YEAR 1
This week we have been busy with the numbers 1-20! Children may be able to count from 1-20 verbally from a young age but it is also important that they understand the value, order and formation of those numbers. Therefore, we have practised saying them, recognising them, reading them in words, forming them correctly, ordering them from 1-20 and 20-1, matching the number to the value using objects, spotting missing numbers on a number line and counting 2 more and 2 less than any number from 1-20. We have been playing some games when we become ‘number detectives’ and spot stolen numbers in a number line and we have been guessing a mystery number using clues such as ‘this number is 2 more than 17.’ The playroom next to our classroom has become the ‘Learning Lab’ and this helps the children to focus their play and ‘show what they know’ through activities designed to fit our learning focus for the week. Therefore, this week, the Learning Lab has been a hive of mathematical activity where the children have applied what they have learnt in previous teacher led sessions. They have been ordering number beads on a string, making ‘Numberblocks’ out of 1-20 multilink, matching numbers on a dice to numbers in a tower, writing numbers in sand, ordering numbers hidden in coloured rice and practising their number formation using whiteboard pens. They also enjoyed some games of snakes and ladders using numbers to 20. They didn’t like landing on the snakes very much though! The children have also had the opportunity to get creative and revise what we learnt last week about shape and repeating pattern using paint and sponges and Autumn leaves we collected outside.
In English, we have written our first sentences in Year 1! We have focused on the sounds e, u, r and our first diagraph focus – ck. We have made words, matched words to pictures, formed the letter correctly and then written phrases using those sounds added to the ones we have covered in previous weeks e.g. A sock in a pocket. We learnt about the importance of a capital letter and full stop as well as finger spaces between words.
In Topic and Science, we discussed what makes a ‘home’ and how it needs to be sheltering, warm, safe, comforting and strong. We discussed what we need to be able to do in a home and what materials would be best to make a home and the contents of a home from.
YEAR 2
This week started with a lovely surprise for Ms Tamara and myself! The children made beautiful hearts for World Teachers’ day and Sofie’s mum turned them into fabulous cards. Thank you all for your kindness! We really appreciate it! We are lucky to work with such talented children!
Year 2 completed English and Maths assessments this week! Year 2 worked hard to figure out the answers to some challenging questions. We completed reading and grammar checks as well as arithmetic and problem solving questions. Everyone tried their best and we are very proud of Year2’s progress during the first term.
On Friday, Year 2 have Golden Time. They can choose their own activity during this time, provided they have completed all of their schoolwork. Owen showed us how to play chess and now it is a very popular choice! We also like building houses or towers from blocks or drawing. The photos show some of our popular games.
At the start of the week, we enjoyed the sunny weather. On Thursday, we were disappointed to see the rain return, but thankfully it stopped long enough for us to play outside after lunch. Remember to bring coats with hoods or warm hats.
Everyone deserves a good rest this weekend after a hard week of assessments! I look forward to talking to parents on Zoom over the next two weeks for Parent-Teacher Meetings. Have a great weekend!
