Author: Mrs Freeman

This week the whole school have a themed week. Our key message for this themed week is to find out how to be healthy; both physically and emotionally.

Year One have been finding out all about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and sleep, oral and general  hygiene.

Sleep

In class,  the children offered suggestions to each other to help with any difficulties surrounding sleep.

I’m scared of the dark!

Would it help if you had a little torch next to your bed?

I can’t get to sleep because I get too hot!

Would it help if you took your covers off or use a fan?

My mind is too busy when I try to go to sleep.

Would it help if you read or listened to a book?

There is too much noise for me to get to sleep.

Would if help if you close your door or try relaxing into your happy place?

We listened to this audiobook together. Here is the link for you to enjoy at home.

Welcome to Sweet Dreams (tutti-frutti.org.uk)

Welcome to Sweet Dreams

Exercise

The class have learnt all about the importance of including exercise into their daily routine and how much time they should exercise each day.

Did you know ………

Exercise is good for your heart. It helps your heart pump blood all through your body.

Exercise can put you in a good mood.

Exercise helps your body to stat at, or reach, a healthy weight.

We have been challenging ourselves with some fitness exercises and recording our results. Today, some of us beat our previous scores!

Rugby

The children all enjoyed a rugby session this morning.

Healthy eating

Using the guide above, the class were able to identify different fruit and vegetables and explain why fruit and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. We found out about the sugar content in a variety of food and drink products and suggested healthy alternatives.

More healthy activities to follow!

Year 1 have been very busy with their design and technology learning. Over the last few lessons, the children have been generating, developing and communicating their ideas ideas in different ways. By knowing that products are designed, the class then explored how products can be made stiffer, stronger or more stable.

Frames

What shapes can you see in this freestanding structure?

After looking closely at the swing structure, the children began  experimenting with triangles.

How can we attach the straws?

A triangle is a VERY strong shape!

How can we make the frame of the swing?

We most certainly have some designers of the future!

Today, the children began their balanceability sessions. In small groups, the class worked hard in learning the skills required to ride a bike independently. It was great to see all the children enjoying these sessions and gaining more and more confidence.

These lessons will continue throughout the week so we have asked the children to attend school in their PE kits all week.

All of the Year One team have been very impressed with how well the children have coped with another unexpected session of home learning.  Our live Zoom lessons began on Monday and we were able to get straight on with learning. The children have shown readiness, resourcefulness, resilience and, best of all, they are still smiling!

We are very proud of all the class!

Here are a few examples of some learning this week.

On Tuesday, Year 1 enjoyed a day out at Hesketh Farm.

Year 1 have been gaining an understanding of what is meant by the term ‘structures’ by looking for them in their environment. We began our lesson by looking at some bridges and other structures from around the world.

What is a structure?

A structure is a combination of materials and/or parts to create a 3D shape.

After discussing the definition of the word structure we moved on to looking closely at cylinders. The children were given the task of creating cylinders using paper and tape.

My cylinder won’t stand up on its own!

You need to try using some tape to make it more stable.

Try putting the tape along the join.

It is still wobbly. How can I get it to be freestanding?

Try putting on some more tape and make sure it is stuck down properly.

You could try rolling the paper up tightly.

Thank you

Some of the children worked on constructing some freestanding structures using different building materials.

Below is the vocabulary the children will be learning during the current DT topic. Please revise these words (and their definitions) at home.

Today, Year 1 were able to enjoy using our new front playground equipment.

After expelling all their energy, the class settled down to some calming mindfulness exercises. For children, mindfulness can offer relief from whatever difficulties they might be encountering in life. It also gives them the beauty of being in the present moment.

Below is a link for you to enjoy some mindfulness techniques with your child.

Mindfulness Meditation for Kids | BREATHING EXERCISE | Guided Meditation for Children – YouTube

Today, Year 1 have been learning about different medicines and the people who help us to stay fit and well.  This was our second lesson introducing age-appropriate drug and alcohol education.

Today’s session focused on medicines; what they look like, how they are used and why people use them.  We explored how medicines
are used to treat illness in the short and long term as well as how some medicines can help protect people from becoming ill in the future.  The children considered the role of other people in helping them to stay healthy and well, manage, or recover from, illness.

Feel better scenarios

In pairs, the children thought about a time when they felt poorly and what helped them to feel better. Next, the class were asked to think of five different  people who help others to stay healthy and well. We discussed
their roles and the kinds of things they do.

A doctor can help to find out why you are feeling poorly,

The dentist keeps our teeth and gums healthy.

Cleaners are important people. They get rid of the germs.

A paramedic arrives in an ambulance. This can get help very quickly.

My daddy is a pharmacist. He gives medicines to people to help them to feel better.

Our beans are growing well. This week, the children have written sentences using some scientific vocabulary. They observed the plants carefully using a magnifying glass.

Wow! Look at how tall the stem is!

The plant looks very healthy and the leaves are green.

It is amazing to see the roots spreading out.

The beans are surviving with light and water.

The seeds have split open.

Year 1 scientists have been busy planting and observing bulbs and seeds. We began by investigating what a bulb needs to help it to grow into a mature healthy plant. The children set up a test and recorded their findings each week.

I don’t think the bulb with soil, water and light will grow very well.

I wonder if the bulb will survive with just water and light?

Part of being a scientist is being able to observe carefully record the findings.

I found out that a bulb needs soil, water and light to help it to grow into a healthy plant.

We also have another seed experiment on the go. For this one, we have placed a bean onto some wet paper towel and put it inside a plastic bag. Next, we put the bags onto the window and we will watch to see what happens. Ask your child about these pictures.

Finally, Year 1 are also growing their own potatoes. We have been measuring their growth using cubes.

What great gardeners we have in Year 1!