Welcome back to school! We hope that you all had a lovely summer! The children have been settling in well and adjusting to their new routines in Year 1. During the first half term, we will continue to include a play-based approach and gradually introduce more structured learning as the term progresses.

English:

In English, the focus will be on developing confident independent reading, correct letter formation and simple sentence structure through targeted Phonics lessons and our English lessons. In the first half term, our focus will be adventure stories, which will include letters, diaries, simple descriptions, fact files, writing in role and giving commands. In the second half term, our focuses will be instruction writing, which will include writing advice, menus and thought bubbles, and factual writing, which will include writing factual descriptions and scripts.

Phonics:

Initially, the children will review the Phase 3 phonemes (sounds) taught in Reception – /j/, /v/, /w/, /x/, /y/, /z/, /zz/, /qu/, /oo/, /ar/, /or/, /ur/, /ow/, /oi/, /ear/, /ch/, /sh/, /th/, /ng/, /ai/, /ee/, /igh/, /oa/, /air/, /ure/ and /er/.

Later in the Autumn term, pupils will be introduced to a new set of phonemes known as phase 5 phonemes.  For example, /oy/ for b – oy (boy) and split diagraphs such as /e-e/ for Pete.

Maths:

In the first half term, Place Value to 100 will be our focus. This will include counting forwards and backwards, reading and writing numbers in numerals and words, comparing numbers and recognising number patterns including odd and even numbers. In the second half term, addition and subtraction to 20 will be our cous. This will include using and relating number bonds, adding 1-and 2-digit numbers and solving simple word problems.

Science:

Everyday materials is our first topic. During this topic the children will explore and investigate different types of materials and objects, and they will investigate the varying properties of materials, developing their understanding of why using one material over another is better.  We shall be carrying out experiments linked to material properties and using these to help us in our DT this term. The children will also be learning about seasonal change.

Topic-History/Geography:

The Great Fire of London is our History topic this term. We will explore how the fire started, what happened during the fire and what impact it had on the City of London. The children will be learning about significant people that helped during the fire and why they were important during this time.

RE:

During the first half term, our RE topic will be focusing on the question: What do my senses tell me about the world of religion and belief? The topic will focus on Christian and Hindu practices. During the second half term, our RE topic will be focusing on the question: How does a celebration bring a community together? The topic will focus on Christian and Muslin celebrations.

Computing and Art:

‘We are Digital Artists’ is our Computing and Art topic. During this topic, the children will be learning about a range of artists, craft markers and designers and describing the differences and similarities between the difference practice and disciplines. We will be making our own version of artwork and making links between our pieces of artwork.

DT:

In DT, the children will be exploring different structures including ways and materials used to make them, leading them to build new houses for the Three Little Pigs. The children will be learning to plan, design, make and evaluate their models, thinking about improvements they would make next time.

Music:

In Music, ‘My Musical Heartbeat’ is our first topic, where the children will be learning about pulse as well as understanding music and improvisation. ‘Dance, Sing and Play,’ is our second topic, where the children will be learning about rhythm and pitch as well as understanding music and improvisation.

PSHE:

In PSHE, families and friendships, safe relationships and respecting ourselves and others will be the focuses. This will include families and people who care for me, recapping the NSPCC –PANTS message learnt in Reception, learning about the NSPCC –Speak out, stay safe scheme, and what is meant by consent.

PE:

In the Autumn Term, PE will be taught on a Monday and a Wednesday. During their PE lessons, the children will learn and enhance their ball skills as well as learning fundamental skills such as movement and balance. Please ensure that your child has their full PE kit with them in school all week.

Reading:

Please encourage a love of reading by providing as many opportunities as possible for your child to read. Please use your child’s reading diary to record their reading at home and provide a comment, which will help us to support them further with their reading. In school, your child will have many opportunities to read regularly including with an adult, in group Reading sessions, during phonics lessons and in English lessons. In addition to reading a new book, repeated reading is also very beneficial as this promotes reading fluency (reading with speed and expression) and good comprehension skills. Please always ensure that your child’s reading book and record is in school every day.

Homework:

Later in the term, the children will receive weekly homework, which will be set on a Friday and will need to be returned to school by the following Wednesday. It will consist of a short Maths or English activity or a short Phonics activity based on sounds/learning that the children have been working on that week. Please ensure that your child understands the homework and allow them to complete it independently.

General:

If you have any queries or specific queries, please contact the school office and we will respond to you at the earliest opportunity.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Mrs Yildiz and Mrs Webb,

The Year 1 Team