The ABCs of school lingo
ARE: Age related expectations
Circle time: The teacher brings the children together to share news or discuss values – the class sit in a circle on chairs or on the floor
Early Learning Goals( ELGs): Curriculum learning goals set for the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage( end of reception)
Fine motor skills: Skills that involve smaller muscles of the hands, like using a pencil, building with LEGO ® and doing up buttons
Free play: Children choose their own play activities( indoors or outdoors) with little adult direction or intervention
Golden time: Children stop work and spend time doing special, enjoyable activities for a period of up to an hour, usually on a Friday – used to promote positive behaviour
Gross motor skills: Skills that involve whole body movement like standing, walking, running and jumping – also includes hand-eye coordination skills like throwing, catching and kicking
Guided reading: A method of teaching that involves reading with children in small groups
INSET day: In-Service Education and Training days for teachers – also known as staff development days. A day off for the children!
Learning objective( LO) or We Are Learning To( WALT): Describes what children are expected to learn or achieve from a task or activity
Phonics: A method for teaching reading and writing by developing the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate units of sound
Reception Baseline Assessment( RBA): A short assessment to measure language, communication, literacy and maths skills SENCO / ALNCO: The Special Educational Needs Coordinator or Additional Learning Needs Coordinator. SENCOs / ALNCOs work with the families of children with special educational / additional learning needs to make sure they get the support they need.
Scan the QR code to learn more about how to reach out if you suspect your child needs extra help, and learn about the different people who can support you.
Don’ t be afraid to put up your hand
You’ ve probably said this yourself, but if you don’ t understand something, ask the teacher! You’ re not expected to know everything
How your school might get in touch
Notices on the classroom door Forms, letters and reports
Emails from teachers, headteachers and governors
Updates on their website( there may be a page for each year group or class)
Apps and social media groups for the school and / or your child’ s class
How you can stay in touch
Write your child’ s name, class and what ' s inside on any envelopes sent in with your child
For a quick chat, try to catch the teacher at the door before or after school. For more in-depth discussions, book an appointment
Go to any meetings the teacher holds to update parents on what children will be learning( if you can’ t make it, ask for notes)
Attend parents’ evenings
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