Welcome back Year 1!
As we move into the second half of the school year, we look forward to longer and warmer days, as well as new opportunities for learning. We will be able to utliise our outside space much more, especially in our science lessons, where we will be growing our own carrot plants. This slightly shorter half term will be jam packed and full of engaging activities to ensure the children continue to enjoy their learning and reach their full potential.
This half term, our topic is a science-based topic called Living and Growing. The children will learn about what plants need to grow, the names of some common plants and trees, and the basic structure of a plant. They will have the opportunity to do dome planting for themselves and observe the changes of their growing plants. They will be encouraged to develop their oracy skills as we monitor the plants changes, through class discussion, asking questions and sharing their findings.
We will continue learning key concepts in English and Maths. In English, we will share lots of books with the children, developing their oracy skills and learning how to answer what, why, when, where and how questions. Our key text is Jack and the Beanstalk and the children will be writing a letter to the Giant's wife as well as giving her instructions to find her lost Mr Giant. We will also explore lots of non-fiction (information books) to find out lots of information about plants and trees. Finally, we will be writing an explanation of how to grow a plant.
In maths, the work in Year 1 is crucial for your children to develop number sense and support number fluency in later years. They will use lots of concrete resources and have lots of opportunity to explore using maths cubes, counters, beads, counting sticks, tens frames, number lines, Base 10 equipment, Numicon, Reknreks and part whole models.This half term, they will be learning numbers 1-50, as well as learning to count in 2s and 5s. Later on in the half term, they will move on to measurement and our learning will focus on length, height, weight and volume, using lots of practical activities. We will also continue practicing our days of the week and months of the year.
In terms of supporting your child at home, reading is a crucial part of your child's learning so please make sure that you read daily with them and ensure they learn their spellings and complete their maths homework.
Year 1 have a P.E lesson on Tuesday afternoon, so please make sure your child has the correct PE kit and ensure all items are labelled with your child’s name.
Please also make sure your child has a water bottle in school each day so they can stay hydrated! We have a water fountain in school where children have access fresh water.
If you need to speak to us regarding any issues, our door is always open.
Thank you for your continued support.
Mrs Sargent, Mrs Burke & Mrs Owen
Homework
Spelling Homework - Your child's weekly spellings will be given out every Friday. Please support them to practice at home as much as possible. Spelling books to be returned to school by Thursday. Children will be tested (with the support they need) every Friday.
Maths Homework - children have one piece of maths homework per week. The homework will cover the learning from the previous week. It is not intended to challenge them at this stage but to help them develop the habit of completing weekly homework and consolidate the learning they have completed in class. This is given out on Friday and to be returned to school by Wednesday.
Reading & Phonics- Please read with your child daily. Phonics reading books need to be read 3 times before we will change them to help children increase their fluency. Children may also choose a book from our class library to enjoy at home.
PE
Our PE day is Tuesday. Please have full PE kit - white top, black shorts and black pumps.