Dear Parent/Carer of

We hope the last newsletter was useful in helping you support your child in settling into Year 1.  This is our second newsletter, which will let you know what we are covering this half term.  If you find anything confusing or there is something you would like to see mentioned in the next newsletter, please speak to your class teacher.

Our topic is: Space

What we are teaching:

• That there are nine planets in the solar system, their names and main features.
• That man has learnt to develop space travel and exploration.

• That light comes from a variety of sources including the sun.
• That many every day appliances use electricity and discuss the need for safety when using them.
• How to construct a simple circuit.

What you can do to help:

• Use the internet and information books to help your child find out about space,

• Point out, and talk about, different sources of light.
• Discuss electrical safety in the home.
• Look at shadows when you are outside.
• Ask your child what they learnt at the Science Museum.

Literacy

What we are teaching:

• Continue to revise phonics learnt so far.  Particularly practise the phonic digraphs – two letters which make one sound.
• Practice reading and writing by segmenting each sound in a word and blending together to read.
• Read and spell the tricky words from attached list – these are best learnt off by heart.

What you can do to help:

• Support your child to segment each sound in a word and blending together to read.
• Practise reading tricky words at home.
• Practise writing tricky words at home.
• At home and when you are out, point out different letters on signs, labels, packets etc and ask your child what sound that letter makes.
• Develop correct letter formation in handwriting.
• Help your child to develop the correct tripod grip – whenever writing or drawing – speak to your Classteacher if you need help with this.

Phonics Homework:

Please continue to practise the word lists sent home to you each week in your child’s homework book.

Numeracy

Layered Targets:

This terms layered targets are:-

• Please do the numeracy task each morning with your child to help them know numbers that add up to 5.
• Extra homework will be sent in the homework books to support this.

What we are teaching

This half term’s numeracy layered target has a focus on recalling number bonds.  Please see the display in your child’s classroom for these targets:

• Strategies for addition including putting the biggest number first counting on to add the second number. 
• Strategies for subtraction including counting back.
• Count on and back in ones from any number less than 10 – extending to 20.
• Write numerals from 0 to 20.
• Recall pairs of numbers which total 5 (mentally) – extend to 10
• Know the days of the week in order
• Know o’clock times on an analogue clock
• Language associated with weight – heavier, lighter.
• Know the names of common 3D shapes – cube, cuboid, cylinder, sphere, cone..

What you can do to help:

• Practise counting out loud; ask what is one more/less than 3? 5?etc
• Practise writing numbers up to 20.
• Practise the story of 4, 5 and 6 in homework book.
• Practise mental arithmetic – pairs of numbers that total 5- e.g. what is 2 and 3?, then extend to 10 what is 6 add 4?  What is 2 more than 8? etc.
• Practise reciting the days of the week.
• Point out the time on analogue clocks.  Look at times of significant points of the day – e.g. getting up time, breakfast time and bedtime.
• Go on a 3D shape hunt in and around the home – e.g. what shape is a can? What shape is a ball?
• Practise using counting on for adding and counting back for subtraction.
• Point out wherever scales are used for weight – e.g. when cooking.

ICT

What we are teaching:

• Use a graphics program to draw a picture and print it, without any adult help.
• Basic keyboard skill: using space bar, back space, shift.

What you can do to help:

• If you have a computer and printer at home you could encourage your child to use a graphics or word processing program and print their own work.

• If you have a tape/CD recorder you could show your child how to load a tape/CD and how to use the play, stop, rewind and eject buttons.

R.E & P.S.H.E

What we are teaching:

• To understand why Hanukkah is important to Jews and how it is celebrated.
• To know the main events of the Christmas story and be aware of how Christians celebrate this festival.
• To show some responsibility for both themselves and others, in and out of school.
• Continue the Star Cards, Soft Toys, Balloon/Sun and Star Awards reward systems.
• To work well with other children in a group.

What you can do to help:

• Share any stories you have about Hanukkah and Christmas with your child.
• Continue to ask your child to look at their Star Card every Friday, remember to praise their achievement!
• If your child brings home a soft toy from their class ask them what they did to achieve it.  Remind your child to return it, and any labels, the next morning.
• Discuss with your child who they have worked well with at school and at home.

Important Dates this term:

November

12^th - One World Performance at 2pm*

15^th - Open day for new parents – Reception and Nursery 2009.

17^th – Helping in School Training Session – 2pm in hut.

25^th & 27^th - Parents evening*

December

5^th - Closing date for Nursery and Reception in 2009 entries.

9^th - Year 1 Christmas Performance*

12^th - PTFA Christmas Fayre*

15^th – Whole school Sharing Work Week*

18^th -End of Term Disco for Year 1 & 2*