Story scribing is used to build writing skills in Early Years. This is an overview of story scribing and how to do it to ensure high standards and enable all staff/volunteers/students to move learning forwards. The sounds/tricky words expected to be known are based on those used in Actiphons and Letters and Sounds, so may need adjusting if you use alternative phonics programmes. It would be useful as an introduction to story scribing and to explain story scribing to staff, volunteers, governors, SLT and Ofsted. See also Story scribing autumn/spring term and summer term which provide checklists for all staff and adults working with children to show expectations at differing phonic levels.

Story scribing is used to build writing skills in Early Years. This is a checklist of expectations for children of different abilities in Reception for adults to use as they work with the children to ensure high standards and enable all staff/volunteers/students to move learning forwards. The sounds/tricky words expected to be known are based on those used in Actiphons and Letters and Sounds, so may need adjusting if you use alternative phonics programmes. See also Story scribing autumn/spring expectations and Story scribing overview to explain story scribing to staff, volunteers, governors, SLT and Ofsted.

Money problems based on The Great Pet Sale. Children draw the coins they would need to use to pay for a pet, choosing from 2p and 5p coins in combination.

Money problems based on the story of The Great Pet Sale. Children need to find out the cost of each animal in the story (or prices could be provided e.g. in a role play pet shop as we did in my class) then complete the addition money questions, then find change due from 20p.

A caterpillar behaviour strategy - laminate each section and attach to the wall/board. Each child has a peg or name card to move up and down accordingly. Start each day or session on the green section. Can be used with other systems e.g. Golden Time, sticker charts etc.

Add single digit numbers, then use that knowledge to work out addition of multiples of ten. I used this when trying to speed up children's recall working with multiples of ten.

Very simple pet-themed word problems. Children complete a number sentence by filling in the numbers from the question and adding to find the total.

Money problems based on The Great Pet Sale. Children draw the coins they would need to use to pay for a pet, choosing from 1p, 2p and 5p coins in combination. (Also available is a more challenging option just using 2p and 5p coins)

A sports themed activity for combining groups of 2 or 10. Uses a multiplication sign, but could be adapted.

Simple word problems to find the difference by counting on using a 100 square.

Doubling and halving word problems. Children could use practical resources to help to calculate the answers.

Weight, length and capacity questions for children to solve practically. I spaced the questions round the room with the appropriate equipment for children to solve each question with a partner.

An activity to draw necklaces of a given length and then compare to find the longest and shortest. We used it as part of a Royalty unit alongside practical jewellery making. I asked the children to draw the line of the necklace first, then add their decorations by drawing, collaging etc. You could also incorporate repeating patterns or symmetry.

An activity to work out which sport each contestant is taking part in, depending on the numbers on their vests (based on multiples of 2 and 5 and number order). Could be used as part of a sports unit or a stand-alone problem solving activity.

An introduction to the 5x table. Count the points on the stars and record the totals. Then mark out the pattern on the number grid. Can you carry it on?

Maths word problems based on the story of The Polar Express. Contains spaces for children to draw pictures to show their working.

A simple activity for counting 1p coins - what is the total?

A weekly plan for Reception for daily counting and subitising/subitizing activities as part of their maths work. Autumn term/entry level. 15 minutes daily. Extension ideas.

Sort three numbers into order from lowest to highest - could be used with manipulatives or other resources. 2 digit numbers.