I hope the suggestions and information here helps you as you learn at home. Supporting your child's learning, whether when home schooling or when your child is in school, has a hugely positive impact on their progress throughout their education. At St Paul's we value our relationships with parents, carers and families very highly and aim to work in partnership with you so that your child is able to reach their full potential.

Our curriculum in Reception Class is rooted in play as children learn best when they are relaxed, engaged and having fun- even if something gets a bit tricky. 

Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to support you as you play at home. Please remember that we follow a play based curriculum at school so have fun and keep active- remember if your child is playing, they are learning!

Here are some ideas for play at home which create learning opportunities for your child. 

• Make some playdough. Please see the recipe below.
• Cooking your favourite recipes or try something new. BBC Good Food website has lots of easy recipes for children.
• Use old packaging to make models. Save any boxes, lids or bottles which can become anything at all!
• Water play. Fill the bath, sink or an old tub and provide a mixture of bottles and jugs. Make predictions about how long it will take to fill something, notice which container holds the most liquid.
• Build a den inside or out. Use any old sheets or blankets to create a cosy hideaway- a great place to share a story.
• If possible, go for a walk. Notice what you can see, hear, smell or touch. Make a collection. Make a drawing or collage.
• Go on a treasure hunt, inside or outside. Choose to find things beginning with a certain letter, or a particular colour or an alphabetical set of objects.
• Write a card to someone and post it. Hopefully someone will write back.
• Keep a diary of all the wonderful things you are doing.
• Sing songs, ask your child to teach you some of the songs and poems we learn at school. Maybe learn a new one. Add some actions.
• Perhaps most importantly read stories together, this will instill a love of reading in your child and it's just a lovely thing to do together!