Our box wrapping activity last week was very popular – many thanks for the generous donation of a brand new roll of paper. We would still welcome any donations of surplus Christmas wrapping paper/ribbon and small empty cardboard boxes for wrapping in order to allow more children opportunity to access this activity, but please don’t shop especially – unwanted leftovers are absolutely fine.

Many thanks

Nativity

Our main focus this week was our presentation of the story of the Nativity. The children worked so hard to learn their lines, songs and actions. We performed to an audience 5 times in total, one to the nursery, twice to classes from the school and then twice to parents. We very much hope you enjoyed it.

I’m happy to say that almost all children in the class were very proficient at dressing themselves and changing into their costumes, and folding their clothes neatly. We only have two extra items of unclaimed costume. One vest and one white tshirt. If your child is missing one of these please come to the door to collect or send a message and I can pop it in a purple folder.

Independent learning

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Literacy.

This week we have been revising all of the block one tricky words

This week’s homework sheet includes all of these words. We would like all pupils to be confident in their recognition and spelling of these words by the end of term. We will be continuing to focus on these in class for the next two weeks and would appreciate your support with spelling practise at home..

Tricky words are words which we cannot sound out phonetically so we need to learn them by heart. We would like the children to learn to write these words from memory as well as being able to recognise and read them by sight. Use the” Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” strategy ( this should be self explanatory, but if you have any questions about this approach, please ask)

Numeracy and Maths

This week we have been exploring how 10 and a single digit number can stack together to make a teens number. We noticed that the single digit number replaces the zero in the number ten. You may wish to use this website which we have been using in class to support this learning. This understanding will help us to quickly complete mental addition of the following sums. Please practice this at home

10 + 1=

10 + 2=

10 + 3=

10 + 4 =

etc ( but not in order!)

Other areas of the curriculum.

We collected sticks in the playground, exploring length and thickness and making measurement comparisons. We then used them to create some Christmas artwork.

This week’s homework and other information

• Learn Block one tricky words.
• help an adult to wrap a parcel.
• Practise those tricky zips.

A reminder to please name all items of clothing and shoes, and to check names on items brought home in case your child accidentally acquires a jumper belonging to someone else.

Can you help ?

We would like to have a box wrapping activity in the classroom to promote motor skills, estimating, problem solving and 3D object awareness. To facilitate this, we would really welcome any donations of surplus Christmas wrapping paper/ribbon and small empty cardboard boxes for wrapping. If you have any we could use, please send to school with your child any day next week.

Many thanks

Independent learning

The children have been developing a wide range of skills through independent learning opportunities in class.

Literacy.

This week we have introduced the letter sounds k and ck as well as the ‘tricky’ words saw and no.

Tricky words are words which we cannot sound out phonetically so we need to learn them by heart. We would like the children to learn to write these words from memory as well as being able to recognise and read them by sight. Use the” Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” strategy ( this should be self explanatory, but if you have any questions about this approach, please ask)

Our writing/storytelling prompt this week was the story of the Nativity.

Numeracy and Maths

We have been practising forming the numerals 3 and 4 accurately.

Our Core numeracy skills this week were

• writing the numerals 1 – 10 ( and beyond) correctly
• counting backwards from 10 (or 20 for some pupils).
• naming the next number in an isolated short backwards number sequence. ie. I say, 10, 9, 8 (they say 7)
• establishing a collection (give me 9 counters/raisins/etc)
• counting a collection beyond 10 with accurate 1-1 correspondence
• recognising numerals
• sequencing a short selection of numerals ( e.g. 5,6,7,8)
• making instant finger patterns (show me 6 fingers without counting them)
• recognising dice patterns and clapping the amount of dots on the dice

Our challenge numeracy skills were.

• adding two collections with the second one screened ( e.g. here are 8 counters, there are 5 more hiding under this pot, how many altogether?)
• sequencing numerals within the range 0-100
• naming the number after a given number (0-30)
• counting backwards from 30, starting and stopping at different points
• investigating which equal groups can be made from a given number ( e.g. can I make 2 equal groups/3 equal groups/4 equal groups/5 equal groups from 12 counters? What about if I have 16 counters, or 18 etc)

Looking ahead to next week

We are very excited to share our nativity play with you next week,

Please send any costume items by Monday at the latest so we are ready for our dress rehearsals.

Other areas of the curriculum

A huge Thank you to Mr Seeruthun for coming to talk to all the P 1 classes about his work as a train engineer. the children really enjoyed his visit. Thanks also for the pen and pencil case gifts – much appreciated.

We have used oil pastels to create some Christmas artwork.

We have continued to find our about the story of the Nativity and have been practising our songs to help us tell the story.

We learned facts about Koalas, using vocabulary such as marsupial, joey, pouch, mammal, eucalyptus

In music we sang songs and played games designed to develop skills of keeping a steady beat. We also explored using our voices in different ways.

We spotted a Scotland flag in the sky on St Andrew’s day/

This week’s homework and other information

• Learn your nativity line off by heart . Speak slowly, clearly and loud!
• Learn to read and write this week’s tricky words.
• Use the blue letter cards to practice building and blending words

A reminder to please name all items of clothing and shoes, and to check names on items brought home in case your child accidentally acquires a jumper belonging to someone else.

Independent learning

The children have been developing a wide range of skills through independent learning opportunities in class.

here are a few photos, including some from last week.

Literacy.

This week we have introduced the letter sounds l and c as well as the ‘tricky’ words was and want.

Tricky words are words which we cannot sound out phonetically so we need to learn them by heart. We would like the children to learn to write these words from memory as well as being able to recognise and read them by sight. Use the” Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” strategy ( this should be self explanatory, but if you have any questions about this approach, please ask)

Our writing/storytelling prompt this week was our friends and our learning.

Numeracy and Maths

Our maths focus this week has been on copying, continuing and creating repeating patterns

You may with to play this game at home to reinforce our learning.

Our Core numeracy skills this week were

• writing the numerals 1 – 10 ( and beyond) correctly
• counting backwards from 10 (or 20 for some pupils).
• naming the next number in an isolated short backwards number sequence. ie. I say, 10, 9, 8 (they say 7)
• establishing a collection (give me 9 counters/raisins/etc)
• counting a collection beyond 10 with accurate 1-1 correspondence
• recognising numerals
• sequencing a short selection of numerals ( e.g. 5,6,7,8)
• making instant finger patterns (show me 6 fingers without counting them)
• recognising dice patterns and clapping the amount of dots on the dice

Our challenge numeracy skills were.

• adding two collections with the second one screened ( e.g. here are 8 counters, there are 5 more hiding under this pot, how many altogether?)
• sequencing numerals within the range 0-100
• naming the number after a given number (0-30)
• counting backwards from 30, starting and stopping at different points
• investigating which equal groups can be made from a given number ( e.g. can I make 2 equal groups/3 equal groups/4 equal groups/5 equal groups from 12 counters? What about if I have 16 counters, or 18 etc)

Looking ahead to next week

Loose parts play outside on Friday morning

Other areas of the curriculum

We have continued to find our about the story of the Nativity and have been practising our songs to help us tell the story.

We helped to decorate a huge Christmas tree for the hall wall.

In music we sang songs and played games designed to develop skills of keeping a steady beat. We also explored using our voices in different ways.

In PE we have been focusing on working on stamina and following a circuit of activities.

This week’s homework and other information

• Learn your nativity line off by heart . Speak slowly, clearly and loud!
• Learn to read and write this week’s tricky words.
• Use the blue letter cards to practice building and blending words
• Please see the purple folder for information re nativity costuumes

A reminder to please name all items of clothing and shoes, and to check names on items brought home in case your child accidentally acquires a jumper belonging to someone else.

Independent learning

The children have been developing a wide range of skills through independent learning opportunities in class.

Unfortunately, due to an issue with the WordPress site, we are unable to upload any photographs of our learning this week, but please be assured we have been just as busy learning as usual.

Literacy.

This week we have introduced the letter sounds b and u as well as the ‘tricky’ words put and his.

Tricky words are words which we cannot sound out phonetically so we need to learn them by heart. We would like the children to learn to write these words from memory as well as being able to recognise and read them by sight. Use the” Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” strategy ( this should be self explanatory, but if you have any questions about this approach, please ask)

Our writing/storytelling prompt this week was our friends and our learning.

Numeracy and Maths

We have continued to revise and try to learn the number bonds for 10.Please help your child to learn these number facts with instant recall. You can use questions such as

• What goes with 2 to make 10 ?
• What is the partner number for 6 to make 10 ?
• Tell me a pair of numbers which add up to 10

You make wish to let your child play this game to reinforce their learning. ( adult choose the number bonds button, then select the ‘make 10’ option.

We have also started to discuss pattern, ready for a focus next week on pattern and symmetry.

Our Core numeracy skills this week were

• writing the numerals 6 – 10 ( and beyond) correctly
• counting backwards from 10 (or 20 for some pupils).
• naming the next number in an isolated short backwards number sequence. ie. I say, 10, 9, 8 (they say 7)
• establishing a collection (give me 9 counters/raisins/etc)
• counting a collecting with accurate 1-1 correspondence
• recognising numerals
• sequencing a short selection of numerals ( e.g. 5,6,7,8)
• making instant finger patterns (show me 6 fingers without counting them)
• recognising dice patterns and clapping the amount of dots on the dice

Our challenge numeracy skills were.

• adding two collections with the second one screened ( e.g. here are 8 counters, there are 5 more hiding under this pot, how many altogether?)
• sequencing numerals within the range 0-100
• naming the number after a given number (0-30)
• counting backwards from 30, starting and stopping at different points
• investigating which equal groups can be made from a given number ( e.g. can I make 2 equal groups/3 equal groups/4 equal groups/5 equal groups from 12 counters? What about if I have 16 counters, or 18 etc)

Looking ahead to next week.

Lots of Nativity practice next week – please make sure you know your line!

Other areas of the curriculum

We have continued to find our about the story of the Nativity and have been practising some songs to help us tell the story.

We had further discussion about people who help us and found out about the roles of a police officer and someone who works on a train serving snacks.

Another very successful loose parts activity session with lots of scientific investigations.

In music we sang songs and played games designed to develop skills of keeping a steady beat. We also explored using our voices in different ways.

In PE we have been focusing on working in teams, sharing resources and following a circuit of activities.

We enjoyed a road safety magic show on Monday. Stop, look, listen and think.

It has been Scottish Book week. The children will today bring home a bag of resources from the Scottish Book trust.

This week’s homework and other information

• Learn your nativity line off by heart . Speak slowly, clearly and loud!
• Learn to read and write this week’s tricky words.
• Use the blue letter cards to practice building and blending words

A reminder to please name all items of clothing and shoes, and to check names on items brought home in case your child accidentally acquires a jumper belonging to someone else.

My apologies, I forgot to add our loose parts session tomorrow ( Wednesday 16th) to the blog last Friday. Please ensure children are dressed warmly. The forecast is dry, but waterproofs and wellies are still advisable.

On Thursday, pupils should come dressed for school photographs ( no PE lesson this day)

Independent learning

The children have been developing a wide range of skills through independent learning opportunities in class. Here is a selection of photographs of what they have been doing this week

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This week we have introduced the letter sounds f and g as well as the ‘tricky’ words me and is.

Tricky words are words which we cannot sound out phonetically so we need to learn them by heart. We would like the children to learn to write these words from memory as well as being able to recognise and read them by sight. Use the” Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” strategy ( this should be self explanatory, but if you have any questions about this approach, please ask)

Our writing/storytelling prompt this week was the windy weather.

Numeracy and Maths

Along with the SEAL core numeracy skills, we have been learning about ‘number bonds of 10’ These are the pairs of numbers which total 10. There are 11 facts to learn and memorise. The aim is that the children will have instant recall of these facts. We have also discussed the term ‘switcher’ A switcher is the same number fact in the opposite order. e.g. the switcher for 3 + 7 is 7 + 3.

Please help your child to learn these number facts with instant recall. You can use questions such as

• What goes with 2 to make 10 ?
• What is the partner number for 6 to make 10 ?
• Tell me a pair of numbers which add up to 10

You make wish to let your child play this game to reinforce their learning. ( adult choose the number bonds button, then select the ‘make 10’ option.

Our Core numeracy skills this week were

• writing the numerals 6 – 10 ( and beyond) correctly
• counting backwards from 10 (or 20 for some pupils).
• naming the next number in an isolated short backwards number sequence. ie. I say, 10, 9, 8 (they say 7)
• establishing a collection (give me 9 counters/raisins/etc)
• counting a collecting with accurate 1-1 correspondence
• recognising numerals
• sequencing a short selection of numerals ( e.g. 5,6,7,8)
• making instant finger patterns (show me 6 fingers without counting them)
• recognising dice patterns and clapping the amount of dots on the dice

Our challenge numeracy skills were.

• adding two collections with the second one screened ( e.g. here are 8 counters, there are 5 more hiding under this pot, how many altogether?)
• sequencing numerals within the range 0-100
• naming the number after a given number (0-30)
• counting backwards from 30, starting and stopping at different points
• investigating which equal groups can be made from a given number ( e.g. can I make 2 equal groups/3 equal groups/4 equal groups/5 equal groups from 12 counters? What about if I have 16 counters, or 18 etc)

Looking ahead to next week.

As part of our RHSP programme in school, we would like to celebrate the breadth of languages and cultures represented within our class community. We have loved hearing from a few children and would love to hear more. Remember, we are equally happy to hear them talk about Scotland, not just other countires. For example – they may wish to draw or print a flag from a country that is represented in their home; teach the class how to say a phrase in a language that is spoken at home; bring/wear an item of traditional dress or souvenir; or simply talk to the class with no ‘props’

If your child would like to bring or share something, please send it in to school any day over the next week and we will use these to enhance our discussions.

There is no obligation to share anything, only if your child would like to do so.

Other areas of the curriculum

• Some children have shared about their family’s heritage
• We have started work on our Nativity
• We found out facts about gorillas
• In music we sang songs and played games designed to develop skills of keeping a steady beat. We also explored using our voices in different ways.
• In PE we have been focusing on agility , and also developing our skills using an overarm throw.

This week’s homework and other information

• learn to read and write this week’s tricky words.
• write the numerals 6-10using correct number formation ( refer to this video if you wish
• use the blue letter cards to practice building and blending words

A reminder to please name all items of clothing and shoes, and to check names on items brought home in case your child accidentally acquires a jumper belonging to someone else.