And just like that, we have reached the end of our first half term in Year 1! It has been a busy few weeks, full of new routines, growing confidence and so much learning. We have finished the week with lots to be proud of, and I hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved half-term break.
RE
This week, we have been thinking about prayer and what it means to us. We talked about how prayer can help us share our thoughts, feelings, and hopes with God. The children then wrote their own acrostic poems using the word HEAVEN, thinking carefully about the words and ideas they wanted to include.
On Wednesday, we also came together with Reception and Nursery for a special Harvest worship. It was a lovely opportunity to celebrate Harvest together, reflect on what we are thankful for, and think about the importance of gratitude and sharing with others.
Magic moments!
English
Our Supertato adventures have continued! This week, we have been doing both modelled and independent writing about Evil Pea and Supertato. The children have been putting their ideas into sentences and using everything we have practised to help them become more confident writers. It has been lovely to see how much more willing they are to have a go at writing and spelling independently.
Maths
We have now finished our unit on counting forwards and backwards within 20. The children have worked so hard and made some brilliant progress with their number skills. We are ready to begin a new Maths topic when we return after half term!
Wider learning
In PE, we tried some yoga, which was a lovely way to practise balance, movement and relaxation.
We also welcomed a nurse into school who taught us all about germs and how to wash our hands properly. The children were really engaged, and it was an informative and exciting session. We learnt why handwashing is so important and how we can help keep ourselves and others healthy.
We have been exploring guided meditation within My Happy Mind, and the children have really enjoyed having some quiet time to relax, focus, and settle their minds. It has been a lovely opportunity to slow down during our busy school days and practise taking a moment for ourselves.
We also had our Book Look, and the children absolutely loved showing their adults their books and sharing what they have been working on. It was wonderful to see them taking pride in their learning and showing off their hard work.
A Love of Reading!
We enjoyed spending some time in the library this week, where every child chose a book to take home and enjoy reading with an adult or to be read to. Reading for pleasure is such an important part of building a love of books, so I hope you enjoy sharing these stories together over the holidays!
I have also sent home a set of cards with high-frequency words on them. The children should practice these little and often throughout the week and will be given a higher set when they are fluent!
GOING DEEPER IN CONVERSATION
A little question to get your child talking about what we have been learning in school. See where the conversation takes you!
“What are you most proud of learning in Year 1 so far?”
Can they tell you about something they have found tricky but can do more confidently now? It could be writing a sentence, counting to 20, sharing their ideas or trying something new!
A Few Reminders:
Forest school takeover day!
This will take place in the afternoon on the 5th November! Please send your children into school in their warm forest school clothes, a coat and appropriate footwear!
Numberblocks Dress-Up Day – Friday 6th November
We have another Own Clothes Day coming up on Friday 6th November, when the children can dress up as their favourite Numberblock!
We will be having a fun day including lots of fun Maths activities, so I am sure the children will be very excited to get involved.
There is a letter in the window with more information, which you are welcome to read at home time.
Harvest collections
Thank you for all your boxes of cereal! We will do a cereal dominos on the first day back after the half term!
Show and tell:
Show and Tell will now take place on Friday afternoons. Children are welcome to bring something in to share with the class, but please remember that toys should be left at home. We look forward to hearing all about the things the children would like to share!
Notices
Homework- Please check the homework blog for your child’s weekly homework, including the deadline date.
We are celebrating the month of the Rosary, so the children are welcome to bring in Rosary beads if they have any at home.
Forest School- For those children attending forest school this term, please make sure they are dressed in appropriate clothes and shoes as it is getting colder now; please make sure they can be wrapped up! Forest school takeover day is 5th November for the whole class.
Email- a.edwards@ourladystarofthesea.lancs.sch.uk