Autumn in Ash Class

Autumn Term in Year 1 is always an exciting time, packed with curiosity, discovery and new experiences.

The children will become little detectives, conducting investigations, exploring the Ice Age during our experience day, and learning how to ask questions, make predictions and discover things for themselves.

We will grow our own plants, make delicious fruit kebabs and become space experts, researching and writing our own non-fiction reports.

Alongside our learning, we will develop independence, resilience and terrific teamwork — and, of course, prepare for the highlight of the term: our Nativity performance!

It promises to be a wonderful term of learning, growing, creating and making special Year 1 memories together.

Reading/Phonics/Spellings

All children will read daily. As part of our reading curriculum we follow 'Little Wandle'. The children have daily phonics session and guided reading sessions every morning. The children are grouped based on their phonic ability.

Spellings are given every Friday for children to practise at home.

You may wish support your child with learning to spell common exception words.

English

Just when you thought one would never come along... This is a book for reading together with young children; designed to encourage conversation, visual literacy and imaginative play. This is a fast-paced text with lively illustrations and a playful approach to font design. The text has links to toys, transport, the history of toys and provides opportunities for discussions around behavioural expectations.

Astrid has always loved the stars and space. "I want to be an astronaut!" she says. While Mama is away, Papa and Astrid have fun acting out the challenges an astronaut faces on a space mission - eating food from a tube, doing science experiments, living and sleeping in near-zero gravity. Astrid can do it all! Then it's time to meet Mama at the airbase. But where has Mama been? This book has a strong narrative and a message about following your dreams. The main character is a girl with an accomplished working mother and father who is the main caregiver at home. Facts on inclusive astronaut history are included, offering a vision for all children who dream of pursuing careers in STEM and space travel.

The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as it he begins to lose hope, lying flat on his back in despair, a deer comes by and asks a rather obvious question that suddenly sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this quirky take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in illustrations laced with visual humour.

This is a fun take on the super-hero, comic genre which will engage children with its colourful style and characters. The fast-paced story provides an ideal opportunity to discuss the attributes of a hero and everyday heroes in our communities. 

Maths

We will be teaching maths though White Rose Maths. This is a research-based scheme of learning, consistent with the aims and objectives of the National Curriculum, that is designed to support a mastery approach to teaching and learning. In the Autumn term our focus will be on place value, adding, and subtraction.

Maps

Let’s get exploring! In year 1, children become map makers as they learn how maps help us understand and explore the world around us. They will investigate familiar places, use simple maps and symbols, follow routes and directions, and even create their own maps. Along the way, they will develop their sense of place and discover that there is a whole world waiting to be explored!

History

Step back in time and discover a world of ice, woolly mammoths and prehistoric people! In year 1, children will explore what life was like during the Ice Age, investigating how people lived, hunted and adapted to their changing environment. Through hands-on activities and exciting discoveries, they will become little historians, using evidence to piece together the story of this fascinating period in history.

Art 

Children will explore the fascinating world of ancient cave paintings, looking at the colours, patterns and techniques used by early humans. They will experiment with natural materials and create their own prehistoric-inspired artwork, bringing the Ice Age to life through art.

Computing 

Children will learn the basics of coding.

RE

Philosophy - Children will use their senses to learn about the world and different faiths.  

How can I help my child in year 1?

Talking, listening and reading:

We encourage parents to read with their children daily. Local libraries are a fun environment for children to explore books and foster a real love of reading. Comprehension is an important part of reading. This can be developed through asking questions such as 'What do you predict will happen next?' and 'How do you think the character might be feeling?'. This will help bring the book to life!

Please support your children with their homework. Mrs Griggs will be on hand to guide you where necessary.

Writing

Encourage your child to write at home. They may wish to keep a diary, or help with shopping lists. 

You can support your child with games on the Letter-join website.

Letter-join whole school handwriting scheme

Maths:

Please practise counting in 2s, 5s and 10s. This can be a fun game on the way to school, in the supermarket or wherever you can squeeze it in! 

NumBots is an online game and playing little and often will significantly improve your child’s recall and understanding of number bonds and addition and subtraction facts. These are critical foundations in maths so we are excited by the impact NumBots will have.

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