Our Wonderful Start to Year 1!
What a fantastic start to Year 1 it has been! During the first half term, the children have enjoyed exploring their learning through continuous provision, which allows them to learn through play, creativity, and discovery. Our classroom is filled with exciting areas to explore, including a reading corner, construction zone, creative space, and dedicated writing and maths stations. Each week’s activities have been carefully planned to link to our current learning focus, helping children make meaningful connections across the curriculum.
This term, we shared the story Meesha Makes Friends, which helped us think about friendship and what it means to be kind, welcoming, and understanding towards others. Through this story, the children explored their social, emotional, and mental health and developed empathy for Meesha. They also learned four key mastery writing skills, which they used to write thoughtful and expressive diary entries from Meesha’s perspective.
In maths, we focused on developing a strong understanding of numbers within 10. The children learned how to represent numbers in different ways, compare quantities, and identify one more and one less. They also practised explaining their thinking — a key part of becoming confident mathematicians!
Our science learning was all about the seasons. We investigated the changes we see around us throughout the year and explored how weather patterns change with the seasons. The children enjoyed carrying out simple experiments and recording daily weather observations. In geography, we built on this by discussing the weather in different parts of the UK and thinking about how the seasons affect our environment.
In art, we explored continuous line drawing, learning how to create beautiful spirals inspired by patterns found in nature. This work helped the children to develop their hand–eye coordination, fine motor control, and concentration. The children were very proud of the care and precision they showed in their drawings!
In RE, we have been learning about what Christians believe God is like. Through Bible stories such as The Lost Son and The Good Shepherd, the children explored the idea that Christians believe God is loving, kind, and forgiving — someone who cares for everyone like a shepherd cares for his sheep. The children thought deeply about what these stories teach about God’s character and reflected on times when they have shown love, forgiveness, or kindness to others.
We are so proud of how the children have settled into Year 1, showing curiosity, creativity, and courage in all areas of their learning.
Take a look at our learning journey so far!