English this week focused around the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and the order of events that happen int the story.
On Monday we read the story and then in table groups we discussed the order in which events happened across the story and which characters we saw first, second, third etc...
We used our memory recall to tell the story in groups and then created a story map using pictures to help us remember the order in which things happened from the start to the end.
We used descriptive language to record ideas of the sequence and the events that happen to each of the characters. We used lots of discussion around the features of the story including the objects that Jack takes from the castle.
On Tuesday we were able to recap the main events in the story and talk through the sequence using sequential language such as first, second, next, then, after that, finally. The children worked in groups to cement their understanding of the story features before making their own story map at their tables.
Wednesday saw us "stepping" the story and focusing the language on the main events using two words to each step, ie: Jack climbed, Giant slept, golden hen... This helped us to really understand the story step by step and to focus on specific key descriptive words for each character and event.
Children stepped the story in groups outside and then discussed the key word meanings. Children then acted out the story to show their understanding of the sequence of events.
Use this story map with your child and ask them to step the story of Jack and the Beanstalk for you:
In Maths this week we have been looking at number tracks and counting backwards and forwards. We linked numerals, number words and used pictures to support our sequencing and counting skills.
On Monday we challenged the children to find and complete missing number tracks by either drawing the correct number of images in the space or writing the numeral or word to show understanding. Children used mathematical language to share ideas and to evidence their thinking along with using some resources to help them build and create possible solutions in blocks or numicon. Tuesday saw both classes enjoying a maths ChIL session with a range of activities including, dice games finding one more or one less than the dice number, marking missing numbers onto a number line, building missing numbers in blocks on a line and making number groups using counters before calculating one more and one less of that value.
Friday's lesson focused on the concept of more or less and identifying which groups were smaller and larger in numerical size.
Over the week children have been introduced to a range of mathematical language including more, less, bigger than, smaller than, forwards, backwards, reverse, order and sequence.
In maths next week we will be introducing the symbols for more than >, less than < and equal to =
You might like to have a look at these with your children this weekend.
In geography the children continued developing their geographical vocabulary. They build 3D maps of the classroom or school snd used the vocabulary:
Near, far, close, further, distance, North, South, East, West
Near, far, close, further, distance, North, South, East, West
At home you might like to ask your child to build a 3D map of your living room/garden/ their bedroom.
In PE the children used a range of movements and control to perform a series of gymnastic disciplines including a safe mount, a balance and a dismount on a range of apparatus. The children were shown a selection of different movements and techniques on the floor and then supported to increase their body control to execute them on higher and more complex pieces of equipment.
Children were taught to complete their routine by showing a standing stretch and then safely exiting the gym mat to return to their team.
The children enjoyed making a range of combinations as they travelled across the benches and beams.
We discussed the benefit of warming up and stretching to cool down and how to navigate the floor space without colliding into other gymnasts.
Throughout the session children were given support, praise and tips on how to improve their developing techniques.
In addition this week we have been exploring the letters C and O in our letterjoin lessons and have been looking at 'ee' 'oa' and 'or' in phonics
You might like to ask your child to write these sentences at home to consolidate their learning:
The goat on the boat had a sore throat.
The sheep needed to sleep this week.
I have torn my uniform.
We hope you have a good weekend and if you find time might try some of our activities based on this week's learning.
1. Choosing a favourite story and mapping it out in pictures.
2. Counting objects into groups and then finding one more or one less than the given number.
3. Dice games; Roll a dice and the find the number that goes before and after the one rolled.
4. Making lolly stick puppets from a story of your choice.
Today we sent home lines for our upcoming assembly (Friday 18th). Please could you look at these with your child over the weekend and help them to learn them.
For the 'group' lines, we realise it seems to be a lot to remember, please do not panic if your child cannot remember every single word as they will be saying those lines as part of a group.
Once you have practised them, please ensure they are put back in your child's book bag so we can help the children practise their lines in school next week.
Finally on Monday 14th October the children will be bringing home the Christmas cards they have made with a pack that tells you how to order them in time for the festive season.
We would like to ask that once you have ordered them you can send the card back in so we can use it for decorating our classrooms in the run up to Christmas and then children can take them home at the end of term.
Many thanks
The Year One team.
