Our main text is Tanya Landman’s retelling of A Christmas Carol. Across its five staves, we will explore Scrooge’s changing behaviour, the ghosts, the Cratchit family and Tiny Tim. We will link stories to Harvest, Christmas, family traditions, sharing and community.

Colourful Semantics: We will build sentences using Who? (orange), What doing? (yellow) and What? (green), adding Where? (blue) when ready. For example: “Scrooge / gives / money” and “The family / eats / dinner”. We will order pictures, select words and answer questions about characters and actions.

Reading and communication: Individually targeted RWI / Fresh Start phonics will develop sound recognition, blending and reading, based on each pupil’s assessment and targets.

Pupils will retell events and answer questions using their usual communication method. Individual support will include modelling and practice with symbols, signs, communication boards, switches, AAC or Grid 3 eye gaze, following communication plans and SALT advice.

Physical development: Adapted boccia, basketball, cricket and parachute games will develop reaching, aiming, coordination, participation and turn-taking. Activities will be adapted for all pupils, following individual support plans.

Fine motor skills: Cooking, art and celebration crafts will provide opportunities for grasping, stirring, cutting, threading, painting and sticking. Pupils will create autumn and Harvest artwork, including our Wolf Class wreath, using suitable tools and adult support.

Sensory learning: Pupils will explore autumn colours, leaves, fruit, textures, smells, music and story props. Supported choices will help pupils’ express preferences. Eye-gaze activities will practise looking across the screen, fixing gaze and stamina in line with SALT guidance.

PSHE: relationships and kindness: A Christmas Carol will support discussions about kindness, loneliness, friendship, fairness and helping others. We will compare Scrooge’s choices before and after his change and ask: “How does this person feel?” and “What could we do to help?”

Feelings and belonging: Morning check-ins will support recognising and communicating feelings. Shared cooking, celebration activities and group games will develop cooperation, sharing, taking turns and respect for different family traditions. Pupils can join in, observe or communicate a preference and will be encouraged to do so daily.