We Are Scientists!
Welcome back! We’ve had an exciting start to the school year in Science.
This week, the children were introduced to the topic of Science itself, discussing what it means to be a scientist and why understanding the world around us is important. We explored how science helps us ask questions, make observations, and carry out experiments to discover new things.
Our first unit of the term is all about the human body. The children began by identifying different parts of the body. To put their new knowledge into practice, we conducted a fun experiment where the children compared their height, foot size, and age. The goal was to see if there’s a relationship between these measurements.
The class had a great time measuring each other’s feet and heights and noting down their findings. It sparked interesting discussions about growth, and the children enjoyed thinking like scientists!
Living and Learning: rules
At the start of the new school year, in our Living and Learning lesson, the children have been reminded about rules and the importance of rules in our daily life. This also links to the British Value of rule of law.
Before focussing on our school rules, we started by thinking about…
Why do we have rules?
What rules can you think of?
What places have rules?
Who makes the rules?
Rules keep us safe.
Rules help us to be healthy and happy.
We have to cross the road with our grown ups.
Our teachers and our grown ups at home help us to follow the school rules.
In our school we have three school rules.
Three, two, one, stop is one of the most important instructions the children will hear at school.
Following our school rules will make our school a happy, healthy and SAFE place to learn.
This week, we’re thinking about our rules about online safety at school. Your child will bring home their Being online – acceptable use agreement for pupils and parents/carers which should be read through, signed and returned to class.
Our new sensory space; The Den
Over the summer, Mrs Freeman has been busy creating a sensory themed room in school.
The Den is a safe space which aims to provide any child with the individualised sensory input they need to self-regulate so they can be better prepared for learning and interacting with others.
The Den offers a safe space for relaxation, exploration, independence, and social sessions. The resources in The Den can be used to stimulate, soothe, entertain and distract, depending on the child’s requirements.
We would like to say thank you to the school PTA for the contributions towards resources for this room.
We hope users of The Den benefit from the stimulating visual and tactile activities.
First week in Year 1
We’ve had a brilliant first week in Year 1. We’re really impressed with how the children have settled into their new classroom. Changes can be tricky to manage and we are always here to help if your child struggles to cope with this. Reception Class to Year 1 is a big leap but we do find that the children adjust well to the new staff, routines and environments.
Here are a few things to note:
- Mrs Palmer – class teacher – Monday and Tuesday
- Mrs Bye – class teacher – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
- Miss Cairnes and Mrs Daracott – Teaching assistants
- PE – Monday and Thursdays (please dress your child in their PE clothes on these days)
- Library – Friday
Please ensure your child brings a water bottle to school every day and healthy snacks for playtime (if required).
During PE, the children are not permitted to wear earrings. Please can you ensure these have been removed prior to attending school on PE days.
The office will issue a milk list so that we are aware who can have it and also a medication update will be given to the Year 1 staff.
Homework and spellings will go home every Friday and the children will be tested on their spellings every two weeks.
The children will read daily in school and we encourage you to read with your child daily at home.
If you have any concerns or questions please either catch us at home time or make an appointment via the school office.
Here’s a few pictures from our first week in Year 1.
What a Year!
It has been an absolute pleasure to teach and get to know all of the children this year. Thank you for all of the support you have given your children at home; it really helps!
We wish everyone a very happy and healthy summer break and we look forward to seeing the children return to school on Tuesday 3rd September 2024.
Please note that the children will be in a new classroom which means they will need to turn right when the school gates open and walk through the playground where they will be met by a member of staff.
For the first week, parents can accompany their child to the classroom door. Following this, the children need to be dropped off at the school gate. There is always a member of staff in the playground to ensure the children make their way to the classroom sensibly and safely
Daily Poem (Safety Week)
To fit in with our safety theme this week, our daily poem has been about crossing the road.
We have shared this poem every day and would like you to enjoy it at home too!
Help at home by asking your child to read the poem with ‘prosody’.
You’ll be impressed!
First Aid Workshop in Year 1
This week we were lucky enough to have a visit from an experienced first aider. The children discussed what they thought first aid was and when they might need to use it.
Many of the children reflected on incidents that have happened and discussed how first aid was administered. We talked about who the first aiders are at school and when we might need to approach them.
The trainer introduced the children to dummies on which they could practice their first aid. Each child was able to rehearse what they should do if they found someone in need. They were taught to follow these steps:
- Shout for help / alert a near by adult.
- Check to see if the individual is awake.
- Check to see if the individual is breathing.
The children also practiced applying a plaster to the dummy.
By the end of the session the children were confident that they would know what to do if another person was in need.
Safety Week: Road Safety/Library Visit
It’s Safety Week in school!
This morning, Year 1 walked down to Wetherby Library. This was a great opportunity to learn about staying safe when crossing a road. Before we set off, we shared safety suggestions about walking through the town and crossing the road.
It was an absolute pleasure to escort the children to the library this morning and they were a credit to our school!
Hold your partner’s hand.
Wear a hi-vis jacket.
Stay in a line so that other people can pass.
Stop at the roadside and look both ways.
Cross at the crossing and NEVER between parked cars.
Look and listen at all times.
At the library, the class enjoyed some stories read by Mark (the librarian).
The children had time to choose some books, relax and read them.
Over the summer break, the library is holding a Reading Challenge event.
Join the Marvellous Makers Summer Reading Challenge at your local library!
For more information please visit https://wearechildfriendlyleeds.com/2024/06/25/join-the-marvellous-makers-summer-reading-challenge-at-your-local-library/
Super Sewers
We have some fantastic sewers in Year 1.
The children have learnt some new vocabulary in their design and technology lessons.
- felt: a kind of cloth made from wool
- needle: a thin piece of metal or plastic with a point at one end and a hole or eye for thread in the other, used in sewing
- thread: a long, thin strand of cotton used in sewing or weaving
- over stitch: a stitch that circles the edge of a piece of fabric
After designing their product (a puppet), it was time to start making. It was amazing to see great resilience when threading a needle and tying a knot!
We are sure you’ll agree that the stitching is incredible!
Living and Learning: I know the importance of permission (consent).
This week, the children have learnt the PANTS Rule.
As a class, we discussed the difference between appropriate/‘good’ touch, and inappropriate/‘bad’ touch.
Our conversation led to positive and negative feelings linked to good/bad touch.
A good touch can be a hug or a kiss from a family member and this can make you feel happy.
Why might people touch you?
To show affection/love.
To keep you safe when crossing a road.
If you are poorly and the doctor needs to check your body.
Next, we looked at the PANTS rule.
This is written as an acrostic poem to explain the main messages.
All of the children could name and label different parts of the body and curriculum guidance states that pupils aged 5-7 should know the terms
penis and vagina. We introduced this vocabulary in discreet terms when explaining that the pants region shouldn’t be touched.
We read each sentence and discussed what each letter of PANTS stands for.
After this, the class designed their own pants
Help at home by watching this video, featuring a friendly mascot – Pantosauraus) with your child. His catchy song covers the main points of PANTS and is a good way to introduce the topic.
What can your child remember about the PANTS Rule?