Topic Summary
- Where can our imagination take us?
- What adventures can we have?
- How does it make us feel?
In this topic children are invited to use their senses to investigate light and dark, night and day. As the dark nights draw in and the run up to winter celebrations gets closer, we are investigating the similarities and differences between light and dark. The children will use their imagination to visit worlds of fantasy. Learning to retell the story of the week in their own way forms a big part of the half term. We use imaginative play to transport ourselves to the fictional worlds that are created through our key texts. We get a unique chance to stargaze and experience the magic of the night sky when the mobile planetarium visits school. Our Nativity adds music and performance to the curriculum and the addition of a mischievous gnome helps us focus on the real meaning of Christmas!
In the topic we will be teaching the children the following key concepts:
- Disguise
- Culture
- Mischief
Week 1
Our half term begins with an exciting adventure — a trip to Planet Vumjum! This week, as part of our whole school focus on Refugee Week, something very special has happened in our classroom. A small, purple baby alien has arrived from Planet Vumjum, and it needs our help. The children have been given the important task of caring for this little visitor, making sure it feels safe, supported, and truly welcome in our school community. To make the experience even more special, a mobile planetarium will be arriving at school, giving the children a chance to stargaze and immerse themselves in the beauty and wonder of space. Inside the dome, they’ll explore constellations, planets, and the vastness of the universe — sparking awe and curiosity in every corner.
Week 2
Our next book takes us on a vibrant journey into the celebration of Diwali through the beautifully illustrated story The Best Diwali Ever. In this heartwarming tale, the children follow the experiences of a young girl and her family as they prepare for and celebrate the Festival of Lights. Through the story, we explore the rich traditions and joyful customs associated with Diwali, while also encouraging thoughtful discussions about the similarities and differences between various religions, cultures, and communities. This colourful and engaging book provides a wonderful opportunity for the children to deepen their understanding of diversity, respect, and shared values — all while enjoying a story full of warmth, excitement, and family love.
Week 3
Next, we’ll be exploring the theme of differences through the delightful story Night Monkey, Day Monkey by Julia Donaldson — one of Mrs Moore’s all-time favourites! This charming tale introduces children to two monkeys who live very different lives — one in the day and one in the night — and helps them discover how perspectives can vary depending on our experiences. It’s a wonderful way to begin conversations about diversity, understanding, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. To bring the story to life, the children will be developing their gross motor skills by climbing, swinging, and balancing on large apparatus, just like the adventurous monkeys in the book. These physical activities not only support coordination and strength but also encourage imaginative role play and teamwork. In addition, the children will have the opportunity to express their creativity by designing and making their own fireflies and butterflies using a range of materials and techniques in expressive arts and design. These colourful creations will reflect the vibrant world of the story and celebrate the beauty of both day and night.
Week 4
In week four, we’ll be diving into the exciting world of The Night Pirates — a thrilling story full of mystery, adventure, and imagination. As we read, the children will be encouraged to use their prediction skills to think deeply about the unfolding plot. Who could the mysterious shadows be? Where might their daring adventure take them? And what exactly is a disguise? These questions will spark curiosity and inspire creative thinking as the story progresses. Throughout the week, there will be plenty of opportunities for imaginative play and storytelling. The children will be invited to step into the roles of brave pirates, creating their own adventures, building ships, and exploring new lands through role play and collaborative activities. This immersive experience will help develop their language, social, and creative skills while bringing the story to life in a fun and meaningful way.
Week 5
This week, we turn our eyes to the stars as we focus on the enchanting story The Girl Who Stole the Stars. This magical tale invites children to dream big and wonder about the mysteries of the night sky. In the classroom, something extraordinary will appear: a magical ladder reaching up to the sky! The children will be encouraged to imagine where it might lead and what adventures could await them among the stars. Through storytelling, role play, and creative exploration, they’ll journey beyond the clouds — building language skills, expanding their imaginations, and deepening their sense of wonder.
Week 6
Our whole school text helps us explore the true meaning of Christmas through the heartwarming story Kid Christmas. This beautifully written tale encourages us to think about generosity, kindness, and how we can spread joy to others during the festive season. In the classroom, our toy-shop role play area will open, sparking excitement and creativity. The children will be busy designing and making toys, wrapping gifts, and spreading Christmas cheer throughout the week. They’ll take on the role of thoughtful gift-givers, ensuring that everyone has something special to take home — reinforcing the values of sharing, empathy, and community spirit. Through imaginative play, storytelling, and hands-on activities, the children will not only enjoy the magic of the season but also learn how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Week 7
For our final week in school, we will read The Christmas Pine — a beautifully written story that, while fictional, is inspired by the real-life journey of a very special tree. Each year, a Christmas tree travels all the way from Norway to Trafalgar Square in London as a symbol of friendship and peace, and this story captures the magic of that tradition. Throughout the week, the children will be exploring the themes of giving, celebration, and togetherness through the lens of the Christmas story. They’ll be creating maps to trace the tree’s journey across countries and seas, helping them understand geography in a meaningful and festive context. The children will also have the opportunity to design and decorate their own Christmas trees, using a variety of materials and techniques to express their creativity.
The following section gives you some more details about the different areas of learning your child will cover this half term.
Communication and Language
- Learn new vocabulary.
- Use new vocabulary during the day.
- Ask questions to find out more and to check they understand what has been said to them.
- Articulate their ideas and thoughts in well-formed sentences.
- Connect one idea or action to another using a range of connectives.
- Describe events in some detail.
- Use talk to help work out problems and organise thinking and activities explain how things work and why they might happen.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- See themselves as a valuable individual.
- Build constructive and respectful relationships.
- Express their feelings and consider the feelings of others.
- Show resilience and perseverance in the face of challenge.
- Identify and moderate their own feelings socially and emotionally.
- Think about the perspectives of others.
- Manage their own needs.
Physical Development
- Develop the overall body strength, co-ordination, balance and agility needed to engage successfully with future p.e. sessions and other physical disciplines including dance, gymnastics, sport and swimming.
- Develop their small motor skills so that they can use a range of tools competently, safely and confidently.
- Use their core muscle strength to achieve a good posture when sitting at a table or sitting on the floor.
- Further develop the skills they need to manage the school day successfully (lining up and queueing, mealtimes, personal hygiene).
Literacy
- Read individual letters by saying the sound for them.
- Blend sounds into words, so that they can read short words made up of known letters.
- Read some letter groups that each represent one sound and say sounds for them.
- Read a few common exception words matched to the schools phonics programme – Read Write Inc.
- Re-read books to build up their confidence in word reading, their fluency and their understanding and enjoyment.
- Form lower-case and capital letters correctly.
If you would like to know anything else about the reception curriculum this half term please speak to a member of staff.