Light and Dark

This half term our learning will be centred around the themes of Night and Day and Winter. We’ll be exploring light and dark through stories, celebrations, and science. The children will learn about the Hindu festival of Diwali and the story of Rama and Sita, helping them to understand how people around the world celebrate special times in different ways.

We’ll also enjoy the story Orion and the Dark, which will help children talk about their feelings, explore what makes them brave, and find out what happens when the sun goes down. We’ll learn about nocturnal animals, the importance of sleep, and investigate reflective materials to help us stay safe in the dark.

As the weather turns colder, we’ll turn our focus to Winter and the story Stick Man. We’ll explore seasonal changes, talk about how animals and people adapt to the cold, and carry out simple investigations with ice and snow. Our learning will finish with the story of The Nativity, where children will learn about the first Christmas and take part in our own Christmas performance.

Throughout the half term, children will continue to develop their early reading, writing, and number skills through daily practice, play, and storytelling. It promises to be a magical, creative and busy half term as we learn, celebrate and explore together!

Supporting your child at home:

• Talk about night and day: Notice changes together – the sky, the moon, lights, and shadows. You could go on a short evening walk or spot stars out of the window.

• Share and enjoy stories: Read books like Stick Man or The Nativity together, or talk about celebrations your family enjoys. Encourage your child to retell favourite parts in their own words.

• Explore winter together: Wrap up warm and notice the changes in the weather. Try simple activities like freezing small toys in ice and watching them melt, or collecting sticks and leaves for creative play.

Key Texts: 

Rama and Sita - Malachy Doyle

Orion and the Dark - Emma Yarlett

Stick Man - Julia Donaldson

Light and Dark Topic Web