In this circle-time class, we will start the lesson by greeting each other and talking about how we all feel today (introducing emotions). I will start off by saying today I feel [xxx] and giving a reason for it. This allows the children to safely talk about their own feelings. 

We will begin to learn the day and date by learning the Days of the Week song and applying it to the current day. We will sing songs with a maths edge to them (5 little speckled frogs, 10 fat sausages etc) as well as other songs, such as The Wheels on the Bus or Heads/Shoulders/Knees and Toes, which will encourage recognition of parts of the body. We will be introduced to a new phonic sound every day as well as learn the letter names. We will learn about different colours, different animals, the weather, shapes and a variety of other topics as the year progresses (obviously, not all on the same day!) and celebrate 'special days' the children have.  During the course of the lesson, children will be able to talk about their own understanding of topics and the things they like/dislike. They will learn that different people have different customs, likes and dislikes and that differences are to be celebrated. At Christmas, songs will be introduced that have a Christmas theme (such as Jingle Bells) and we may colour in pictures with a Christmas theme. I encourage all children to talk to me and each other, and to learn about taking turns (developing their social skills). We will even sometimes play I Spy and other games.