Have a wonderful, safe and enjoyable Christmas break. 🎄

I look forward to welcoming you back to a fun term 3 with lots of exciting learning.
Thank you for all your hard work in term 2. 🌟

This Week in P1: Festive Fun, Farewells, and Learning Together

What a wonderful and festive week we’ve had in Primary 1! With so much happening, the classroom has been full of excitement, creativity, and Christmas cheer. Here’s a recap of our week:

Writing CVC Words Independently

This week, the children worked hard to write CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant) all on their own!

• Building Confidence: They practiced words like “cat,” “dog,” and “sun,” blending sounds and forming letters beautifully.

• Growing Independence: It’s been amazing to see their progress as they write more and more on their own.

Christmas Post Office Play

Our Christmas post office has been a favourite place to play this week!

• Role-Playing Fun: The children loved pretending to be postal workers, delivering letters and parcels.

• Writing and Sorting: They practiced writing addresses, sorting letters, and learning about the journey of a Christmas card.

Ask your child: What was their favourite role in the post office?

Subtraction Flowers

We worked in pairs to colour and complete subtraction flowers, practicing our early subtraction skills in a fun and creative way.

• Teamwork: The children helped each other solve subtraction problems and worked together to make their flowers look bright and colourful.

• Problem-Solving: It was a great opportunity to build math confidence and cooperation skills.

Making Felt Christmas Decorations

This week, we got crafty with some beautiful felt Christmas decorations!

• Creative Crafting: The children used felt, pens, and string to make ornaments that will brighten up any tree.

• Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, threading, and colouring were fantastic for building their coordination and patience.

Writing Christmas Cards

We wrote Christmas cards to the special adults in our school to say thank you and spread Christmas cheer.

• Practicing Gratitude: The children thought carefully about their messages, saying “thank you” and “Merry Christmas” with lots of love.

• Making Connections: It was lovely to see their excitement in giving back to the adults who help make their school day special.

A Special Farewell

This week, we said goodbye to our dear friend Mateo, who is moving to sunny Spain.

• Wishing Mateo Luck: We shared happy memories, made cards, and wished him all the best for his exciting new adventure.

• Friendship and Kindness: It was a bittersweet moment, but the children were so thoughtful in their goodbyes.

Good luck Mateo, from all your P1 Nessies!

Christmas Party Fun

The highlight of our week was our Christmas party!

• A Special Visitor: Santa made a surprise visit, bringing gifts and lots of smiles.

• Dancing and Games: The children had the best time dancing, playing games, and enjoying treats together.

• Festive Joy: The laughter and joy in the room made it a truly magical day!

A Gift from Our Teacher

The children were so excited to receive a Christmas present. Thank you for all the smiles and hugs - have a lovely Christmas!

This Week in P1: Twinkly Stars and Christmas Cheer!

What a magical and memorable week we’ve had in Primary 1! Here’s a look back at everything we got up to:

Our Nativity Performance

This week, the big moment finally arrived—we performed our Nativity!

• Thank You for Coming: A huge thank you to all the families who came to watch us. Your support and applause made it even more special!

• Twinkly Stars: The children shone brightly on stage, and we couldn’t be prouder of their effort, enthusiasm, and confidence.

• Post-Performance Selfie: We captured a final moment as twinkly stars to remember this magical experience.

Ask your child: What was their favourite part of the performance?

Exploring the Happy Emotion

This week, we talked about what makes us feel happy and how happiness affects our bodies and minds.

• Story Writing and Drawing: The children discussed and illustrated stories about what makes them happy, from spending time with family to playing with friends.

• Body Awareness: We explored how happiness makes us feel warm, smiley, and full of energy, and talked about how we can share happiness with others.

Making Christmas Decorations

We got creative this week with some festive Christmas decorations!

• Crafty Creations: The children loved using glitter, paint, and festive materials to design ornaments and decorations.

• Building Fine Motor Skills: Activities like cutting, sticking, and painting also helped us develop our hand-eye coordination and creativity.

At home idea: Ask your child to share their favourite decoration and what inspired their design!

A Visit from the Elf and the Grinch!

To top off our festive week, we had surprise visits from an elf and the Grinch!

• Spreading Cheer: The children were thrilled to meet the elf, who brought festive fun to the classroom.

• The Grinch’s Visit: While the Grinch tried to be grumpy, the children’s laughter and joy were impossible to resist and we had a friendly Grinch visit!

This Week in P1: Christmas Spirit, Learning, and Kindness!

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Primary 1! This week, we balanced festive fun with meaningful learning, as well as some important conversations about kindness and understanding. Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Maths: Friends to 10

This week in maths, we focused on learning about friends to 10—number pairs that add up to 10.

• Hands-On Learning: The children used cubes, counters, 10 frames and number cards to explore and create pairs that make 10.

• Games and Challenges: Matching activities and fun number games helped reinforce this important concept.

• Real-Life Connections: We talked about how number pairs appear in everyday situations, like sharing 10 Christmas crackers between friends!

At home idea: Practice “friends to 10” with your child by using everyday objects like buttons or fruit to group and count together.

Sharing Christmas Stories

The classroom has been filled with festive cheer as we’ve enjoyed sharing lots of Christmas stories.

• Storytime Favourites: We read tales about the magic of Christmas, including stories about giving, kindness, and togetherness. Also the various magical and exciting ways Santa manages to sneak in to our homes. 

• Discussion and Reflection: The children loved talking about their favourite parts of the stories and what they might do if they were one of the characters.

Christmas Lunch

We had a wonderful time enjoying our Christmas lunch this week!

• Festive Atmosphere: The children loved the special decorations and music in the dining hall. Pigs in blankets were a favourite! 

• Sharing Joy: It was heart-warming to see everyone enjoying their meal together, chatting and laughing with friends.

Our Class Kindness Advent Calendar

We’ve started our Kindness Advent Calendar, where each day the children focus on a small act of kindness.

• Spreading Kindness: From sharing toys to saying kind words, the children are learning the importance of thinking about others during this festive season.

• Building Community: This activity is helping to create a warm and supportive atmosphere in our classroom.

Ask your child: What did they do on their day for the kindness advent?

Learning About Christianity and Advent

This week, we learned about Christianity and the meaning of Advent.

• What is Advent? We talked about how Advent is a time of preparation and waiting for Christmas in the Christian tradition.

• Understanding Diversity: We also discussed how not everyone celebrates Christmas and how different families have their own special traditions during this time of year.

• Reflection: The children shared some of their own family traditions, helping us appreciate the diversity in our class.

Blending Sounds to Read CVC Words

We continued practicing our early reading skills by blending sounds to read CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words.

• Building Confidence: The children are becoming more fluent in reading words like “cat,” “dog,” and “pin.”

• Interactive Practice: We used games, flashcards, and mini-books to make blending fun and engaging.

At home tip: Encourage your child to practice blending sounds with words from their surroundings, like “hat” or “mug.” Continue to use all of the resources sent home at parents evening and in homework packs. 

Talking About This Busy Time of Year

We had an important class discussion about how this time of year can feel different and busy, both at school and at home.

• Acknowledging Feelings: We talked about how exciting Christmas can be, but also how it can feel a little overwhelming.

• Understanding Differences: We learned that not everyone celebrates Christmas and that this season is special in different ways for everyone.

• Kindness and Support: The children were encouraged to look out for one another and share kindness during this busy time.

This Week in P1: Letters, Shapes, and Nativity Fun!

What an exciting and busy week we’ve had in Primary 1! From birthdays to rehearsals, creative projects, and new learning, here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to:

Letters of the Week: M and D

This week, we focused on the letters M and D, practicing their sounds, shapes, and writing.

• Phonics Practice: We identified words beginning with “M” and “D,” like “moon,” “mat,” “dog,” and “dinosaur.”

• Letter Formation: The children worked hard to write these letters, using pencils, chalk, sand, and even paintbrushes for added fun.

• Creative Exploration: We made colourful drawings of things that start with “M” and “D” to reinforce our learning.

Blending Sounds to Read CVC Words

We’re taking big steps in early reading by blending our letter sounds to read simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words.

• Word Building: Using the sounds we’ve learned, the children practiced blending to read words like “mat,” “sat,” “dog,” and “pin.”

• Interactive Games: Blending activities, word puzzles, and matching games made this skill-building fun and engaging.

• Growing Confidence: It’s been wonderful to see the children’s excitement as they begin to decode words independently.

At home tip: Practice blending sounds together by creating simple words.

2D Shapes: Exploring Triangles

This week, we dove into the world of 2D shapes, focusing especially on triangles.

• Shape Hunts: The children identified triangles in the classroom, during outdoor play and in the world around us.

• Creative Crafts: We used triangles in art projects, including designing stars for our nativity headbands and the backdrop. By joining two triangles together, we created beautiful star shapes!

• Hands-On Learning: Activities like sorting shapes and building pictures with 2D shapes helped us reinforce key concepts.

Extend the learning: Ask your child to find shapes around the house—how many triangles can they spot?

Rehearsing for the Nativity

The Nativity is just around the corner, and we’ve been practicing hard for our special performance!

• Songs and Lines: The children have been learning their songs and practicing with enthusiasm.

• Building Confidence: It’s been amazing to see the children growing more confident with each rehearsal.

Celebrating Alfie’s Birthday

A special part of our week was celebrating Alfie’s birthday! The class had a wonderful time singing, making cards, and sharing in the excitement. Happy Birthday, Alfie! 🎉

WOW Badges: Active Journeys to School

We’re thrilled to share that the children received their WOW badges for active journeys to school this week. Walking, cycling, or scooting not only supports our health but also helps the environment. Well done, everyone!

This Week in P1: Creativity, Reading, and Learning Together!

This week in Primary 1, we focused on consolidating our skills, exploring new numbers, and celebrating the magic of books. Here’s a look at the exciting activities and learning moments we’ve shared:

Consolidating Our Letters: S, A, T, I, P, N

We revisited the letters S, A, T, I, P, and N this week, ensuring everyone feels confident recognizing, writing, and using them.

• Phonics Fun: We played sound-matching games and practiced blending these letters to form simple words like “sat,” “pin,” and “tap.”

• Creative Writing: The children used the letters to create their own words and sentences, showcasing their growing literacy skills.

• Active Learning: From letter hunts to singing phonics songs, we made consolidating these sounds engaging and enjoyable.

At home tip: Encourage your child to spot these letters or words in books and signs around the house or community!

Introducing Numbers 8 and 9

This week, we welcomed the numbers 8 and 9 into our learning.

• Counting and Recognizing: The children practiced counting up to 9, identifying these numbers in their environment, and sequencing them correctly.

• Hands-On Activities: Using counters, cubes, and number cards, we explored how 8 and 9 fit into the bigger number sequence.

• Creative Challenges: The children enjoyed building towers and making groups of 8 and 9 using different objects.

Extend the learning: See if your child can find groups of 8 or 9 items at home, such as spoons, toys, or buttons.

Junk Modelling: Creativity at Work

We had so much fun letting our imaginations run wild with junk modelling this week!

• Inventive Creations: Using recycled materials, the children built rockets, robots, houses, and more.

• Teamwork and Problem-Solving: Many of the creations were collaborative, with children sharing ideas and solving design challenges together.

• Eco-Friendly Fun: This activity also gave us the chance to talk about reusing materials and caring for our environment.

What to ask your child: What did you create during junk modelling this week, and how did you make it?

Celebrating Book Week

Book Week was a highlight of our learning, filled with activities to encourage a love of reading.

• Book Bug Bags: The children were thrilled to receive their Book Bug bags, which are filled with wonderful stories to enjoy at home.

• Reading with P7 Buddies: We were lucky to pair up with our P7 buddies, who read the Book Bug stories with us. It was a fantastic opportunity to share stories and build relationships.

• Stories and Adventures: Throughout the week, we explored books in class, talking about characters, settings, and our favourite parts.

At home tip: Spend time reading the Book Bug stories together and ask your child about their favourite characters or moments.

Have a wonderful weekend, and happy reading with those Book Bug bags!

This Week in P1: Growing Independence and New Skills!

What a fantastic week it’s been in Primary 1! Our classroom has been buzzing with learning, growth, and moments of independence. Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on:

Letters of the Week: P and N

This week, we explored the letters P and N, discovering their sounds and practicing how to write them.

• Phonics Fun: We listened to the initial sounds in words like “penguin,” “pizza,” “nurse,” and “nest.”

• Letter Formation: Through tracing, writing, and even crafting, the children worked hard to form these letters correctly.

• Creative Activities: From making penguins and pizzas to decorating nests, we found fun and engaging ways to bring these letters to life.

At home idea: Challenge your child to find objects around the house that begin with “P” or “N”!

Numbers of the Week: 6 and 7

Our number focus this week was all about 6 and 7, with a special emphasis on adding one more than.

• Counting Practice: We counted objects, wrote numbers, and explored what happens when we add one more.

• Hands-On Learning: Using blocks and counters, the children visualized “one more” in a concrete way.

• Math Games: Fun activities like number matching and dice games helped reinforce these concepts.

Extend the learning: Ask your child to count items at home, like forks at the table, and figure out what one more would be.

Independent Writing: Names on Work

A big milestone this week was the children independently writing their own names on each piece of work.

• Building Confidence: They practiced forming letters in their names, focusing on clear and neat writing.

• Ownership of Learning: Writing their names on their work gave the children a sense of pride and responsibility. The children had to get their name card label to help them if required. 

• Continuous Improvement: With each piece, they grew more confident in their abilities.

Lunchtime Independence: Collecting Dinner Bands

We’ve also been focusing on developing independence at lunchtime.

• Choosing the Right Band: The children practiced collecting the correct colour of dinner band for their meal choice.

• Building Responsibility: This small but important task helped them feel more capable and grown-up.

• Encouraging Routine: It’s wonderful to see them taking ownership of their lunchtime process!

Celebrating Growth

This week, we celebrated each child’s progress and achievements, from mastering new letters and numbers to confidently taking on independent tasks. These milestones may seem small, but they are huge steps in your child’s learning journey! We will record these for our Nessie Novels.

This Week in P1: Learning, Celebrations, and Creative Fun!

This week in Primary 1 was full of exciting learning, creative activities, and a special birthday celebration! Here’s what we’ve been up to:

Letters of the Week: T and I

Our focus letters this week were T and I. The children loved discovering these letters, practicing their sounds, and exploring their shapes.

• Sound Hunts: We searched for words starting with “T” and “I” in stories and our surroundings.

• Letter Formation: The children practiced writing “T” and “I” with pencils, crayons, and even finger painting.

• Creative Crafts: We made tigers, trains, igloos, and ice creams to bring these letters to life!

Numbers: 0 to 5

We’ve been busy exploring numbers from 0 to 5 through fun and interactive activities.

• Counting Practice: The children counted objects, wrote numbers, and matched numbers to quantities.

• Building and Sorting: Using blocks, we built towers with the correct number of pieces.

• Songs and Rhymes: Counting songs like “Five Green Bottles” helped make learning numbers extra fun.

Painting Self-Portraits

A big highlight this week was painting our self-portraits! This activity encouraged creativity, observation, and fine motor skills.

• Looking Closely: The children studied their features in mirrors and talked about eye colour, hair, and more.

• Creative Expression: They used paint to carefully represent themselves, choosing colours and details that made each portrait unique.

• Building Confidence: It was wonderful to see the pride they took in their artwork!

Remembrance Day

We paused to reflect on the importance of Remembrance Day in a way that was meaningful for our young learners.

• Learning About Poppies: We talked about what poppies symbolize and why people wear them.

• Creative Art: The children created beautiful poppy-themed artwork to mark the occasion.

Mark Making and Creativity

We continued to develop our early writing skills through mark making this week.

• Sensory Exploration: The children practiced mark making in sand, paint, and chalk.

• Autumn-Inspired Art: They drew leaves and fireworks, combining creativity with seasonal themes.

• Building Fine Motor Skills: These activities help prepare for confident writing as they grow.

Autumn and Bonfire Night

We embraced the season with autumn crafts and Bonfire Night-inspired activities.

• Seasonal Learning: The children explored autumn colours and textures during outdoor play.

• Firework Art: Using chalks and oil pastels we created exciting firework designs.

Christmas Card Designs

This week, the children picked and created their favourite potato printing Christmas card design. It’s been amazing to see their enthusiasm as they create festive patterns and shapes in preparation for the holidays.

Celebrating Leyton’s Birthday

We ended the week with a special celebration for Leyton’s birthday! The children enjoyed singing, making cards, and sharing in the excitement. Happy Birthday, Leyton! 🎉

This Week in P1: Spooky Fun and Fantastic Learning!

This week in Primary 1, we had an exciting mix of learning activities centered around letters, numbers, and all things Halloween! Here's a peek at what we’ve been up to:

Letters of the Week: Ss and Aa

Our little learners have been exploring the sounds and shapes of the letters s and a. From practicing how to write the letters to identifying them in stories and around the classroom, we’re building strong early literacy skills.

Here are some highlights:

• Sound Spotting: We listened for words starting with “S” and “A” in our favorite books and during conversations.

• Art with Letters: Children created colourful artwork featuring snakes, stars, apples, and astronauts!

• Practice Makes Perfect: Through fun tracing and matching activities, everyone had a chance to practice forming their letters beautifully.

Why not try this at home? See how many words starting with “S” and “A” you can find during a walk or while reading together.

Numbers of the Week: 4 and 5

We’ve been counting, adding, and exploring the numbers 4 and 5 through fun and interactive activities.

• Counting Fun: Children counted groups of objects and learned how to recognize these numbers in everyday life.

• Creative Challenges: We built towers with four and five blocks and created patterns using these numbers.

Extend the learning: Ask your child to find sets of four or five items at home—spoons, socks, or even toys!

Skeletons and Spooky Science

Halloween was the perfect opportunity to learn about skeletons and the human body!

• Meet Mr. Bones: We explored the different parts of our skeleton and talked about how bones help us move and stay strong.

• Creative Crafts: Children made skeleton art using cotton swabs, which was both fun and a great way to develop fine motor skills.

• Fun Facts: Did you know we have 206 bones in our body? Our little scientists were amazed!

Halloween Fun

The classroom was buzzing with Halloween excitement! We celebrated with:

• Spooky Stories: We shared books filled with friendly ghosts and pumpkins.

• Costume Creativity: Children discussed what they’d like to dress up as and drew their favourite Halloween characters.

• Games Galore: Halloween-themed games added to the festive fun while reinforcing our learning.

We award a Nessie Knight certificate each week to a child who has wowed us. Mr Connon gives these out during our Friday assembly. 

Congratulations to our Nessie Knight winners below!