YEAR 1
Miss Cowell
Welcome to Year 1 -Japan
Our aim is to ensure a smooth transition from the Foundation Stage to Key Stage One, so although we follow a more structured timetable than Reception, we continue to do much of our learning through practical activities. We are also learning to work more independently.
Learning is fun in Year 1! Every day we use actions, rhymes, songs and stories to introduce and consolidate our learning in the key skills of reading, writing and maths. Phonics is an important part of the Year 1 curriculum so we have daily sessions in smaller groups so that we are well prepared for the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in June.
We love visitors in Year 1 and are always keen to tell you what we have been learning so you can be sure of a warm welcome anytime.
In science we learn about the seasons, animals, plants and materials which gives us plenty of opportunity to investigate and learn outside. We are hoping to continue class visits this year in order to enhance our learning of this subject.
In history and geography we will learn all about Japan. We will taste Japanese food, look into Japanese culture and have an afternoon writing like Japanese people. Latterly in the year, we will learn all about the Wright Brothers and the first flight including spending the day in role on an aeroplane. We will do a lot of our work on computers and we endeavour to be SMART online.
We address other areas of the curriculum such as art, design technology and music through these topics. We go outside as much as possible and really love our Woodland Learning sessions. We do PE twice a week and enjoy sessions with coach Zoey Shaw from Little Learners for much of the year..
How can you help your child at home?
Reading
It is important to remember that children are continuing to develop reading skills all the way through their time at primary school. Therefore, in order to help your child, we ask that you:
- Hear your child read at least four times a week and complete their reading diary.
- Read a bedtime story to your child every day, regardless of their age.
- Talk about what children are reading/listening to in order to strengthen understanding.
- Discuss new words and actively aim to increase vocabulary.
- Role model a love of literature (books, comics, newspapers, audio books).
- Read for a real reason – recipes, building a model, checking the sports results etc.
- Visit your local library.
Writing
- Help your child practise writing with their phoneme frames that have been sent home.
- Sit with your child while they write. Encourage a love of writing.
- Encourage your child to play with paper and pencils – notepads, diaries, colouring books.
- Find opportunities for real writing – shopping lists, letters, posters, labels.
