Year 1 News 

Reading

Over the past two weeks, Year 1 students have focused on developing three key reading comprehension skills; making inferences, making predictions, and answering retrieval questions.

When learning about inferencing, students practised using picture prompts to look for clues and make observations about what might be happening in a picture. Students then practised inferring when reading their books to record how the emotions of different characters change throughout a text.

Next, Year 1 students practised making predictions from the Hairy Maclary series. They used the front cover, pictures, and their own prior knowledge to predict what they think will happen next. They enjoyed writing and drawing their predictions, giving evidence to support their thinking. Finally, students focused on retrieval questions, learning how to find key information within a text.

 “I think Bitzer will get stuck in the tunnel because he is too big!” - Saanvi 1C

“I infer she is about to go swimming because she has a towel and a swimming cap on” - Harriette 1C

Writing

This fortnight, Year 1 students have been revisiting narrative writing. It has been wonderful to see how much the students have grown as storytellers. They are now confidently applying everything they have learned throughout the year; from planning their ideas to using descriptive language and sequencing their stories with a clear beginning, middle and end.

Students have been working hard to create imaginative stories with interesting characters, exciting settings and problems that their characters need to solve. They are also learning to add more detail to their writing and to use full stops, capital letters and spaces between words consistently.

“We always need capital letters and full stops in our writing.”- Aleyna 1A “We need expanded noun phrases to make our work interesting.” Armaan 1A

Maths

This fortnight in Mathematics, students have been exploring measurement through hands-on activities. They have been learning to measure and compare capacity and volume, describing containers as having more, less, or the same amount. Students experimented with pouring and filling to understand how much different containers can hold.

They also investigated weight and mass using vocabulary such as heavy, light, heavier, and lighter. Students practised hefting (holding objects to feel their weight) and used mass-balances and scales to compare mass accurately. Through these activities, students are developing a strong understanding of how to measure, compare, estimate, and describe objects using real-world language.

“Capacity is what a container can hold.”- Leah 1A“Volume is how much is in the container.”- Hanin 1A

 Inquiry

Our Year 1 students have been learning about responsibility and how it changes as we grow older. As part of our inquiry, they explored what it means to be responsible at different ages and discussed the many ways they can show responsibility both at school and at home. Together, students created an anchor chart showing responsibilities for children and adults, and they enjoyed comparing what they can do now with what they might do when they are older. 

During class discussions, students shared examples such as looking after their belongings, helping family members, and caring for pets. They then represented their ideas using a Venn diagram to show responsibilities that are unique to children or adults, as well as those that are shared. This learning helped students understand that being responsible is an important part of growing up and that everyone has a role to play in caring for others and contributing to their community.

“We have different responsibilities than adults.”- Daniel 1A

“There are some responsibilities that are the same. Like looking after the environment.”-Leo 1A

Social and Emotional Learning

During Social and Emotional Learning, our Year 1 students have been focusing on building respectful relationships. Through discussions and activities, they have been exploring the importance of being kind, how to communicate using our words, and respecting each other through forming positive relationships. Through some fun games and activities students addressed the idea that both girls and boys can be leaders, encouraging students to recognise diverse leadership qualities. They also talked about the importance of kindness and focusing on our own actions, as well as understanding that not everyone needs the same things to help them learn!

Special Event

This week, the Year 1 students learned about Remembrance Day and the significance of the day. They talked about the brave soldiers who helped keep our country safe a long time ago. The students made beautiful poppy flowers as a way to remember and say thank you to these heroes! Remembrance Day helps us all to remember to be thankful for the peace we have today because of their courage.