We have come to the end of our first week in Year 1 and we are really pleased with how the children are settling in.

As a school, we have revised our handwriting policy and will no longer be teaching children the cursive script. Your child will be bringing home a copy of the letter formations which we will be using (these are the same as they were taught in reception, just without the hellos and goodbyes. eg. around the apple and down the leaf). Next week we will start to introduce these to the children. If your child already writes using a correct cursive formation we will still encourage them to use this. We will also be encouraging the children to write their name using the correct formation and use of upper and lower case and will send home a name card for them to practice at home.

In maths next week we will be learning how to count numbers of objects accurately. Children could practice counting things at home eg. How many pencils are in a pot? How many lego bricks do they need to make their model?

Here are a few reminders about routines in Year 1.

 

Fruit

Please remember that children now need to bring fruit in for their morning snack as it is no longer provided by the school. This should be fresh fruit or vegetables. Please could it be in a named pot or bag.

 

Morning Routine 

The infants start school in the morning at 8.55am. Teachers are on duty outside in the area by the climbing frame from 8.45am and they will go and open the doors when it is time for the children to line up to come in.

We are continuing to encourage children to unpack their bags and put away their belongings independently. To help with this, we request that you say goodbye to your child when they go to line up at the door rather than coming inside with them.

If your child goes to breakfast club, please could they hang all their belongings on their peg before breakfast club and then they can independently unpack their bags with the rest of the children when they come into class after breakfast club.

 

PE and swimming days in Year 1

PE/Games –Wednesdays for all classes

Swimming

Tuesday – Mrs Bramley’s class

Thursday – Miss Horsepool class

Friday – Mrs Boscher’s class

 

Reading and Homework

Children have brought home reading books today, a reading record and information about how you can support their reading.  There is also information on our blog page (in ‘useful information’ section) about reading with your child at home.  Reading letter

Children have currently been given books on the same level that they finished Reception on. Over the next week as we spend time reading with each child individually we will revise this as necessary. Please bear with us during this time but we welcome any comments you wish to make in the reading record.

No formal written homework tasks will be sent home in Year 1. However, in the weekly note we shall include details of practical activities or websites/apps which you can use at home to support your child’s learning; particularly for maths.

Like the rest of the school, in the next few weeks children will also be given Rainbow Maths Targets.  Separate information will follow on these.

 

Library

Children will be using the library from next week on the following days:

Tuesday – Mrs Bramley’s Class

Wednesday –Mrs Boscher’s Class

Thursday – Miss Horsepool’s Class

 

Wellies

Children may bring wellies into school to use when they are learning outside. Please could they be named clearly.  Could we also ask that a suitable coat is brought to school every day as we do use our outdoor environments in all weathers.

 

Pupil Acceptable User Policy for ICT

Children will be bringing home two copies of the Year 1 pupil acceptable use policy for ICT. This has been shared in class with the children and we would appreciate your support to reinforce this guidance at home to keep them safe online. Please could one copy of the policy be returned to school signed by both you and your child. If you would like further information about keeping children safe online then please see the e-safety section on the main St Martin School blog page www.stmartinsprimaryschool.edublogs.org

 

Star of the Week

This year, we will be choosing a Star of the Week each week. Please click here for more information.

 

Help in School

Thank you to all of you who have so far offered to help with swimming lessons.  We are still short of a few people if you are available during your child’s class slot.  If there is anyone who could spare some time to come in to listen to children read then this support is also invaluable.  Particularly useful times are first thing in the morning or during assembly from 2.30pm onwards as this does not disrupt lesson time.  Please let your class teacher know if you can help.

 

Thank you

The Year 1 Team