Curriculum News: Spring Term 2012: Y1 – Mrs Lewis



This term the theme is ‘Material World’. Under this theme the children will further develop their knowledge about properties of materials both physical and man-made and different materials for different jobs. The ideas for learning have come from the children and the following are the skills we will be developing under the seven areas of learning together with Religious Education. ICT skills will be developed through all areas of learning.

Language, Literacy and Communication


Activities during literacy will be concentrating on word, sentence and text activities from a variety of resources. Reading Roundabout will continue in class using group reading texts also using and comparing non fiction text. Phonic knowledge will be developed through the daily ‘Code Breakers’ programme.


Skills to be further developed

· Listen to others and respond appropriately

· Recognise familiar words in age appropriate texts

· Be aware of different types of books

· Use knowledge of letter and sounds to read words and establish meaning

· Demonstrate an understanding of how sentences work

· Writing communicates meaning

· Develop handwriting



Mathematical Development


Activities will further develop children’s knowledge on number, shape, problem solving, money and capacity.


Skills to be further developed

· Count, order, add and subtract numbers

· Read and write numbers

· Represent their work with objects or pictures

· Use everyday mathematical language

· Use mathematics as an integral part of classroom activities

· Measure and order objects

· Aware of the value of different coins



Knowledge and Understanding of the World



Children will further develop knowledge about properties of materials in their environment both physical and man-made. They will investigate what they can do with different materials. A historical enquiry of what toys were made of from the past and how they compare with today’s toys. They will also learn about where their locality is, simple map making and following routes.


Skills to be developed

· Listen and respond to scientific ideas

· Making links with different elements of knowledge and understanding of the world

· Take part in activities to explore the world around them through a variety of experiences

· Show knowledge and Understanding of own immediate locality

· Express own views on features of places

· Show an awareness of the distinction between present and past in own and other people’s lives

· Show an emerging sense of chronology by using everyday terms about the passing of time and by sequencing a few events and objects


Welsh Language Development


Clothes is our focus for this term.

Skills to be developed

· Show understanding of short words and phrases and respond using short oral phrases

· Answer questions with support

· Recognise familiar words


Physical Development


Skills to be developed

Gross Motor Skills

· Become proficient at the basic actions of travelling e.g. jumping , rolling both on the floor and using a range of equipment

· Link the basic actions in sequence and gradually improve their control of different shapes, levels and direction


Fine Motor Skills



Further develop skills through the following activities



· Cut out basic shapes

· Construct models using kits

· Good control pencil / paint brush control



Creative Development



Music – We will listen to ‘Migldi Magldi’ a Welsh Folk song and make up our own accompaniment to it, using tuned and untuned percussion instruments. We will perform the final piece as part of our St David’s Day celebrations.



Design Technology – Continuing with the theme of homes, the children will be finding out about how houses are constructed and the types of materials that are used. The end result of this investigation will be to design and make a house for a fictional character.

Art – We will be looking at fabrics and how they are made. Using a variety of materials the children will have the opportunity to produce their own piece of artwork using weaving techniques.



Dance - The children will be learning a Welsh Folk Dance, called Jac Y Do, to be performed during our St David’s Day celebrations.



Personal & Social Development, Well-being & Cultural Diversity



The children will have the opportunities to appreciate and celebrate differences and similarities between themselves. They will use problem solving skills to generate solutions and decide on a course of action and learn how to disclose their feelings.



Skills to be developed

· Develop an awareness of what they are good at and understand how the can improve their learning

· Take responsibility for their own actions

· Demonstrate care, respect and affection for other children, adults and their environment







Religious Education



This term we will study The Church, Christian Life and Values, Festivals and Jesus. Also in April we focus on the celebration of Easter.



How to help your child



v Help with reading regularly and encourage your child to read from a wide range of text both fiction and non-fiction. Continue to support your child with his/her choice of library book. Please sign and comment in their record book. *Please note – the reading book your child brings home in their book bag is for home reading and reading at school with an adult helper. This book is not shared by your child and the class teacher on a regular basis.

v PE kit Wednesday. Please check footwear still fit regularly and ensure your child has his/her PE kit in school with their name clearly marked.

v Revise alphabet / numbers 0-20/ handwriting and letter orientation regularly to help your child move forward with these basic skills.



If you are able to support the topic because of your experiences or through photographs, artefacts etc, please see the Class Teacher.



* Punctuality



The school day starts promptly at 8:50 and collective worship or lessons begin at 9 am. Please ensure that your child is in the playground between 8.40 and 8.50 am every day. If children are later than this, they miss crucial learning time.



Thank you

Mrs K Lewis