Category: P1 Koalas

Hello everyone,

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced two vowel digraphs this week: oo and ee. Digraphs are two letters which go together to make one sound. We were building /writing these words : look, took, keep, beep and blending sounds together to read: moon, soon, been, seen.

Our new tricky words this week are go and my.

In writing, we had a choice of two story starts – I went to the moon……..

I see the moon………..

We are encouraging the children to use the tricky words they know and the sounds they have learned to ‘have a go’ at writing independently. If the word the child wishes to use is too difficult to sound out, they can still write the starting letter. We are trying to remember to use finger spaces after every word so that our writing is not squashed together.

We introduced reading books this week. The children have been reading in groups at the teaching table.  As well as decoding the words we have been discussing title and author, talking about the characters, and predicting what might happen next in the story.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the digraphs and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word containing that sound.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a word using the digraphs oo and ee  and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down any of the Term One tricky words  and the new tricky words go and my on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

NUMERACY AND MATHS

We have continued to work on core numeracy skills: recognising numerals, saying forward number word sequences, sequencing numerals, counting items, saying the number before and after and adding numbers together in our heads.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Please refer to your SEAL home learning wall and pick an activity to practise.

PE

We have been working on using repeated patterns of movement to create simple sequences and plan to add music and rhythm in the next few weeks.

FLUFFY!

Thank you so much for all the entries in Fluffy’s journal. It has been lovely to see the children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to take him home. At the moment, we are just allowing the children to keep him for two nights so that everyone can have a turn as soon as possible but if you forget to bring him back to school, please don’t worry.

We really don’t want to give families anything extra to have to think about so PLEASE don’t feel you have to add to the journal. Your child will be given the chance to speak to the class about what they have done with Fluffy.

SOCIAL STUDIES

As the children have shown an interest in penguins, we have started to learn about Antarctica. We have talked about where Antarctica is and looked at the weather and seasons there. We will be learning about some of the other animals which live on this continent.

LOOSE PARTS

Next date for loose parts is Thursday 25 January.

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

Hello everyone,

It has been lovely to welcome the children back to class and to hear all about their holidays. We would like to wish all our families a very healthy and happy 2024.

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We were revising some of the tricky words we learned last term. The words were hanging from the trees outside and we wrote them out in chalk.

We were writing about our holidays, trying to use the tricky words we know, as well as thinking about the letter at the start of words and using the correct letter formation.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down any of the Term One tricky words on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

NUMERACY AND MATHS

We have been working on core numeracy skills: saying forward number word sequences, sequencing numerals, counting items, saying the number before and after and adding numbers together in our heads.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Please refer to your SEAL home learning wall and pick an activity to practise.

PE

We are beginning to learn some Scottish country dancing. We have been clapping and skipping in time to the music and practising counting to four while we walk forwards and backwards with a partner.

FLUFFY!

We have adopted a penguin with WWF and will receive regular updates  about its progress throughout the year. As part of the adoption, we have been sent a small cuddly penguin which the class have named Fluffy. We would like all the children to have a turn of taking Fluffy home. There is a journal which will also come home with Fluffy. If you would like to write a few sentences about what you have been doing with Fluffy please do so. You could also include a drawing or a photograph if you wish. However, there is absolutely no expectation to do so, and your child will be given the opportunity to share anything they might want to say about their time with Fluffy with the rest of the class.

LOOSE PARTS

Next date for loose parts is Thursday 25 January.

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

Hello everyone,

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced the new sounds q and w.

 In small groups we were thinking about words beginning with these sounds, playing games, and identifying the letters which make these sounds. Some of us were learning how to ‘build’ and ‘blend’ three letter words with the sounds we know.

We also introduced two ‘tricky words’ want and no. Tricky words cannot be sounded out but have to be learned. We will continue to introduce new tricky words on a weekly basis.

We were writing about a Christmas tree, trying to write some letters and words independently, thinking about the correct formation of letters.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down want and no on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

NUMERACY AND MATHS

Following on from our learning about shape , this week we have been looking at pattern. We talked about what a pattern was and copied and continued a variety of different patterns. There were activities set up in the classroom to support this learning.

PE

We were playing games and working cooperatively.

RSHP

We were discussing people who help us and talking about who helps us at home and who helps people in certain situations.

SCIENCE

We talked about energy and looked at electricity in particular linking it to last week’s power cut in school! We looked at a poster which showed the dangers of electricity and how we can stay safe. We then thought about the items in our homes which are powered by mains electricity and items which use batteries.

Have a look around your house and see if you can find some items which use mains electricity and some which are powered by batteries.

LOOSE PARTS

No more loose parts this term.

Some other examples of learning taking place this week:

Have a lovely weekend.

Hello everyone,

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We were revising sounds and practising the correct formation of some letters using whiteboards and pens.

We were writing about our Nativity,  the role we played in it and how we felt about it.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY, LITERACY FOCUS

NUMERACY AND MATHS

We started learning about shape. We used a feely bag containing different 2D shapes and described what we could feel. We talked about the number of sides the shape had and whether they were straight or curved.

MATHS FOCUS

PE

We explored the story of the Nutcracker through dance and music.

HWB

We looked at examples of different kinds of families and discussed our own families.

ASSEMBLY

We attended a Christmas assembly along with P2-4, lead by the minister from Fairmilehead church.

NATIVITY

Well done to all our P1s for two fantastic performances. Thanks to all families and friends who came along to support them.

LOOSE PARTS

We had a chilly but enjoyable loose parts play.

No more loose parts until the new term.

ART

We have begun to make santas which will hang from the ceiling. We will bring these home at the end of term.

Some other examples of learning taking place this week:

PARTY TIME!

Primary one will be having their party on the afternoon of  Wednesday 13 December. Please can you provide your child with a box containing 3 items of party food and a drink, thank you.

Have a lovely weekend.

Hello everyone,

This week’s blog will be a very short one. P1K have had a really busy week rehearsing for their Nativity. We are looking forward to sharing our beautiful singing and loud speaking voices with our special audience next week.

PE

We were playing running games to improve our fitness and have fun. We participated in various fitness activities at different stations around the gym hall. We practised some yoga in our classroom.

ART

Some of us have been drawing parts of the Christmas story for our window display.

LOOSE PARTS

Next date for loose parts is Wednesday 6 December.

Here are some examples of learning taking place this week, please ask your child about their learning. Many children have been very interested in making our home corner and small loose parts areas into a café. They have been making signs, creating menus, drawing plates of food, and taking on the roles of customers and waiting staff.

Have a lovely weekend.

Hello everyone,

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced the new sounds v and j.

 In small groups we were thinking about words beginning with these sounds, playing games, and identifying the letters which make these sounds. Some of us were learning how to ‘build’ and ‘blend’ three letter words with the sounds we know.

We also introduced two ‘tricky words’ was and saw. Tricky words cannot be sounded out but have to be learned. We will be introducing new tricky words on a weekly basis.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down was and saw on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

NUMERACY AND MATHS

On Friday 1 December the children will bring home their learning stories with comments on their progress in literacy and numeracy along with evidence of their learning. This week we have been assessing the children in numeracy.

PE

We were playing running games to improve our fitness and have fun. We participated in various fitness activities at different stations around the gym hall. We practised some yoga in our classroom.

NATIVITY

Together with the Pandas we have been practising the songs we will be singing and trying to say our words loudly and clearly in the big hall. Please help your child to learn their words and home, encouraging them to speak as loudly as possible!

LOOSE PARTS

Next date for loose parts is Wednesday 6 December.

ART

We decorated a giant Christmas tree for the hall and everyone drew their own Christmas bauble.

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

Have a lovely weekend.

Hello everyone,

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced the new sounds c, k and ck.

 In small groups we were thinking about words beginning and ending with these sounds, playing games, and identifying the letters which make these sounds. Some of us were learning how to ‘build’ and ‘blend’ three letter words with the sounds we know.

We also introduced two ‘tricky words’ his and put. Tricky words cannot be sounded out but have to be learned. We will be introducing new tricky words on a weekly basis.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down his and put on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

Writing – Our starter sentence this week was ‘He put his…………’

We are encouraging the children to   try to  write as many of the letters and words as they can.

NUMERACY AND MATHS

In numeracy we have been carrying out some assessments to establish where children are in their learning and to identify next steps.

We were completing our topic on measure, using the language : taller, shorter, heavier, lighter, full, empty, more, less.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Please choose an activity from the SEAL wall which was sent home earlier in the term.

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ordering-and-sequencing/caterpillar-ordering

PE

We were playing running games to improve our fitness and have fun. We participated in various fitness activities at different stations around the gym hall.

We took part in yoga in the classroom.

RME

We talked about the celebration of Diwali and watched a short film about it.

NATIVITY

We have started practising our Nativity play which will be performed to families on Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 December. Your child has a piece of paper with the part they will be playing in their purple folder (If it says N. and a number, they are a narrator). Can you please help your child to learn their words. Further information will be coming out shortly.

WORLD BOOK WEEK

We had a visit from local author Morag Hood. She talked about her job as an author and illustrator and shared two of her books with us: Spaghetti Hunters and Dig Dig Digger. She showed us how she draws one of her main characters and the children drew along with her. They were very engaged in this activity and were proud of the results. Your child should have brought their drawing home in their purple folder yesterday.

LOOSE PARTS

Next date for loose parts is Wednesday 6 December.

SPARE SOCKS AND TIGHTS

As the weather gets wetter, we are always needing a supply of dry footwear. If any families are able to donate any old socks or tights that would be really useful.

INDOOR PE

As we are now doing all of our PE inside can you please make sure that your child has suitable shoes for the gym halls. Can we ask that long hair is tied back.

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

Have a lovely weekend.

Hello everyone,

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced the new sounds l and b.

 In small groups we were thinking about words beginning with these sounds, playing games, and identifying the letters which make these sounds. Some of us were learning how to ‘build’ and ‘blend’ three letter words with the sounds we know.

We also introduced two ‘tricky words’ is and me. Tricky words cannot be sounded out but have to be learned. We will be introducing new tricky words on a weekly basis.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down is and me on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

Writing – Our starter sentence this week was ‘The bat…………’

We are encouraging the children to   try to  write as many of the letters as they can.

NUMERACY AND MATHS

In numeracy we have been counting backwards from 20 and putting numerals in order. Some of us were working on number bonds to 10.

We were talking about the language of measure : taller, shorter, heavier, lighter, full, empty, more, less.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Please choose an activity from the SEAL wall which was sent home earlier in the term.

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/ordering-and-sequencing/caterpillar-ordering

PE

We were playing running games to improve our fitness and have fun. We participated in various fitness activities at different stations around the gym hall.

HWB

As part of our Health and Wellbeing programme to help build resilience and following on from our introductory assembly, we were discussing the idea of special people in our lives and how they can make us feel happy when things are not going so well. We drew pictures which showed, ‘I am happy when…………’

LOOSE PARTS

We enjoyed the sunshine during loose parts this week.

Next date for loose parts is Wednesday 6 December.

SPARE SOCKS AND TIGHTS

As the weather gets wetter, we are always needing a supply of dry footwear. If any families are able to donate any old socks or tights that would be really useful.

INDOOR PE

As we are now doing all of our PE inside can you please make sure that your child has suitable shoes for the gym halls. Can we ask that long hair is tied back.

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

Have a lovely weekend.

Hello everyone, we have had a busy week in school. It was lovely to see so many parents and family members at our drop in today, thank you for coming.

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced the new sounds u and f.

 In small groups we were thinking about words beginning with these sounds, playing games, and identifying the letters which make these sounds. Some of us were learning how to ‘build’ and ‘blend’ three letter words with the sounds we know.

We also introduced two ‘tricky words’ to and he. Tricky words can not be sounded out but have to be learned. We will be introducing new tricky words on a weekly basis.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down to and he on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

Writing – we used some of the words we have been learning for our starter sentence this week- I went to the………………

These examples of writing will go in your child’s learning story which they will be bringing home on the 1 December.

NUMERACY AND MATHS

In numeracy we have been practising careful counting and some of us have been adding two numbers together to make amounts totalling numbers between 11-20.

In measure we were using the pan balance to predict then measuring using cubes.

We were predicting which container held the most water then checking to see if we were correct.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Practise careful counting of a group of items. Say the number out loud as you place your finger on each item. How many items can you count correctly?

PE

We were playing running games to improve our fitness and have fun. We participated in various fitness activities at different stations around the gym hall.

HWB

As part of our Health and Wellbeing programme to help build resilience and following on from last week’s introductory  assembly, we were discussing the idea of special people in our lives and how they can make us feel happy when things are not going so well. We drew pictures which showed, ‘I am happy when…………’

WALK IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

As part of exploring and discovering the interesting features of  our local environment we enjoyed our walk around Buckstone. We looked at street names, the different types of houses and local amenities such as the park. We posted a letter to Mrs Conlin at the post box, and we were very excited to find out that it arrived the very next day! Mrs Conlin was delighted with her card and message from P1K.

LOOSE PARTS

Next date for loose parts is Tuesday 7 November.

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

Hello everyone, it has been great to welcome the children back after mid term and to hear about their holidays.

This is what we have been learning this week:

LITERACY

We introduced the new sounds o and g.

 In small groups we were thinking about words beginning with these sounds, playing games, and identifying the letters which make these sounds. Some of us were learning how to ‘build’ and ‘blend’ three letter words with the sounds we know.

We also introduced two ‘tricky words’ I and the. Tricky words can not be sounded out but have to be learned. We will be introducing new tricky words on a weekly basis.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Hold up the letters and ask your child to tell you the sound they make. Ask them if they can think of a word beginning with that sound. Play ‘I spy’ using the sounds your child has learnt.

Use letters written on a piece of paper or card to ‘build’ a word. The adult says a three letter word and the child choses the correct sounds to make that word.

An adult makes a three letter word, and the child says the pure sounds of each letter to blend together to read the word.

Write down I and the on a piece of paper or card, hold the cards behind your back then show them to your child and ask them to read the word you have shown them. Your child could practise writing these words, forming the letters the way they have been shown in class.

(If you are unsure about correct letter formation, please speak to one of us at the end of the day).

NUMERACY

In numeracy we have been developing our knowledge of forward and backward number word sequences starting at different numbers. We have been sequencing numerals and practising counting strategies.

We will be looking at measure in the next few weeks and began this week by going outside to collect sticks and put them in length order.

THINGS TO DO AT HOME

Quite a few children are finding counting backwards  challenging, here are some fun songs to sing along with which help to practise counting backwards from  20.

PE

We were playing running games to improve our fitness and have fun.

HWB

As part of our Health and Wellbeing programme we were talking about friends and what makes a good friend. The class came up with lots of good ideas:

Someone who is kind to you.

Somebody who likes the same kind of games you do.

Someone who laughs at the same things or makes us laugh.

Someone who looks after you when you are hurt.

We drew pictures of ourselves playing with our friends which you will be able to see at the Drop In.

LOOSE PARTS

Some examples of learning taking place this week:

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

As the weather gets wetter, can you please make sure that your child has a full change of clothes which are replaced when used. We have a very limited stock of spare clothing in class.

LOST PROPERTY

We have a number of items of clothing which have been left in the classroom. I will put them out on display next Friday at the Drop In so that you can claim any missing items.

Please can you check that your child has brought home the correct jumper as we have had a few missing jumpers which have names on them.

JUNK

Please can you continue to bring in cardboard boxes, plastic trays and packaging for our modelling area as the children really enjoy creating models and building with these items.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.