Term 1 

(2023-2024) 

Read Write Inc.

In Year 1, we follow the Read Write Inc. Phonics scheme of learning to introduce children to new sounds. Like all phonics schemes, it teaches children the sounds, the letters that represent them and how to form letters when writing. Read Write Inc. Phonics also involves reading books written using only the letters the children have learnt at each level and a small number of tricky words. Read Write Inc. sessions are taught on a daily basis. The picture below outlines the sounds which will be covered in each set. 

Have you heard of Fred Talk? 

During our Daily Speed Sound Session, the children will be introduced to a toy frog called Fred. To support the children to read unfamiliar words, Fred can only say the sounds (segment) and needs help to read the whole word (blend). Fred will say the sounds and the children will need to work out the word. For example, Fred might say d-o-g and the children will say dog.  

If you would like more information about Read Write Inc., please follow the link below or speak to Mrs Hooker or Mr Edwards: 

https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/ 

Big Book Stories:

In Guided Reading, our focus texts this term are Beegu, Whatever Next and The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  During our Big Book sessions, the children will begin to make their own predictions, discuss new vocabulary and create their own text maps to sequence each of the stories. 

Maths:

The topics we will cover in Maths this term are: 

Number and Place Value 

• Count to and across 100, forward and backward, beginning with 0 or 1, or from any given number.
• Count in multiples of 2s, 5s and 10s.

Addition and Subtraction 

• Read, Write and Interpret mathematical statements involving + - = signs.
• Represent and use number bonds and related subtraction facts within 20. 

Measures: Length and Height

• Compare, describe and solve practical problems for: lengths and heights. 

2D and 3D Shape 

• Recognise and name common 2D shapes.

History:

The History of Maidstone

We are going to start the year by exploring significant historical events, places and people in our local area. We will familiarise ourselves with using aerial photographs and plan perspectives to identify key landmarks and locations. We will also strive towards understanding some of the ways which we find out about the past and identify different ways in which it is represented. We will finish the topic with a guided tour on the minibus around Maidstone!

Science:

Forces and Space: Seasonal Change

This term's Science will focus on seasonal change! We will look at how the weather changes across the four seasons and how trees change throughout the year. As part of this topic, we will be gathering and record data. By the end of the unit, we will create a weather report.

R.E

Who is a Christian and what do they believe? 

In RE this term, we will be learning about Christians. We will focus on Christian beliefs and begin to understand why The Bible is important to Christians. We will also look at what The Bible teaches Christians about God and why Jesus is important. 

PSHE:

Family and Relationships

This term, we are exploring how our families are the same and different. We will then look at friendships, and why they are important. We will also discuss how to recognise our own and others' emotions and what we can do to support these. We will then finish off the term by looking at gender stereotypes.

Design and Technology

Structures: Constructing a Windmill

This term, we are going to design a windmill based on a specific design criteria. 

By the end of the term, we will create our own windmills and test and evaluate these. 

Computing:

Online Safety and Exploring Purple Mash

In Computing, we are going to start to go to the Computing Suite. We will discuss how we login and off safely and begin to navigate Purple Mash. 

PE: 

Indoor PE: Gymnastics

Outdoor PE: Sending and Receiving with Hands

We will have Indoor PE on a Monday and Outdoor PE will be on a Thursday.

Outdoor Learning:

In Year 1, we are lucky enough to take part in Outdoor Learning every Thursday. 

Games to Support at Home

Phonics Bloom has a variety of online games that help with sound recognition.

https://www.phonicsbloom.com/

Oxford owl has a selection of e-books your child can read online. Many come with some comprehension activities to support your child's understanding of the text. There is also a helpful section for parents that shows how to pronounce sounds.  https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/find-a-book/library-page/

Top Marks has lots of Maths games related to topics we cover in Year 1. 

https://www.topmarks.co.uk/Search.aspx?q=Year%201%20maths