Welcome to Year 1

I am really pleased to welcome my amazing new class into Year 1. We aim to have lots of fun and ensure that the transition from Reception to Year 1 is as smooth as possible. We are lucky enough to have an amazing infant area with lots of outdoor space so the children can still access continuous provision and have the freedom to plan their own learning, while working on other vital social and communication skills.

Topic

During our first week back we have been talking about feelings and how to recoginse feelings when we have them. We have played lots of fun games, drawn pictures, and taken part in role play all about feelings.

The children have also been introduced to the idea of Growth Mindset. They have learnt that our brain grows when we challenge it and when we work hard. The children have done amazing writing and drawing about times they have worked hard and grown their own brain.  They have also planted seeds that we will watch grow over the next few weeks to remind ourselves that, like seeds, our brain grows when we give it the right things. I have added a link to a video that we watched in class if you would like to learn more about growth mindset.

Once we're settled in we will begin our first topic - Julia's Bedtime Stories. This topic will celebrate the pure joy of a bedtime story and the author Julia Donaldson and her amazing stories. Each week we will choose a Julia Donaldson book and complete a number of challenges linked to the book. We have lots of exciting things planned over the next few weeks including a trip to the theatre and pyjama day - we have even created a 'bedroom'  - equipped with bed, pillows, and blankets - all for role play, not for staff napping 

I have attached a link in the files section to a video clip of Julia Donaldson sharing her top tips for reading.  In it she shares lots of ideas for encouraging your child to enjoy reading.

It would be great if you could get involved by sending in pictures of you and your child reading their favourite bedtime stories. We would love to display these to help us celebrate story time and the joy it brings.  You may also wish to enjoy a Gruffalo hunt (Delamere Forest), again if you could share your pictures, that would be appreciated. 

It would also be fantastic if parents or other family members could come in and read their favourite bedtime stories to the children, if you are interested in doing this please come and speak to us.

General Information

Staffing

Mrs Callender - class teacher

Mrs Davies - class teacher (Fridays only)

Mrs Sorvel - teaching assistant

Mrs Lamb/Mrs McHale - teaching assistant

PE

PE lessons will take place on Monday afternoons - full PE kit (including pumps) will be needed, this will remain in school and get sent home at the end of each half term

Forest School sessions will take place on Wednesdays - outdoor clothing (including wellies) will be needed.

Homework

We expect children to read regularly at home via Bug Club and the children's home reader; 5-10 minutues daily is ideal.

More information on routines and our topic can be found in the files section but please feel free to speak to me at the end of the day if you have have any questions or concerns. I look forward to us working together to make sure all of the children are happy.

Mrs Callender