Jack and the Beanstalk
Last week was an exciting one in Reception as we explored our Book of the Week: Jack and the Beanstalk. The children immersed themselves in the story through reading, play, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Literacy – Tricky Words: Say It, Build It, Write It
In writing, we focused on recognising and using our tricky words.
The children practised them through our Say it, Build it and Write it approach—saying the word aloud, building it with magnetic letters, and finally writing it independently. We saw brilliant concentration and lots of growing confidence!
Maths – One More and One Less
Our maths focus was one more and one less.
We used cubes, number lines and practical activities to help the children understand how numbers grow and shrink. They loved predicting what might happen next—just like Jack climbing higher and higher up the beanstalk!
Construction – Building a Beanstalk to the Castle
In construction, the challenge was set:
Can you build a beanstalk tall enough to reach the giant’s castle?
Using blocks, tubes, and all sorts of materials, the children worked collaboratively to design and build their own towering creations. There was lots of problem-solving and teamwork on display!
Fine Motor Fun – Tweezers and Tiny Treasures
Our fine motor area tested those little finger muscles.
Children used tweezers to pick up different items and counted how many they could fit into a jar. This was a brilliant blend of careful control, counting, and competition!
Role Play – Retelling Jack and the Beanstalk
Our role-play area was transformed into the world of Jack and the Beanstalk.
The children acted out the story, taking turns to be Jack, the giant, the mother, or even the magical beans! Their storytelling skills and imagination really shone.
Creative Challenges – Castles and Playdough Beanstalks
We finished the week with creative projects inspired by the story:
- Create your own castle using a variety of craft materials.
- Design your own beanstalk using playdough—spirals, twists, and leaves included!
The children produced some fantastic artwork and used lots of descriptive language as they talked about their creations.
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