday 23rd September.

On the way back to the classroom, there was another meeting: one between the children and our class tree. Our tree is a Ribston Pippin and we will observe its changes through the seasons of this year. Today, we noticed the soft leaves and apples. The children have brought one home to wash and try. How will you eat yours?

The tree visit gave us chance to model some of the verbs in The Enormous Turnip (one of our Favourite 5 stories): grabbing; tugging and heaving.

Tomorrow, we will learn about Rosh Hoshanah. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year: a time for prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness for mistakes. It is celebrated with special meals, including apples dipped in honey to symbolise hope for a sweet new year. Thank you to Luca’s family for supplying the honey and apples.

The cuddly ACE bears (and adults) have had a very exciting week, welcoming in the smartly-dressed Reception children and getting to know them. Friends are being made, books, rhymes and songs are being shared and areas of indoor and outdoor provision are being explored: can the children tell you what they enjoyed most? The adults have been very impressed by the good manners and kindness on display – well done, children. Have a fun and relaxing weekend so you are all ready for your first full week 2!