Embedded Files
Welcome to year 1!
Welcome to year 1!
This blog will provide a window into the classroom- please do check to see what we've been up to.
Thank you so much for the generous gifts and kind words of gratitude we have received this week.
Mrs Lewis is already planning her Sweaty Betty purchases!
Skipper 1 are a fantastic class-it has been a privilege to teach them. We will look forward to playground catch ups in September to find out about their summer holidays.
We hope you have a relaxing and enjoyable summer, full of memories together.
Mrs Lewis, Miss Foad, Mrs C
Our final piece of writing for the academic year was a Wildflower Guide. The children were challenged to write sentences using the joining word "and". These came home yesterday, with their learning books. Please ask them to read it to you!
17/7
Being responsible for the classroom has been a central part of Skipper 1. Our daily jobs have encouraged independence and problem solving skills. Today, the children needed to work together to clean the classroom chairs!
wc 7 July
Thank you for coming to Stay and Sketch. It was a lovely calm start to our day.
WC 30 June
In music this half term we have been connecting musical vocabulary such as dynamics, tempo, pulse and pitch, when listening to pieces of music. Last week, we moved our bodies to represent a musical piece. To deepen our learning, the children experimented with musical scores this week. They listened carefully to the music and represented what they heard through lines. Can your child show you what they learnt by creating a musical score to the pieces we listened to in class?
Carnival of the animals- Kangaroos
Carnival of the animals- Aquarium
Learning books and the end of term
As the end of term approaches we will be sorting out the children's learning books to bring home. Please can your child bring in a large, heavy duty bag with their name on, by the end of next week (4th July). I would be so grateful if this message could be passed on to parents/carers who may not see this post. Thank you for your support.
W 26 June
The children have been enjoying our new chapter books! They were bought with money raised from the sponsored read during World Book week. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated, our class library has lots more quality texts as a result of your efforts.
WC 16 June
The children spent time outside this week, looking closely in the school gardens to see what they could find. Demonstrating the school value of kindness, the children picked enough strawberries to share with the other year 1 classes.
Request for toilet roll tubes!
Please can your child bring in a toilet roll tube for an art activity next week. If you could share this with parents/carers who may not see this, that would be fantastic!
WC 2 June
We have had a fantastic Healthy Week- some highlights included Wake and Shake every morning (whole school exercise to music), circus skills workshop, BMX show, Life Tent, measuring feet and making Fruit Kebabs!
This week in Year 1, a firefighter visited to teach us all about fire safety—we learned how to stay safe and ask for help.
In Maths, we practised ordering the days of the week and months of the year. These songs have been helping us remember the order.
Months of the Year Song | Song for Kids | The Singing Walrus
Days of the Week Song | The Singing Walrus
This week in maths we have been learning about time. We can now read o’clock and half past on an analogue clock and we made our own clocks out of paper plates. We learnt that the time is o’clock when the minute hand is pointing to the 12 and half past when the minute hand is pointing to the 6.
In Literacy we read more of our Yeti and the Bird book and found out that the bird was lost in the Himalayas. We then wrote postcards to the bird’s family using the word ‘but’ to link two ideas.
On Friday we had a street party to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day! We enjoyed a snack and a drink with the rest of the children in Skipper 1 and had lots of fun listening to music from the 1940s.
W/C 28 April
This week, in art, the children have enjoyed exploring concentric circles and using different media to create them. We spent time looking at how artists like Wassily Kandinsky used them in his art and had a go at producing our very own collaborative art work!
In science this half term we are exploring seasonal change in Spring and Summer and the children enjoyed exploring the school grounds to spot those signs of Spring and have discussed the weather.
In literacy we are continuing to find out about a Yeti - in particular the one in the book Yeti and Bird by Nadia Shareen. The children wrote letters to the Yeti to help him feel less lonely.
Our Big Question this half term is What is special about where we live? In Geography the children explored the local area from above using aerial photographs and Google Earth.
In maths we are working with numbers up to 100 and recapping counting in 2s, 5s and 10s. There is a great online game to support this learning called Nutty Numbers! Click here to find it. Select 2, 5 or 10 and help the squirrel find the right acorn in the tree!
Finally we have started sewing! Over the coming weeks the children will be developing their sewing skills to make a rather lovely bird!
Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend!
W/C 21 April
It’s been an exciting first week back in year 1. The children spotted some interesting looking footprints in the classroom which sparked much excitement and curiosity. An accompanying letter told us that the footprints belong to a Yeti!
We also enjoyed spotting signs of spring around the school!
W/C 31 March
Over the past two weeks we have been taking part in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel. Each day we have counted how many of us have walked, scooted or cycled to school. Some of us who had to drive to school decided to park a little further away than normal so we could still take part. Well done Skipper 1!
Easter: This week were learning about the Christian celebration of Easter. We were looking especially at the first part of the story, Palm Sunday when Jesus was cheered as he rode a donkey into Jerusalem. We made connections with science as we used senses to experience Hot Cross buns!
In literacy, we wrote our own versions of The Sea Saw and imagined what would happen if we lost our own favourite toys at the beach. We focused on using the days of the week and the joining word ‘and’ in our writing.
We finished the week with our class treat- playing class games! Easter bingo was a favourite- especially the chocolate egg prizes!
Here is this week's phonics learning. We have been recapping sounds that we have learnt earlier this year.
WC 24 March
This week has been another busy one!
We have spent time getting ready for our Strand Sharing assembly which took place on Thursday. We loved being able to show all the other year groups the brilliant work we have produced this term. We were focusing on the arts and were proud of our singing, dancing, art and drama! It was such a treat to get together in our strands and see what the older and younger children have been doing. Great job children!
In literacy we have been thinking about the journey Sofia’s bear took in the Sea Saw story and produced some beautiful maps. We have also learnt how to put book titles in alphabetical order. This game will really help reinforce this learning at home.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/english-games/alphabetical-ordering
In science we continued to focus on the senses and had fun finding out what was in each of the smell pots. There was lots of discussion about what it could be and some smells were more popular than others! Maybe at the weekend when you are out and about you could go on a senses walk or even create your own smell pots at home!
Damers had a visit from Diversity Mel this week who led an assembly for Year 1. She shared the book And Tango makes Three by Paul Parnell and Justin Richardson, where we met families of penguins who love each other. Mel talked to the children about how there are different types of families and each family is special. If you would like to watch the story and discuss further with your child here is the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZHD4SKmQU
During maths this week we have been learning all about fractions! In Year 1 we learn about half and quarters of shapes and amounts. This week we have focused on shape and had fun cutting shapes into two halves and four quarters. The BBC bitesize website has some great explanations and fun quizzes linked to this learning.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/z3rbg82/articles/zy4tm39
And finally please see this weeks phonics learning where we have been recapping sounds that we have learnt earlier this year.
Have a lovely weekend!
WC 17 March
Highlights of this week included a senses walk in science, growing the code in phonics, exploring division in maths, completing a tentacle art sculpture and learning to be Switched On at the railway station!
Science
The children identified which senses they used as they walked around the school grounds.
Phonics
Please see the photo to find out which graphemes, tricky words and spellings have been the focus of our daily phonics sessions this week.
Maths
The children were challenged to see how many ways they could group 12 cubes equally.
Art
Texture and pattern have been the focus of art in recent weeks. This week the children painted their clay tentacle sculpture!
Switched On!
We participated in an online assembly to learn about how to stay safe. Can your child remember the important railway station signs?
We have been learning this helpful song to remember how to stay “Switched On”.
Stay and make a lighthouse
13 March
Thank you for coming to make a lighthouse this morning. We hope you enjoyed it as much as the children. It was wonderful to hear the children explaining all about Grace Darling, (the important person we have been learning about in History) as they made their lighthouses.
Growing the code
Growing the code
Can your child remember what phonemes (sounds) these trigraphs (3 letters, 1 sound) can make?
6 March
World Book Day
We have had a wonderful day filled with reading, quizzes, colouring and bookmark making! Reading for pleasure is an important for lots of reasons, some of which include: reader confidence, expanding vocabulary, improvement in language and comprehension skills and promoting positive emotions.
Thank you for helping your child to feel excited and inspired about this special day .
4 March
Sealife Centre trip
We had a great time at the Sealife Centre on Tuesday. Seeing an octopus in real life was a highlight!
3 March
Growing the code
Can your child tell you the 4 phonemes (sounds) that this grapheme* (the letters) makes?
(*cloud, shoulder, touch, youth)
27 February
Our next literacy text is about a girl and her beloved cuddly toy. The children loved showing their favourite toy with the class and especially enjoyed sitting with them at their tables!
The children were excited to meet Oly Rush this morning. He told us about his work to help reduce plastic pollution.
26 February
Oly Rush visit
Oly is hosting a beach clean on Sunday and invited us to go along. Please come along- you don't need to stay for the full hour if you have other commitments. It will really bring your child's learning to life.
25 February
We have been finding out ways to protect our oceans in Geography. The children were keen to live our school vision of kindness by doing a litter pick in the school grounds.
A special visitor
A special visitor
14 February
We have been learning about animal groups in science. To support the children's understanding about reptiles, we had a special visitor in school on Friday- Trevor the Tortoise.
Working scientifically, the children noticed that Trevor has the characteristics of a reptile , including cold skin and a hard shell.
Class treat
Class treat
10 February
The class voted to bake biscuits as their reward for reaching the top of our brick tower! Bricks are collected when the whole class shows respectful, ready and safe behaviour! We practised skills of mixing, rolling and cutting before carefully walking the trays to the kitchen for baking.
Number Day
Friday 7 February
Excitement filled the classroom as the children arrived at school eager to show their Number Day outfits. Highlights of the day included Bingo and a number inspired PE session.
Texture
6 February
The children have been exploring texture in art this half term. They selected different textures to create "under the water" inspired art.
Last half term we were learning about how to control a robot in computing. This week the children were challenged to remember all they learnt. In class we talk often about short term and long term memory, and how important it is to regularly practise the things we've learnt so that our brains don't forget!
Stay and look at our books!
January 28th
We hope you enjoyed looking in your child's books ahead of parent consultations next week. It is lovely to look back and see how much they have progressed.
Performing a dance
Performing a dance
24 January
In PE we have been learning a pirate dance! Keeping in time and remembering each dance move has been tricky. This week we focussed on performance skills- staying still, in position at the start and end of the dance.
Shape and pattern
20 January
We have been remembering these 2D shapes in Maths.
Pulse and rhythm
(14 January)
We explored pulse (the heartbeat of the music) and rhythm (the beat of each word) through a range of percussion instruments. Can your child remember the name of the instrument they played?
We explored pulse (the heartbeat of the music) and rhythm (the beat of each word) through a range of percussion instruments. Can your child remember the name of the instrument they played?
Geography
(9 January)
We were investigating continents in Geography this week. Your child brought home a piece of coloured card today- can your child remember which continent their colour represents?
This song has been helping us to remember them all! youtu.be/K6DSMZ8b3LE
Happy New Year and welcome back to school!
(9 January 2025)
Thank you for all the warm wishes and thoughtful gifts at the end of term- we hope you had a restful and joyful festive break. The children returned to school with curiosity and excitement, particularly when we spotted snow out of the window. This sparked a scientific discussion about the impact of snow for humans!
Festive jumper day!
(December 18th)
The highlight of today was our festive lunch and a visit from someone very special who delivered a gift to Skipper 1. The children spent the rest of the afternoon building with their new toys,
Authors in Skipper 1
(17 December)
Over the last few weeks, the children have been innovating our class story "I want my hat back".
They chose their own characters and have been writing their story "I want my friend back" in the style of the author Jon Klassen.
Remembering to write with capital letters, finger spaces and punctuation was tricky.
After finishing the last pages today, the children spent time proudly reading their stories to each other.
Christmas play 2024
(13th December)
The children performed beautifully this morning in the year 1 play. They described feelings of excitement and nerves before going on stage. Everyone showed the value of bravery as they stood in front of the large crowd. Mrs C, Miss Foad and Mrs Lewis are very proud of Skipper 1.
Secret Shopping
(6 December)
The children were excited to visit the shop today and had a brilliant time with the elves!
Teddy bears and their history
(4 December)
We were visited by a Teddy Bear restoration specialist this week! Sam told us all about the history of the Teddy Bear and the children were able to touch and feel different types of bear and learn how they are made.
Reading at home
Thank you for your continued support with reading at home. Here is a reminder of our reading routines:
Reading books and library books are changed every Monday.
Your child will read their book in class at least twice during the week.
Your child will bring home their book and reading record every Thursday.
Reading record and reading book must be returned every Monday.
Here is a useful link with top tips for reading the book with your child at home.
Making connections
Making connections
(wc 25 November)
The children were inspired to make a popular toy from the past in History this week. This connected us to science, where we have been investigating materials and their properties. The children agreed that wood and fabric were effective materials for making a Peg Doll.
The children were inspired to make a popular toy from the past in History this week. This connected us to science, where we have been investigating materials and their properties. The children agreed that wood and fabric were effective materials for making a Peg Doll.
Snow day! (21 November)
A special visitor
(19 November)
This week we were joined by a special visitor who showed the children toys from the past. This experience enhanced our learning in history, where we have been exploring toys and how they have changed over time.
Bling your scooter
(15 Nov)
We had a wonderful time parading our bikes and scooters in front of the school this morning!
Colour mixing experiments with primary colours
(WC 11 November)
The children were directed by their curiosity in Art this week, engaging in a variety of learning opportunities.
Remembering bravery and kindness- 11th November
To help the children understand the occasion of remembrance, we read the book, Where The Poppies Now Grow. We shared our thoughts about family members who are serving/ have served for our country and spent one minute remembering them on Monday, 11th November, at 11am. Your child will bring home a poppy this week: these were part of a class window display. The children also coloured poppies to be displayed outside a local care home.
Geometry
Inspired by the artist Mondrian
(wc 4 Nov)
The children looked closely at Mondrian's work, noticing lines, patterns and primary colours before creating their own using different materials.
Literacy
(WC 21 October)
To inspire writing, the children made potions this morning. They thought about how much of each ingredient (splash, dollop, sprinkle, spoonful....) they would include, before writing a short list poem.
Design Technology
Design Technology
(WC 21 October)
After researching, "what makes a good playground?" The children chose one piece of playground equipment to design, then selected which materials they will use to make it.
Stay and see our classroom
9/10/24
The children were excited to show their grown ups the classroom this week and were brave when it was time to say "see you later". We hope you enjoyed it too.
Special visitor
(WC 14 October)
We had a visit from our local Police Community Support Officer (Jane) on Monday. She told us about her job and answered questions about her uniform. She told us how her job is different to a police person and the children were interested to see (and try on) different types of police hats!
(WC 14 October)
We are exploring doubles this week in Maths. The children made two equal groups using different materials around the classroom to support their understanding.
Outdoor Learning
Outdoor Learning
(WC 7 October)
(WC 7 October)
We have been foraging in the year one area- the children were excited to find blackberries ready to be picked!
(WC 23 September)
We have been reading The Naughty Bus by Jan and Jerry Oke in literacy. Please click on the link to watch the story!
September 2024- The children are settling into Year 1 so well, getting to know the daily routines. Here are some highlights of our learning so far....
In maths, we have been finding out what 5 needs to make numbers 6,7,8, 9 and 10. The children were challenged to represent 10 by finding 2 rows of 5 items from the outdoor area.
We are investigating the season of Autumn in science. This week we learnt the word hibernation- can your child explain what this means?
We are focussing on the skill of line drawing in Art. We started our learning journey by drawing self portraits.
We have been remembering digraphs (2 letters, 1 sound) and tricky words in phonics. Can your child remember these tricky words?
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