Welcome to Turtles

Teacher Andrew Webb
Photo of Andrew Webb

Turtles is a class of 12 active boys and girls with a range of needs and abilities whom are supported by 4 members of staff, we use a total communication approach communicate our needs, choices and feelings.

Routine and consistency is important to us to help us reach our full potential each day. Turtles are working on our writing, number, communication and
independence skills along with developing our skills and knowledge in a range of subjects. We work hard every day and celebrate our work at the end of each day with golden time.

Turtles timetable – Spring term 1 – 25/26

Spring term 1 25/26
Strand and ProfileProfiles in ClassIdeas for Home
Communication and LiteracyIn English, we will be focusing on setting using the story The Pirates next door. We will do lots of immersion into the book looking at a wide range of Pirate and neighbour based activities before moving towards working on description of a setting by using lots of descriptive vocabulary. At home, you could explore your neighbours and where you live as well as being pirates in role-play scenarios. You could also begin to describe the different places you go and see what descriptive vocabulary you can come up with.
Mathematics and Problem SolvingMaths this half term will focus on shape, position and direction and then finish the half term by looking at money. We will begin to look at 2D and 3D shapes, we will explore these in our environment as well as begin to use mathematical language to describe the different the different shapes. We will then look at money and the different values of the coins and notes. At home, you could practise recognising and naming different shapes both at home and when out in your local area. You could use shapes to play different games or when cooking. Money you could begin to practise counting money at home or letting your children help to pay when in shops.
Personal DevelopmentThis term we will be looking at our own personal identity and having a positive self-esteem. We will explore what makes us unique and makes us an individual. We will also look at what we can do to build both our own self-esteem as well as boosting other self-esteem. At home, you might like to discuss your own individual identities and what makes you an individual. You may wish to look back through your family history and think about where you originated from.
Physical DevelopmentThroughout our sessions, we will be looking at following trails and try to do lots of different problem solving activities. We will do this through different games and activities both indoors and out. We will also adventure down to the Woodland Area to take part in different problem solving activities. At home, you could practise lots of different problem solving activities as well as following different trails or practising mapping skills to get from on familiar point to another along a route that the children know either walking or driving.
Understanding the World - Geography We will be looking at improving our local area using the play park as a stimulus. We will explore how we can improve the park, make models and write letters to persuade the council to improve the play park.At home, you could think of an area local to you, this could be a green space, park or shopping area. You could then work together to think of what and how you could improve.
Understanding the World - ScienceThis half term we will look at the changes that different materials go through. We will begin to explore their properties and what different materials are made of. We will explore why certain objects are made of the materials they are and what would happen if the materials were different. You may wish to look at what the different material and how they change in different conditions i.e. water to ice and vapour. You could perform different simple experiments or look at the different materials that everyday objects are made of.
Expression and Creativity - ArtArt is going to be about birds and block printing. We will be looking at basic bird shapes, looking at the different colours that birds have and then exploring block printing to create different birds. At home, you can go bird watching both in your garden or over the local park. You can explore the colours shape and size.
Expression and Creativity - DTCooking this half term is all around bread- we will be looking at different types of bread. Tasting them as well as cooking them and looking at what different spreads can go on our bread. At home, you can try lots of different breads and spreads to see which you like. You may also wish to make simple bread recipes that can be enjoyed at home.
Personalised Learning Throughout the half term we each child will have a chance to focus on their PLG’s which will take place at various points throughout the day. We will also have the opportunity to practise different skills to help promote independence and boost self-esteem.At home, you could encourage your child to be more independent by getting them to do tasks like making their own drink or finding their school clothes. You may also wish to focus on some of their EHCP outcomes in small chunks.