Year 1

Spring 1

This half term has been a whirlwind of activity and learning for all of us in Year 1. From diving into new topics and concepts to mastering skills in various areas, there has been no shortage of challenges and triumphs.

Here are some of the things we got up to:

In history, the children delved into the fascinating world of toys gaining insight into how toys have evolved. They compared the toys they play with today with those that children of the 1960s played with. They were surprised to find out that some popular toys today, like Lego and Barbie, were also around in the 1960s. The children found out when the Internet was invented and how this has impacted the sorts of toys and games they have today.

In art, the focus was on painting using watercolours. The children explored different techniques and looked closely at the work of Emma Burleigh. They worked on their own and collaboratively to produce some amazing pieces. The splatter technique was a particular favourite!

In PE, the children engaged in gymnastics, developing their strength, flexibility, and coordination through various exercises and routines. This not only promoted physical well-being but also teamwork as they created routines with other children.

In music, the focus was on singing, allowing students to explore their vocal talents, learn about different musical genres, and foster a love for music. They learnt and performed a song called ‘In the Groove’ using their voices and glockenspiels.

In RE, the children found out about the Jewish religion. They looked at objects that are special to Jewish people, including Mezuzahs. The children made Mezuzahs to put on a door frame at home. Inside they wrote some special words or a message that they would like to remember each day. Some examples of this were ‘be kind’, ‘always show love to your family’ and ‘show love to God’.

By logging into Seesaw, you can see a snapshot of what your child is working on in class, making it easier to support their learning at home. So, don't forget to check Seesaw regularly to stay updated on your child's educational experience!

Year 1 have been working very hard with all their learning in Maths, Reading and Writing.They have been working on how to apply their phonics through writing for a wide range of purposes across the curriculum, linked to their learning in RE, Science, and Geography. They have been reading the wonderful story book, ‘Lost and Found’ by Oliver Jeffers, and using this to create moving pictures in  DT.

In RE, the children have been learning about Judaism and in Science, they have been learning about lots of different kinds of animals and how they adapt to their environments. A visit to Paignton Zoo allowed the children to see the animals up close and personal, and learn more amazing facts and information from the experts.

What an amazing half term we've had! The children have been absolute superstars in their learning. By logging into Seesaw, you can see a snapshot of what your child is working on in class, making it easier to support their learning at home. So, don't forget to check Seesaw regularly to stay updated on your child's educational experience!

Let me give you a sneak peek of some of the highlights:

• In science we've been out and about in the school grounds, identifying different plants and trees. The children have had so much fun exploring and learning about what plants need to grow. It's been wonderful to see their enthusiasm for the natural world!

• In Religious Education, we've been delving deep into the Christian creation story. The children worked together to create a stunning piece of art that depicts each day of creation. It was such a collaborative effort, and the final piece looks truly amazing.

• In English the children have been on a writing adventure, crafting their own imaginative stories based on Penda's journey in 'Don't Spill the Milk!'. I must say, the stories they have come up with are absolutely fantastic! Their creativity and effort have truly shone through.

I can't wait to see what the next half term has in store for us. Well done to all the children for their hard work and dedication. Keep up the great work, everyone!

How is my child learning to read at St Sidwell’s?

Parents and teachers working together is the best way to support your child with their early reading journey. The information below will tell you more about the three different reading books your child will have, what we will do in school and what you should do at home to ensure your child makes progress with their reading.

● Your child should have their bookbag in school every day.

● In your child’s bookbag, they will bring home:

- a bookbag book

- a picture book to share with you

- a reading diary

● You can find their Group RWI Storybook by logging into Oxford Owl.

● We will ensure that your child reads their Group Read Write Inc. Storybook at least three times in school with their partner. Adults will hear your child read every day in their group. Re-reading the same book is really important as it helps your child to become a confident reader. Each time they re-read, they build their fluency/speed and comprehension. We will set these group books online for you to access too. You can use them to read alongside the bookbag book your child brings home each day. Please talk to your class teacher if you cannot access Oxford Owl.

● We will send your child home with a colour coded Bookbag Book. They have guidance inside just for you as parents. They are matched to the books children read in school, so they provide practice of the same sounds.

● We want to make sure your child enjoys reading so that they want to read. To support this, we do not send stories home that your child cannot read. We want them to be set up to succeed in their reading. Please avoid saying, “This book is too easy for you!” but instead say “I love how well you can read this book!”

● If your child is struggling to read their Bookbag Book or Group Storybook, please talk to your class teacher.

● We will change your child’s Bookbag Book and Group Storybook in line with our lessons in school.

Reading at home.

● You should ask your child to read to you every night. The more your child reads, the faster progress they will make. Please read each book three times over three nights.

● You should remind your child to use the strategy ‘Special Friends, Fred Talk, read the word’ if they hesitate over a word. For example, this means when reading the word ‘chip’ they spot the ‘ch’, then Fred Talk and blend to read the word e.g. ch, ch-i-p, chip.

● You should encourage your child to use their storyteller voice, especially on their third read.

● Some words are ‘tricky’ because they contain letters that don’t match the sounds your child has been taught. For example, ‘said’ has ‘ai’ making an ‘e’ sound. We call these red words. In some of the books, these words are printed in red text. Remind your child not to use ‘Fred Talk’ to read red words but instead to stop and think. Tell them the word if needed.

● We will ensure that your child also brings home a picture book from our class selection. You should read this book to your child.This is a good opportunity to work on your child’s comprehension skills. They are not expected to read this book themselves.

● You should record the date and book title in your child’s reading diary every time they read. You can write a comment if you wish. We will check these diaries once a week.

The children have had a great time this half term exploring their learning both indoors and outdoors.The children have enjoyed their Forest School sessions with Premier Education where they have explored the school grounds and used natural materials to create some wonderful masterpieces.

They have experimented with making pulleys and working as a group to transport leaves and other materials.

In History, they have been learning about The Great Fire of London, exploring why and how the fire spread so quickly, and why it took so long to put the fire out. The children loved re- enacting how the fire spread so quickly and had lots of fun passing the water along the line from the 'River Thames' to the fire.

In Maths, the children have been exploring number through the use of Part-Whole models to help deepen their understanding.

The children have been learning how to use the glockenspiels to play the tune ‘Hey You’. They have also learnt the song and have been singing it together!

In Music the children have also been introduced to a new instrument called the P-Buzz. They had lots of fun experimenting with these and learning how to play them!

In PE, we have been doing gymnastics. The children have enjoyed learning some gymnastic shapes such as the pike and the straddle, as well as learning how to do a straight jump and a broad jump. They did a fantastic job at creating their own gymnastic sequences in pairs.