What a fantastic first half term we’ve had in Year 1! The children have settled brilliantly into their new routines and shown great enthusiasm for learning. Here’s a look back at some of the wonderful things we’ve been up to:

Maths

We’ve been busy developing our number sense – counting all the way to 100, comparing quantities and exploring part–whole relationships. The children have enjoyed using practical resources to understand how numbers to 5 can be made in different ways.

Help at home: Encourage your child to spot numbers around you (door numbers, buses, clocks!) and practise quick recall of number bonds to 5.

English

We’ve loved sharing some brilliant stories: Flat Stanley, The Enchanted Wood, and Hermelin the Mouse Detective. The children have been predicting what might happen next, discussing their favourite parts and beginning to write simple sentences. We’ve also been working hard on pencil control and letter formation.

Help at home: Read together daily – talk about the characters, setting and what might happen next.

Phonics

We’ve learned four new sounds this half term: ay, oy, ou and ea. The children are becoming more confident at spotting these sounds in words and using them in their writing.

Help at home: Try spotting these new sounds in books or on signs!

Science

Our topic on The Senses has been full of excitement and discovery. The children have enjoyed hands-on investigations, testing their sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch and thinking like real scientists!

Help at home: Try a fun senses scavenger hunt! Ask your child to find things they can see, hear, smell, taste and touch around the house or garden. Talk about which senses they used and what they discovered.

Topic

We’ve been geographers, learning all about where we live. The children have explored maps, looked at local landmarks and even conducted fieldwork to find out how people travel to school.

Help at home: Go on a short walk around your local area – notice signs, buildings and different types of transport.

RE

In RE, we’ve been thinking about belonging – what it means to belong to a family, a class, or a community and how we can help others feel included.

Living and Learning

We’ve explored our rights and responsibilities, how to treat others fairly, and what democracy means in our classroom.

PE

This half term we’ve focused on football skills, practising dribbling, passing and, most importantly, working as a team. The children have shown great sportsmanship and energy every week.

Thank you!

A huge thank you to all our parents and carers for your continued support at home – it makes such a difference.

We wish you all a happy, healthy and restful break. We’re looking forward to an exciting and busy Autumn 2!