Grade 1

Reading:

This fortnight in reading, students have been developing their reading skills by exploring a range of important concepts. They have been learning to recognise, read and write words with different graphemes and trigraphs, including /_y/, /igh/ and /ue/, as well as distinguishing between similar sounds. They also have been developing their understanding of tricky words and practising spelling them. 

Alongside this, we have been exploring adjectives by learning what they are, brainstorming descriptive words and using them to create “Super Sentences” to make their writing more interesting. We are also learning to recognise and spell CVCC and CCVC words by identifying sounds and segmenting them to support spelling. This learning is helping students become more confident and capable readers and writers. 

Writing:

This fortnight in Writing, students have been continuing to build their understanding of how to write complete “Super Sentences.” We have been practising writing sentences with correct punctuation, including finger spaces, and ensuring our sentences make sense. Students are also using writing checklists to edit and improve their work. 

Alongside this, students have been developing their comprehension skills by listening to and responding to stories. They are retelling fables using the beginning, middle, and end, identifying the moral of the story, and explaining what the story teaches us. We have also been learning to recognise the features of a fable. This learning is helping students become more confident writers and thoughtful readers.

Maths:

In Maths, we have been developing our understanding of number and measurement. Students are learning about place value by exploring ‘one more’ and ‘one less’ than two-digit numbers, using tools such as base-10 blocks and hundreds charts to represent and compare numbers. They are applying this knowledge to solve problems, explain their thinking and check their answers. 

Alongside this, we have been investigating length by comparing and ordering objects using both direct and indirect methods. Students are using informal units such as paper strips and string to measure, as well as describing and comparing lengths using language like “longer than,” “shorter than,” and “the same as.” They have also enjoyed measuring their own arm span and height and comparing these with their classmates. This hands-on learning is helping to build confidence and deepen students’ mathematical understanding.

Integrated:

This fortnight, we have been exploring how toys have changed from the past to the present. Students have been learning to compare toys from different times and identify what is the same and what is different, helping them understand how play has evolved over time. We have also been busy preparing a special Mother’s Day gift. Students have been practising writing about a special person in their life and expressing gratitude in thoughtful and meaningful ways. We look forward to sharing these beautiful creations with you soon! 

Home Learning:

Reading

• Read together each night and encourage your child to sound out words and spot tricky words.
• Practise tricky words. Encourage your child to read these words (located in their Term 1 home journal.
• Spot sounds like /igh/, /ue/, and /y/ in everyday words 

Writing 

• Practising using capital letters for names, places, and at the beginning of sentences.
• Write 2–3 sentences about their day using: capital letters, finger spaces and full stops. 
• Practice writing “Super Sentences” (e.g. “The big, fluffy dog ran quickly.”) 
• Read a short story together and retell it using beginning, middle, and end 
• Talk about the moral of a fable and what it teaches us 

Mathematics 

• Say a two-digit number and ask: “What is one more? one less?”
• Use everyday objects (buttons, Lego) to make numbers using tens and ones
• Play “What comes next?” using a hundreds chart
• Count forward and backward from any number to 100
• Write numbers and show them using drawings or objects
• Solve simple word problems like: “I have 24 apples, what is one more?”
• Compare objects at home: Which is longer/shorter?
• Order toys from shortest to longest
• Use a ruler, string, or paper strips to measure objects
• Measure and compare arm span or height with family members