Here you will find out all about the learning this term.

Here is your child's thematic learning for this half term:

Phonics 

Phonics is an important part of Year 1. It is crucial to the children’s ability to read and write words, as they move on from writing the simple sentences that were the main focus in the Early Years Curriculum, to writing more complex sentences, in a range of different styles and covering a vast array of topics. The official Phonics Screening Check will be taking place in the Summer Term. This will assess their ability to segment and blend words that are both real and not-real. We have been working hard in school to ensure children have access to lots of phonics learning. To give you an insight into how we teach phonics at our school please click here to view the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Programme. 

For further information in relation to what to expect when it comes to the Phonics Screening, please find attached a ‘Year 1 Guide to the Phonics Screening Check’ PowerPoint. 

Every Friday your child receives words based on the sounds that they have been learning that week. Please continue to practice these as we found that the children’s performance in the phonics assessments are strongly linked to their progress in their daily phonics lessons.

Your child will also take home at least 3 books every week, this is to promote a love of reading by way of sharing books with an adult, in addition to practicing the blending of words that contain the sounds being taught in their current phase/ phonics group.​

Year 1 Curriculum Targets
It is important that your child works towards the Band 1 targets, please find the targets for Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Science attached.

Homework

Reading

In Year 2 children are assessed at their reading level for word reading, fluency and comprehension. The more you read at home the more confident and fluent reader your child will be!

Colour banded books/Picture books - Children are expected to read at home at least 3 times a week and record this in their reading record book. Reading record books should be brought in to school every Friday, so that your child’s teacher can see how they are getting along.

It is recommended that you listen and ask your child a few questions about the text, this is to ensure that they understand the words that they are reading. If you are unsure what questions to ask please find attached a handy ‘Year 1 reading questions bookmark’ and a more comprehensive ‘KS1 focused reading skills question word mats’ set – pick 2/3 each time. 

Reading Stars – our whole school reading competition. If your child reads 3 times a week and records this in their reading record – they are a reading star! We will be competing to be the best year group at reading at home.

Bug Club - All children have access to Bug Club at home where they can read online and answer questions. If you have trouble logging in, please email your class teacher. 

1. Visit the website www.activelearnprimary.co.uk (Make sure you have flash player downloaded) or download the App ‘Puffin Academy’ then click ‘Puffin Portal’ . Next, click the search bar and type ‘bug club.’ Afterwards, scroll down to the bug club logo and click ‘launch’
2. Log in using your child’s details

Log in: (see child’s print out in Reading Record book)

School code: k3xx

3. Click ‘Log in’
4. Don’t forget that when reading if you see the bug to answer the questions about the text

Homework Takeaway Menu

We can’t wait to see the brilliant homework you produce and send in via Portfolios on Class Dojo!

Each half-term we will upload the takeaway homework menu to Class Dojo and this webpage. If children complete their homework please upload this to their portfolio on Class Dojo. The following link is a great video from Class Dojo’s YouTube channel, if you are unsure how to post to your child’s portfolio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XCXSBHbMIo

The homework menu has a chilli rating which suggests the difficulty or challenge the homework may offer. Every half term you should attempt at least one ‘flaming hot’ task!