Author: dearbhlakelly

LITERACY

This week we introduced two new sounds: r and h

When revising these sounds at home please always use the pure sound of the letter. (Please don’t add an i to the sound to make mi). As we begin to blend and build words to read and write, not using the correct pure sound can make things tricky for us. If you would like further explanation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day.

Home learning options:

Task 1

Adults build/write the words and have children build and blend the sounds.

sat

pat

pin

sit

tip

sip

tap

tan

pan

man

hen

net

mat

rat

hat

The child should pronounce each sound as the pure sound, then blend the sounds together to read the words.

Task 2:

The adult should say one of the spelling words and the child uses the cards to build the word by finding the sound at the start, the sound in the middle, the sound at the end.

Please keep the cards you have made as we will be adding more sounds in the future.

You could play this game using a phone or a tablet. Please choose the ‘initial sounds’ option first.

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/phonics/balloon-phonics-cvc-game

MATHS AND NUMERACY

In P1 we use the SEAL programme (Stages of Early Arithmetical Learning) which promotes number literacy. Pupils will be learning skills and strategies appropriate to their current stage of development. This includes(but is not limited to) recognising numerals to 10, 20 and beyond; counting forwards and backwards in sequence; counting objects with accurate 1-1 correspondence; ascribing numerosity to random arrays, spatial and finger patterns; counting two seen/unseen collections; describing and creating equal groups; partitioning patterns and numbers.

Things to do at home

All children acquire numeracy skills at different rates so the homework activities are skills to practise. If your child finds it easy, increase the level of challenge by adjusting the range of number (eg work within 10, up to 20, up to 50 etc).

Say the number AFTER  a given number ( what comes after 7?). Children should answer quickly without the need to count from 1.

Say the number BEFORE a given number.

Explore teen numbers. Eg 11 = 10 and 1, 12 = 10 and 2. 13 is 10 and how many more?

Count forwards and backwards.

Count a random collection of moveable or fixed items accurately with 1-1 correspondence.

This week, we expanded our understanding of measurement by using our hands and cubes to measure various objects in our classroom.

Independent learning

The children have been developing their skills through a variety of learning within our classroom and the shared area.

PE

As a class, we have been learning to negotiate space and obstacles safely; with consideration for themselves and others. Demonstrate strength, balance and co-ordination and move energetically, such as running, jumping, hopping, and skipping.

Interdisciplinary learning:

The children continued their learning of our local area. They engaged in an activity of drawing their favourite place in the local area.

Additional things to note:

Please bring in any clean recycling for the children to use in our STEM area.

Please make sure your child has a change of clothes in case they get wet or muddy. Can these items of clothing be named and kept in school in a bag. If your child has to change their clothes and takes the wet/dirty items home, please make sure they are replaced the next day.

We still have a purple jumper which has been left in class for a few days now. It does not have a name on it, please come and ask one of us if you think it might belong to your child.

Any donations of plastic bags would be really useful for taking home artwork or wet clothes, thank you.

We are very happy to speak to parents at the end of the day to discuss any issue concerning your child. We are not able to talk to parents in the morning as we have to supervise the children as they come in ready to start their day. Thank you for your understanding.

Enjoy the October break 😊

LITERACY

This week, we’ve been revising and assessing our knowledge of the sounds we’ve learned so far: s, a, t, p, i, n. Our focus has been on blending these sounds to read CVC words, such as “pat.”

When practicing these sounds at home, please ensure you are using the pure sound of each letter (for example, avoiding adding an “i” sound to make them “ti” or “pi”). If you’d like further clarification, feel free to speak with one of us at the end of the day.

We completed a writing activity based on the prompt, “My hair was blowing in the wind when…”

Home learning options:

Here are some engaging activities that you can do at home to help revise the sounds.

Sound Hunt:

1. Ask your child to go on a “sound hunt” around the house. They can find objects or pictures that start with the sounds s, a, t, p, i, or n (e.g., s for sock, a for apple, t for toy).

CVC Word Building:

• Use magnetic letters, letter cards, or just pen and paper to help your child build simple CVC words like sat, pin, tap, etc., using the sounds s, a, t, p, i, and n. This reinforces building and blending skills.

Sound Writing Practice:

• Practice writing the letters s, a, t, p, i, and n in fun ways. You could use finger paints, chalk outside, or trace them in a tray of salt or sand.

MATHS AND NUMERACY

In P1, we use the SEAL programme (Stages of Early Arithmetical Learning), which promotes number literacy and helps children experience and understand numbers at their own pace and level. The key skills we focus on include:

• Recognising numerals to 10, 20, and beyond
• Counting forwards and backwards in sequence
• Counting objects with accurate 1-to-1 correspondence
• Ascribing numerosity to random arrays, spatial, and finger patterns
• Counting two seen/unseen collections
• Describing and creating equal groups
• Partitioning patterns and numbers

Here are some photos of the children engaging in independent learning activities.

In PE, we have been exploring how to move at different speeds and have started learning about various multi-skills.

Looking ahead to next week:

On Tuesday, we will be having loose parts play with the other P1 class. It would be helpful if all children could have appropriate clothing and footwear for this. Thank you 😊

Enjoy your weekend everyone. 😊

Literacy

This week we have been learning to recognise and begin to write the graphemes i and n

When practicing these sounds at home, please use the pure sound of each letter. As we start blending and building words to read and write, using the correct pure sounds is important to avoid confusion. If you need further explanation, feel free to speak to one of us at the end of the day.

MATHS AND NUMERACY

This week we have continued our focus of the following:

• Recognising numerals up to 10, 20, and beyond
• Counting in both forward and backward sequences
• Counting objects with precise one-to-one correspondence
• Identifying and understanding quantities in random arrays, spatial arrangements, and finger patterns
• Counting two sets of items, whether visible or hidden
• Describing and creating equal groups
• Partitioning numbers and patterns

Our goal is to establish a solid foundation in numeracy through these targeted activities.