What a Lot of Learning!

We have learnt a lot at school

by Janice Ross

Suitable for Reception / Key Stage 1

Aims

To help us to celebrate all the things that we have already learnt in school.

Preparation and materials

• You will need a children’s height chart, or an image of one and the means to display it during the assembly. Examples are available at: https://tinyurl.com/y3rybhxb

Assembly

1. Display the children’s height chart, or the image of it.
   
   Ask the children what this kind of chart is used for.
   
   Ask the children whether any of them have their heights recorded at home.
   
   
2. Explain that this kind of chart is a way of recording something important: our physical growth.
   
   Explain that a child must stand very still against the chart while an adult marks how far up the scale the child reaches. 
   
   
3. Explain that a height chart shows how we are growing. We don’t tend to measure our height every week because there may be little difference. However, we might notice a difference every few months or so. The height chart is a good way to keep a record.
   
   
4. Ask the children whether they can think of any other records that might be kept about them at school.
   
   Listen to a range of responses.
   
   For example, the register records how frequently the children attend school. There may also be a chart in the classroom that records who has completed their homework.
   
   
5. Point out that many records are kept in school to track the children’s learning.
   
   Ask the children to think about all the new things that they have learned since starting school.
   
   Listen to a range of responses.
   
   Suggestions might include understanding:
   
   - where things are kept
   - how to share resources
   - how to choose lunch
   - how to form letters and numbers
   - how to say sounds
   - how to make a line in the playground
   
   Explain that if we were to put all this learning on a chart, it would be so long, it might even reach the ceiling!
   
   
6. Ask the children, ‘Are there any other things that you think are important to learn in school?’
   
   Listen to a range of responses.
   
   Emphasize that the important lessons that we learn in school are not just about academic subjects. Other things such as developing kindness, helpfulness and confidence, and taking responsibility, are also extremely important.

Time for reflection

Ask the children to think about some things that they have learnt since coming to school.

Ask the children, ‘What are you most proud of learning?’

Some children may be happy to share this so that you can all celebrate together.

It might be encouraging for you to suggest some additional causes for celebration.

Encourage the children to stop occasionally and think about all the progress that they have made. Little steps are as important as big ones!

Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for our school.
Thank you for all the people who help us to learn.
Thank you for all the things that we have learnt so far.
Please help us always to be willing to learn and to try new things.
Please help us to listen well today.
Amen.