Welcome to Year 1
The year 1 teachers this year are Mrs Griffiths (Monday and Tuesday) and Mrs Wilkinson (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday).
We are very lucky to have Vicki and Pixie working with us too.
We are all really excited for the year ahead as we have lots of great things planned. Below, you will find lots of information about Year 1. If you have any questions or need to speak to us, please do so at the end of the day. We may ask you to organise a meeting if it is something that requires a longer conversation.
Book Bags
Please bring book bags in everyday as we always need them.
Wednesday
Book Changing Day - Story Books.
Return completed homework
Thursday
Recieve new homework.
Friday
Book Changing Day - Phonic Reading Books
PE
Gruffalo have PE on a Tuesday. Children can come to school wearing their PE kit.
The School Day
Learning starts at 8:45. Please ensure your child arrives on time so that they don’t miss out on any learning.
Throughout the day children will be able to help themselves to a piece of fruit.
Gruffalos's lunchtime is from 11.45 - 12.30.
Children in KS1 are entitled to free school meals but you are welcome to provide a packed lunch if you prefer.
Learning
At the beginning of the year we will learn the Year 1 curriculum using the foundation stage approach of learning through play.
This will help a smooth and happy start back at school.
As we move through the year, the children are experiencing more formal whole class teaching.
Maths
Children will have regular maths carpet inputs and complete formal learning tasks however lots of their learning will take place through play. For example, we have measuring equipment out in the construction area and the water tray, we have money in our role play area and general maths resources available in the maths area.
Phonics/ Reading
At Hannah More, we use Little Wandle Phonics Scheme. Phonics is vital for children as it underpins both reading and writing, therefore phonics and reading lessons take place every day. There is also daily catch up sessions for any children who are struggling with their sounds. The children receiving these may change daily as it depends on how well they have accessed the main lesson.
Reading books are matched to each child’s phonic ability. Children will be sent home with both level books and a book to be read for pleasure. Please ensure you read with your child at least 5 times a week. A bedtime story is fantastic for developing your child’s love of reading.
Writing
One of the main focuses in Year 1 is enabling children to use their phonics to be able to write. We will also have a big focus on letter formation.
Throughout each term, we will use a range of fiction and non-fiction books to engage the children in writing. Tales toolkit will be used to help children understand the structure of a story (considering setting, character, problem and solution). The children will be encouraged to write independently however we will also be using story scribing (where an adult writes out a child’s story) and acting to enthuse children in the writing process and develop their ideas.
Wider Curriculum
Children will have some carpet sessions covering objectives for the wider curriculum however most of this learning will happen during the children’s ‘discovery time’. This is when the best learning happens as the children will be able to follow their interests and learn through play. The classroom has been set up in a way that ensures we can cover the curriculum effectively in this way.
In Year 1, children will also have regular PSHE lessons. At the end of each session, we will share information on the lesson via Marvellous Me. Please use this as an opportunity to have a conversation with your child about their learning. We will also have regular Wellbeing and Mindfulness lessons to develop their self-care and calming skills. We will be using Zones of Regulation to help teach children about their feelings and provide them with strategies for coping with their emotions.
