Year 1 Weekly Round-Up
We’ve had another busy and exciting week in Year 1, full of hands-on learning and lots of laughter!
In English, the children took a closer look at how instructions are organised. They sorted different examples into clear and unclear groups, discussing what makes a set of instructions easy to follow. We then finished our unit on Instruction Writing with a hot write, where each child created their own set of instructions on how to wash their chosen animal.
In Maths, the children learned how to subtract using a number line. They practised jumping backwards to find the difference and showed great confidence with this new method.
In DT, the children made their own basketball hoops using paper straws, tape, and pipe cleaners. They then used playdough to investigate where it needed to be placed to make their structures stable. There was lots of great problem-solving and teamwork on display!
In Computing, the children had great fun giving “Mrs Robot” (their teacher!) step-by-step instructions on how to make a jam sandwich. They quickly discovered that their commands had to be broken down into small, precise steps—otherwise Mrs Robot got very confused! It was a brilliant introduction to algorithms and clear communication.
This Week in Year 1
It’s been a wonderfully busy week in Year 1, filled with creativity, investigation, and teamwork!
In English, the children have been innovating our model text How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth. Together we created a new version by changing the equipment list and editing the instructions to match their ideas.
In Maths, we introduced subtraction. Building on their understanding of part + part = whole, the children became maths investigators—using subtraction to find the missing part in a number story (whole – part = part). For example, if 4 + 3 = 7, they explored how 7 – 4 = 3.
In DT, teamwork was key as the children worked in groups to build the tallest, most stable structure they could. Through hands-on exploration, they discovered that the wider the base, the more stable the structure—a brilliant bit of engineering thinking!
In Art, the children used coloured paper to explore different types of line, creating vibrant collages inspired by the artist Miró. Their work was full of colour, movement, and creativity.
Finally, in History, the children learned about family trees and why historians use them to understand the past. They enjoyed exploring how families change and grow over time.
What a fantastic week of learning!
Autumn term 2
Week 1 - 07/11/2025
Year 1 have had a fantastic start to the new half term, full of exciting learning across all subjects!
In English, the children have been exploring a new model text based on the book How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth. They have been learning all about the features of instruction writing, including time adverbials such as first, next and finally, and imperative (bossy) verbs like wash, put and scrub. The children had lots of fun spotting these features and beginning to use them in their own writing.
In Maths, the focus has been on subtraction and finding the missing part. Building on their understanding that part + part = whole, the children have now discovered that whole – part = part. They have enjoyed using practical resources to help them solve subtraction problems.
In Design and Technology, the children investigated stable and unstable structures, exploring what makes a structure strong and how to improve their designs.
In Computing, Year 1 learnt what a command is and how computers respond to clear and precise instructions. They followed a series of simple and tricky commands in class and were able to explain why some were more difficult to complete than others.
It’s been a busy and brilliant week in Year 1 — what a wonderful way to begin the half term!
This week has been a busy and exciting one in Year 1!
In English, the children have been working hard to innovate their own Dear Farm stories. They used their imagination to create new characters and settings before completing their Hot Write, showing off all the brilliant writing skills they’ve been practising.
In Maths, we focused on number bonds to and within 10. The children explored these through building, drawing, and writing number sentences — great work on recognising how numbers fit together!
In DT, the children planned their very own word sliding game, thinking carefully about how it will look and how it will work.
In Science, we learned about sensory impairments and discussed how people with sensory differences are supported in their daily lives — a lovely opportunity for thoughtful conversations.
In Geography, the children drew or built a map of our classroom, including a key, title, and compass points to show direction.
And in PE, the children had great fun learning different French skipping moves, practising their coordination, rhythm, and teamwork.
It’s been a wonderful week of creativity, problem-solving, and discovery — well done, Year 1!
In English, the children have been exploring a new model text called Dear Zoo. They have been learning about nouns, adjectives, and verbs. We talked about how nouns are people, animals, places, or things; adjectives describe nouns; and verbs are doing words. The children really enjoyed spotting examples of these in the story!
In Maths, we have been learning about part + part = whole. For example, when the whole is 5, one part could be 3 and the other part 2, or one part could be 1 and the other part 4. So, 3 + 2 = 5 and 1 + 4 = 5. The children have been practising making different number combinations to build their understanding of how numbers fit together.
In Science, we continued learning about our senses. This week, the children took part in a taste test, trying small samples of different foods and identifying whether each was sour, bitter, sweet, or salty.
In Geography, the children learnt about the four main compass points — North, South, East, and West. Ask your child if they can remember them! The link below should help jog their memory.
https://youtu.be/rh25kikx7ns
This week the children in Year 1 have been busy with lots of exciting learning! In English, they drew their own underwater scenes, carefully labelling the different sea creatures and planning their own innovated version of Under the Sea. On Thursday, they worked hard to write up their pieces independently – we were so proud of their effort and creativity.
In Maths, the children have been comparing numbers within 10 using the signs <, > and =. They also practised ordering numbers from biggest to smallest and smallest to biggest, showing growing confidence in their number work.
During Computing, Year 1 explored the Sketchpad software further, recreating layered shapes inspired by Kandinsky’s famous circles painting. In Art, they learned how to mix white with purple to create different tints.
PE was also full of energy, as the children practised new gymnastic positions including the star, straddle, pike, tuck, dish and arch. See how many your child can remember at home!
In English, the children worked together to innovate our model text Under the Sea. They added carefully chosen adjectives to describe the different things you might find beneath the waves, from rainbow fish to king crabs.
In Maths, the children have been practising counting forwards and backwards to 10 and finding one more and one less. They enjoyed using practical activities and number games to build their confidence with numbers.
Our afternoons have been busy with creativity and new skills. In Art, the children explored colour mixing by combining red and yellow to make warm shades of orange, before painting their own sunflower pictures. In Computing, they learned how to use the touchpad on the laptops to drag and drop items in Sketchpad — a program we’ll be using regularly over the coming weeks.
It has been a lovely week of learning, and the children have shown great focus and enthusiasm across all subjects.
The children have truly wowed us this week! They took part in their very first full English lesson and completed a Cold Write — a chance for them to show what they can already do. Using a farm picture for inspiration, the children wrote sentences about what they could see. Some extended their ideas using and, while others impressed us with descriptive adjectives to bring their sentences to life.
In Maths, the focus has been on sorting objects, building numbers, and representing them in different ways. The children have been developing their understanding through lots of hands-on activities and are making fantastic progress already.
Our afternoons have been filled with creativity and discovery. In Science, we explored the five senses, while in Geography we looked at the world from an aerial view. In Art, the children created striking pieces inspired by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. And in PE, we had great fun moving in different ways — slithering like snakes, lumbering like elephants, and hopping like bunnies!
We are so proud of the enthusiasm and energy the children have shown in every lesson. It’s been a busy, brilliant week of learning and fun.
Welcome to Year 1!
What an exciting start we’ve had in Poppy and Daisy Class! This week, the children have been busy getting to know their new classmates and the adults who will be supporting them. Together, we’ve talked about our class rules, helping everyone to feel safe, respected, and ready to learn.
In Maths, the children have been exploring numbers to 10 through counting and practical activities. In handwriting, they’ve started practising their lead-ins, and of course, there’s been plenty of time for play too.
We are so proud of how well the children have adapted to their new routines. They are already showing great enthusiasm and confidence, and we’re looking forward to seeing them rise to the exciting challenges ahead!
