Summer 1, Week 1 Parent Blog

Maths:

 This week in Maths, we have been learning to read and write numbers from 10 to 100 in numerals and words. We also explored place value and practised counting forwards and backwards from different starting numbers. The children worked on counting in 2s, 5s, and 10s, including fun outdoor activities like jumping along a number line and grouping objects to help them understand numbers practically. We also practised finding missing numbers in sequences.

English:

This week in English, we explored a range of fiction and non-fiction books. The children learnt how to spot the difference between stories and information texts. We focused on developing their skills in finding answers in non-fiction books, such as using pictures, headings, and keywords to help them locate information. The children also created their own ideas page based on a topic of their choice, where they shared facts, drawings, and what they found interesting.

Project

 This week, the children are exploring the idea of change. They’re using books and pictures to notice how things can look different over time for example, how people grow, how seasons shift, or how objects transform.

Through this project, they are learning to observed details in images they Talked about what the notice they built vocabulary related to changes, they were able to make connections between real-life experiences and what they see in books.

Science:

This week the children explored the magic of the seasons. They learnt how the weather, nature, and our surroundings change throughout the year, and they had so many curious questions and observations. To bring their learning to life, the class worked together on a colourful group collage, using different textures and materials to represent each season. They were excited, creative, and wonderfully collaborative and their finished artwork is bursting with personality. We’re proud of how much they enjoyed discovering the world around them.

RE:

Students learnt about rituals and routines. We talked about how some people follow religious rituals (like lighting a candle, saying a prayer, or having a quiet time), and how we all have our own daily routines that are special to us. The children created their own ritual by drawing and labelling what they would do, when they would do it, and why it was special. This helped them understand how rituals can be meaningful and important to different people around the world.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!
The Year 1 Team

 

Spring 2, Week 2 Parent Blog

Maths

This week in Maths, the children have been developing their understanding of addition and number facts. They have been practising recalling doubles of numbers up to 10 and using these to help them identify near doubles.

The children have also been exploring addition as counting on and learning that addition can be done in any order. They have been building confidence in interpreting mathematical statements using the symbols +, − and =. In addition, they have been using known addition and subtraction facts within 10 and 20 to help them derive related facts and strengthen their mental calculation skills.

English

This week, the children have been focusing on developing their sentence writing skills. They have been learning to write in the present tense and to use the third person correctly when describing actions. They have also been practising composing sentences orally, helping them to organise their ideas and say their sentences aloud before writing them down. In addition, the children have been learning how to join words and clauses using the conjunction ‘and’, allowing them to extend their ideas and write longer, more detailed sentences.

Project

Project work this week, the children have been learning about old and new objects and discussing items that are special or sentimental to them. They talked about why certain things are important and how they can hold memories. The children then created their own “memory box” using shoe boxes, which they designed and decorated carefully. These boxes will be used to store meaningful items from home, helping them to share and celebrate their personal memories.

Once the project is complete, the children will be able to take their memory boxes home to keep and treasure.

Science

In Science this week, the children have been learning about wind and how it can be measured. They explored the effects of wind and discussed what it is and how we can notice it in our environment. The children then designed and made their own wind spirals, which they tested outdoors to observe how they move in the wind. Following this, they created a simple windmill and tested it to see how effectively it spins when exposed to airflow.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!
The Year 1 Team

 

Summer 1, Week 3 Parent Blog

This Week in Year 1

Maths

In Maths this week, the children have been learning about positional language. They explored concepts such as inside and outside, behind, on top, near, far, forwards, backwards, left and right. The class took part in practical action-based activities to help them engage with these ideas, and they then applied their understanding through some excellent follow‑up maths work.

English

In English, the children revisited the difference between fiction and non‑fiction, building on last week’s learning. This week, they have been focusing on forming effective questions. They spent time orally rehearsing questions about topics of personal interest, as well as exploring a range of books to generate thoughtful questions linked to what they read. The children engaged well and showed growing confidence in using question words and structures.

Project

In Project, the children have been thoroughly enjoying our topic on memory, especially exploring and comparing old and new objects. This week, they focused on the question “How has Hatfield changed?” and discussed how places can look different over time.

The children also completed activities linked to Queen Elizabeth I, including writing a sentence about her, carefully colouring her portrait, and copying words that describe the things she enjoyed doing. They engaged brilliantly and showed great curiosity throughout the lessons.

Science

In Science, children have been learning all about light. They explored what gives us light, identifying sources of natural light and man‑made light. The class then drew and labelled examples of both types of light sources to show their understanding.

To finish the unit, the children created their own sun catchers, which are now proudly displayed in the classroom windows for you to enjoy when you visit.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!
The Year 1 Team

 

Summer Week 4 Parent Blog

This Week in Year 1

Maths

Maths they have been learning about arrays and how they can help us understand equal quantities and repeated addition. The children explored arranging objects into rows and columns to represent different multiplication facts in a practical and visual way. Through hands-on activities, games, and group work, the children learnt how arrays can help us count more efficiently and recognise patterns in numbers. They enjoyed creating their own arrays using counters, cubes, and classroom objects while explaining their mathematical thinking confidently. This learning has helped the children develop a stronger understanding of multiplication foundations and equal groups in a fun and engaging way.

English

In English, the children have been thoroughly enjoying their learning through writing about their own chosen interests. They have been developing their skills by writing paragraphs, creating questions, and including exciting “Did You Know?” facts as part of their information writing. The children have worked hard to improve their writing by focusing on using full stops, capital letters, finger spaces, and extending their sentences. They have also been practising their cursive handwriting and taking pride in presenting their work neatly and carefully. It has been wonderful to see the children becoming more confident, creative, and enthusiastic writers while sharing topics they are passionate about.

Project

Children have been enjoying their history project about past and present lives. As part of our learning, the children explored what Victorian classrooms were like and compared them to classrooms today. The children had lots of fun looking at and handling different Victorian classroom artefacts and props that children and teachers would have used in the past. They were fascinated to discover how different school life was during Victorian times and enjoyed discussing the similarities and differences between Victorian classrooms and their own classrooms today. This hands-on experience helped bring history to life and encouraged the children to think carefully about how schools and learning have changed over time.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!
The Year 1 Team

 

Summer 1  week 5 Parent Blog

This Week in Year 1

Maths

This week, the children have been exploring the idea of sharing through early division activities. They have been using manipulatives such as counters and cubes to help them understand how to divide objects into equal groups. They have really enjoyed the hands-on approach and are beginning to use mathematical language with growing confidence.

English

The children have been introduced to a new story about a girl named Zara, who lives in a village in Africa. They watched a short video to help them visualise her life and setting. The class took part in some hot-seating activities, where they asked and answered questions while pretending to be Zara. This really helped them explore her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They also read some information about Zara to help them describe her character in more detail. The children have been very engaged and are developing strong descriptive language skills.

Project

The children have been exploring life in the past, focusing on the Victorian era. They were especially fascinated by how different daily tasks were compared to today. This week, they learnt how people used to wash their clothes using only a bucket, water, and soap. They watched this process demonstrated in the classroom, which they found very exciting and fun. The children also looked at old household appliances and ways of living, such as cooking food over log fires and keeping chickens for fresh eggs. They compared these old methods with modern ones and discussed how life has changed over time. To finish the week, they used their knowledge of both old and new technologies to design a household appliance of the future. Their creativity and imagination really shone through.

Science

The children have been exploring the topic of light and shadows. They learnt how shadows are formed and how their size and position can change. The class made their own sundials and tested them outdoors, observing how the shadow moved to show the time. They then made predictions about what would happen to the shadow if the sun went away. The children also used different objects and a torch to create shadows, experimenting with how distance and angle affect the shape and size of the shadow. They have been very curious and enthusiastic throughout these investigations.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!
The Year 1 Team

 

Summer 1  week 5 Parent Blog

This Week in Year 1

Maths

This week, the children have been exploring the idea of sharing through early division activities. They have been using manipulatives such as counters and cubes to help them understand how to divide objects into equal groups. They have really enjoyed the hands-on approach and are beginning to use mathematical language with growing confidence.

English

The children have been introduced to a new story about a girl named Zara, who lives in a village in Africa. They watched a short video to help them visualise her life and setting. The class took part in some hot-seating activities, where they asked and answered questions while pretending to be Zara. This really helped them explore her thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They also read some information about Zara to help them describe her character in more detail. The children have been very engaged and are developing strong descriptive language skills.

Project

The children have been exploring life in the past, focusing on the Victorian era. They were especially fascinated by how different daily tasks were compared to today. This week, they learnt how people used to wash their clothes using only a bucket, water, and soap. They watched this process demonstrated in the classroom, which they found very exciting and fun. The children also looked at old household appliances and ways of living, such as cooking food over log fires and keeping chickens for fresh eggs. They compared these old methods with modern ones and discussed how life has changed over time. To finish the week, they used their knowledge of both old and new technologies to design a household appliance of the future. Their creativity and imagination really shone through.

Science

The children have been exploring the topic of light and shadows. They learnt how shadows are formed and how their size and position can change. The class made their own sundials and tested them outdoors, observing how the shadow moved to show the time. They then made predictions about what would happen to the shadow if the sun went away. The children also used different objects and a torch to create shadows, experimenting with how distance and angle affect the shape and size of the shadow. They have been very curious and enthusiastic throughout these investigations.

 

We hope you have a lovely weekend!
The Year 1 Team

 

Summer 1 Week 6 Parent Blog

This Week in Year 1

Maths

Students explored measurement through lots of hands‑on, practical activities that helped them truly understand what length, height, and weight mean.

They learnt how to use a metre ruler and a 30 cm ruler to measure different objects accurately. After practising with standard tools, they also used concrete objects such as cubes, blocks, and classroom items to compare and measure length in a more playful, exploratory way. To deepen their understanding of weight, the children even built their own balance scale in the classroom. They used it to weigh objects and compare which items were heavier or lighter, making the learning meaningful and memorable.

Finally, each child created a paper person and used it to measure height and length around the classroom, helping them apply measurement skills to something personal and fun.

English

In English, the Year 1 students have been developing their writing by using expanded noun phrases to create super sentences. They learnt how to take a simple noun and add adjectives and descriptive details to make their writing richer and more interesting. The children explored lots of describing words and used them to build sentences about characters, objects, and settings. They worked orally first, saying their super sentences aloud before writing them down with growing confidence. Through shared writing, modelled examples, and fun classroom activities, they learnt how expanded noun phrases help the reader picture ideas more clearly.

Project

In the Project, the children spent time reflecting on their learning from across the term and thinking about their own memories. They discussed what a memory is, why memories are important, and how we can use them to understand our personal history. Each child then chose a special memory from their own past and drew it carefully, adding labels to show the important people, places, and objects in their picture. This helped them connect their learning about the past to their own lives, making the concept more meaningful and personal.

Science

In Science, the children learnt all about light and shadows, exploring how shadows are made and how they change. They discovered that a shadow forms when an object blocks the light, and they experimented with different materials to see which ones created the clearest shapes. To bring their learning to life, the children designed and created their own shadow puppets using cards. After making their puppets, they used a light source to perform a puppet show, watching how the shadows moved, grew, and shrank. This hands‑on activity helped them see science in action and understand the relationship between light, objects, and shadows.

 

We hope you have a lovely Half Term!

Enjoy the sun!
The Year 1 Team