Spring 1

Hello everyone!

We’re excited to share what our wonderful Year 1 children will be learning this term. It’s going to be a fun and busy few weeks filled with creativity, curiosity, and lots of new discoveries! In your class to support your learning we have Miss Kennedy (Class Teacher) and Mrs Begum(Teaching assistant).

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am pleased to share an overview of our learning for Autumn 1.

Maths

In maths, we will develop our understanding of numbers to 20. Children will practise counting forwards and backwards, recognising and representing numbers, comparing numbers and exploring one more and one less. We will use practical resources, games and mathematical talk to help children develop secure number knowledge and confidence.

English

The Billy Goats Gruff

Our English learning this term will be based around the traditional tale The Billy Goats Gruff. Children will develop their storytelling, vocabulary, sentence writing and comprehension skills while exploring the characters and events within the story.

We will also be developing our speaking and listening skills, encouraging children to retell stories confidently and use adventurous vocabulary in their writing.

Science

Our science learning will focus on the four seasons, with particular attention to the changes we can observe in the world around us. Children will explore weather, daylight, temperature and seasonal changes. We will encourage our young scientists to observe, ask questions, investigate and talk about what they notice, developing a sense of wonder about the world around them.

Art

In Art, we will be inspired by the work of Vincent Van Gogh. Children will explore colour, line, shape and texture and experiment with different artistic techniques.We will encourage children to express their own ideas creatively while learning about an important artist and developing their confidence as young artists.

History

In history we are learning about shops and shopping and how this has changed over time .

RE

In RE, we will explore the theme of Families. Children will think about what makes a family, the people who are important to us and how families can be different.We will talk about love, belonging, care and the ways in which people support one another, encouraging children to listen respectfully to different experiences and viewpoints.

As we approach the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check (June 2027) , it is essential that children are reading at home for at least 10 minutes every night. Regular reading practice is key to developing confidence, fluency, and accuracy in decoding words. The phonics screening check is designed to ensure children are developing these early reading skills and to identify any children who may need extra support .

Research and national guidance consistently highlight that strong reading skills are the foundation for all future learning, and children who read regularly are far more likely to reach their full academic potential .

For more information about the phonics screening check and how you can support your child at home, please visit:
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/year-1-phonics-screening-check/

Thank you, as always, for your continued support. If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.

We are looking forward to a fantastic Autumn Term together!

For homework please complete the weekly tasks set on Emile. They are set every Tuesday and you have one week to complete. Please ensure you are reading every night.

Your child's RAISE assembly dates-

Below are some pictures of last terms wonderful learning.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic term of learning and growing together. Thank you for your continued support!

Warm wishes,
The Year 1 Team

Learning at home - How you can help

The Importance of Reading and Phonics

Reading at home is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s learning. In the UK, only around 1 in 3 children (approximately 33%) say they enjoy reading in their free time, which shows how important it is for schools and families to work together to build positive reading habits.

Children who read regularly:

  • develop stronger reading and writing skills

  • build a wider vocabulary

  • gain confidence in speaking and understanding texts

  • perform better across all subjects, not just English

Just 5–10 minutes of reading each day can make a real difference. Reading does not need to be perfect — the most important thing is enjoyment and encouragement.

Phonics

Phonics is the foundation of early reading and writing. By practising letter sounds, blending, and recognising tricky words, children become more confident and fluent readers. Short, regular phonics practice at home helps reinforce what is taught in school.

Simple Ways to Support at Home

  • Read together every day, even for a short time

  • Talk about the book and ask questions about what has happened

  • Encourage your child to sound out words using phonics

  • Praise effort and progress to build confidence

Useful UK Phonics and Reading Websites

Suggested Reading Ideas

  • Traditional tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears

  • Simple non-fiction books about animals, space, or explorers

  • Picture books with repeated phrases

  • Early reading books matched to your child’s phonics level

Reading Records

Please remember to sign your child’s reading record and add a short comment. This helps us support your child’s progress and celebrate their achievements.