Christmas songs
A couple of songs for you to enjoy. Fingers crossed that the link works! 
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jWtNx9RcwDG0grwwZQ7frQ_9nBr8gUME/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j_cwoovkWtwUlNJuqtJn5pM0SxnOOqXr/view?usp=sharing
Santa dash
On Friday, the whole school took part in the School Games National Santa Dash 2020.
Phonics in Year 1
Recently, there was a parent Zoom session on phonics. In case you were unable to attend and you would like to know more, the sessions have been recorded and are available to view.
- Phonics video 1 – supports parents with children in Foundation 2 (Reception) who are learning phonics at Phase 2.
- Phonics video 2 – supports parents with children in Foundation 2 (Reception) and Year 1 who are learning phonics at Phases 3, 4 and 5, and information about the phonics screening check which takes place towards the end of Year 1.
Links to the two videos are also on our dedicated phonics page.
For your information, in Year 1, we are currently completing phonics at Phase 4 and after Christmas we will begin Phase 5. There’s lots of information here about the new sounds we will be learning and some we already know, for example ‘ai’, but with different graphemes, for example a-e, ay, a, ey, ea, aigh and eigh.
We have been very impressed with the children’s progress with phonics this term. Understanding phonics is the basis for your child’s reading and writing. Please do ask if you would like any more support about your child’s phonics learning.
A surprise visitor to Year 1
This morning, Year 1 had a message from a very special person.
Dear Children,
My favourite song is ‘Jingle Bells.’
I hear that you have been singing this s0ng and playing some instruments. I have left two special musical instruments, that sound just like the bells on my sleigh, inside your lovely doll’s house. Please can you use them when you sing my favourite song? It would make me very happy indeed!
Merry Christmas
from
It appears the culprit was captured on the school cameras!
Santa dash Friday 11 December
PE
For PE today, we used the large apparatus in the hall. This generated a lot of excitement ! The children were able to explore the equipment whilst developing control, coordination and balance. We discussed how to use space and apparatus safely and how to change movements to avoid other children.
What is a noun?
This week, the children have started learning all about nouns. There are two types of nouns.
Common nouns
These are the names of things (places or objects).
Proper nouns
These are the names of a particular person, place or thing. They always begin with a capital letter.
Today, Year One enjoyed doing a noun hunt around the classroom.
Here is a link for one of the activities we used in class. Have a go with your child at home. Or maybe, go on a noun hunt around the house.
What are nouns? – BBC Bitesize
Below are a few sentences. Can your child identify the noun?
There are pretty flowers in the garden.
I like to read a book.
The wood is dark and scary.
The farmer takes his animals to market.
The pig eats lots of food.
Curious Historians
As part of the current history topic – The Great Fire of London – the children have been using historical sources to ask and answer questions about the past.
Questions are tools of curiosity
In Year One, the children are given plenty of opportunities to ask questions and these have stimulated some great conversations.
To help develop and nurture the children’s curiosity about the past, we have a dolls house in the classroom. The class can spend time looking inside the house and studying the various items. As well as raising questions, we have been using this resource as an opportunity for writing. Using some of the vocabulary taught in history lessons, the children have been writing about the objects in the house.
Keep asking questions, Year One!
School menu change and Christmas meal
Bringing the fire to life
This week, Year 1 took part in an online drama workshop all about the Great Fire of London.
1,2,3 Who are we going to be?
Here we had to show actions for some of the main people from the Great Fire of London – Thomas Farriner, King Charles II, Samuel Pepys and the London residents.
Save our treasure
We heard about the ‘treasure’ that Samuel Pepys saved from the fire by burying his items underground – cheese, bottles and his diary but what would you want to save?
I would save my favourite teddy.
I would bury my toys.
Chaos on the streets of London
What sounds could be heard while the fire was burning? We created a sound ladder of all the sounds to show what the atmosphere would have been like.
- screams
- crackling from the fire
- cars horses trotting along (well done, Hollie – you remembered there were no cars at that time)
- people jumping out of windows
- people shouting help
- water splashing on the fire
- buildings crashing down
- people giving orders
- children crying
