Welcome to Year 1 we are Willow Class!
The Year 1 teacher is Miss Hamilton and Mrs Simpkinson is the Teaching Assistant.
We aim to provide the children will a smooth transition from EYFS to KS1.
We believe that an active learning environment allows inquisitive minds to flourish. For the first 2 terms of Year 1 the classroom is managed in a similar way to EYFS. Children will take part in whole class carpet sessions for each subject. The children then alternate between small group activities and ‘choosing time’ where they have the choice to independently develop a range of skills in the classroom zones. These zones include maths, phonics, reading, role play, construction and arts and crafts.
This year the children will have PE on a Friday afternoon. Children will need to come to school in their PE kit on this day.
On a Tuesday and Thursday afternoon Mrs Simpkinson will teach the class. She will lead Art, RE, PSHE and Music lessons.
Our school follows the Read Write Inc Phonics, Early Reading and Writing scheme. These lessons take place every morning. The children will work in small groups. The children are grouped based on their knowledge and ability. Children are assessed termly to ensure that they are receiving the correct support in their lessons and to ensure they are making good progress. There are 5 different staff members delivering these lessons. It may be that you child is not taught by the Year 1 team. The groups are also mixed across year groups. The children will bring home 2 reading books, the first will be the book they have been reading in their phonics group that week and the second is a ‘book bag book’. These books will always be the same colour as this indicates the group they are in. The ‘book bag books’ will be changed twice during the week.
Year 1 Topics
Incredible Bodies
Term 1 we learn about how our bodies work. We also discover how we change over time and how we can create a family tree and timeline.
Ice Adventures
Term 2 we learn about what weathers happen in different seasons. We also have some special visitors from ‘Jaws and Claws’ as we learn about different groups of animals.
Toy Time Travellers
Term 3 we are Historians and learn all about how toys have changed over time. Materials are another key theme, we learn how to group materials and also learn how we can use different materials for printing in Art.
Into the Woods
Term 4 we focus on landscapes. In Geography we explore our local area of Westfield. We go on a walk around Westfield village where we try to spot signs of Spring. We also look at the places in the village and discuss why they are useful to our local community.
Green Fingers
Term 5 we learn about the UK and where the UK is on the world map. We look at how plants grow and how plants are part of our diet.
To Infinity and Beyond
Term 6 we learn about different types of transport. We look at how these have changed over time and why they help people to travel. This term we also go on a special trip to ‘The Bright Foundation’ where we take part in Art workshops and visit a toy and transport museum.
How you can help with learning at home
Reading
Daily reading at home is incredibly important to ensure children make good progress in their reading development. Please try to read with your child as often as possible and record these sessions in your child’s reading record so we reward your child with dojo points.
Phonics
Links to phonics lessons will be available weekly on dojo. The children will be familiar with the videos and it is a great resource for you to use at home to support their development.
Maths
Freckle is a great website to support children’s understanding of Maths. There will be activities set each week (from Christmas) for children to complete. These activities will be linked to the Maths objectives taught in the classroom that week. In addition, there are always games and basic skill activities for children to complete all year long.