Year 1 News
Reading
In reading this fortnight we made connections from the text to our own lives. This is called Text-to-Self connections. We read a story and then discussed with a partner how this book related to our own lives. Then our partner turned and spoke about their connection to the story. It was fun making text to self connections.
Writing
In Writing this fortnight, Year 1 have been busy building their descriptive writing skills by learning about expanded noun phrases. The children have enjoyed experimenting with adding detail to their writing by using adjectives to describe nouns, for example, turning "a dog" into "a fluffy, brown dog."
As part of our language experience, the students created a fun and surprising folding drawing. After completing their artwork, they wrote about the experience using time connectives like "First," "After that," "Then," and "Next" to sequence their ideas. This helped them practise writing in order and using clear structure in their recounts.
We’ve also continued working on procedural writing. The children wrote clear and detailed instructions for some of the routines we follow each day, including our morning process, afternoon process and how we line up. They are learning how to write steps in order, use action verbs, and include helpful details.
Maths
Our Year 1 students have been busy building their number knowledge and confidence with a range of addition strategies. They explored how to use number lines to count on, helping students visualise jumps in numbers. Students also practised partitioning numbers and making tens, developing an understanding of number bonds and how to break numbers into friendlier parts for easier adding.
They investigated doubles facts, learning to quickly recall doubles (like 6 + 6) and apply them to solve near doubles. Problem-solving was a big focus too, where students used pictures, number sentences, and mental strategies to tackle real-world addition problems. They wrapped up the unit by applying all these skills to worded problems, where students read short stories and picked out key information to solve.
It’s been exciting to see students try different strategies and talk about their thinking. Keep practising doubles and making tens at home to help your child strengthen their addition fluency!
Inquiry
As part of our inquiry unit, Year1 students have been exploring parks and their many features. They began by discussing the question, “What kind of features do you see at most parks?” This helped students activate their prior knowledge and think critically about the spaces they’ve visited.
Throughout the lessons, students learned to categorise park features into natural elements (like trees, grass, rocks, and ponds) and built features (like slides, benches, walking paths, and fences). They explored a variety of parks through images and videos, discussing the purpose and appeal of each feature.
To finish off, students began planning their own park designs. They considered which features they would include, thinking carefully about the balance between nature and play. It’s been wonderful to see so many creative ideas and thoughtful choices—perhaps we have a few future landscape architects among us!
Special Event
Water Watchers
Students engaged in a fun and thought provoking incursion about water conservation. They learned about practical and easy strategies to implement at home and school to save water. All the teachers were very proud of the way students displayed our school values during this learning experience.
