Welcome to Sparrows 

Class Teacher - Mrs Hadley

LSP - Mrs Andrews

email:    class.sparrows@burnttree.sandwell.sch.uk Term

 

Autumn Term

Our learning

Maths

In the autumn term, our learning focus is for the children to learn about sorting. They will learn that collections of objects can be sorted into sets based on attributes such as colour, size or shape. Sorting enables children to consider what is the same about all the objects in one set, and how they differ from the objects in other sets. Children will learn to understand that the same collection of objects can be sorted in different ways and should be encouraged to come up with their own criteria for sorting objects into sets. Practical activities will be used to support their learning and show this with manipulatives.

The children will go on to learn about numbers to 10.  The children will have a regular opportunity to verbally count and recognise numbers to 10 using numerals and the written word.  They will work practically and use a range of equipment and strategies. In addition to this, the children will continue to develop mathematical vocabulary and answer reasoning and problem-solving questions every day. After dinner, the children will have additional 15 -minute lessons to master number each day.

We will encourage the use of the CPA (concrete, pictorial and abstract) approach in our maths lessons. This is where we use a mixture of resources that will enhance your child's mathematical understanding. We will continue to consolidate our knowledge from our previous learning while developing previously taught skills in arithmetic quizzes.

English and Phonics

Moving on from the reception year, we will continue to use the Read Write Inc phonics scheme to promote and further develop reading and writing. This scheme teaches children the sounds in English, the letters that represent them and how to form them correctly. The children will be assessed at the end of each half-term and placed in the correct phonics group for their level. Children will be provided with an appropriate book to read at home to improve their fluency and speed at reading. This book will match their phonics level. Children will be encouraged to use the skills developed from phonics in all other curricular lessons.

In writing, children will have the opportunity to explore texts; fiction and non-fiction. We will start the English journey with a focus on text understanding the vocabulary and language used.  Writing opportunities will allow children to communicate and express their ideas, developed through phonics sessions, to write simple and dictated sentences.  Throughout the term, we will continue to develop the children's spelling, punctuation and grammar skills.

This half-term we are reading stories by Julia Donaldson. We encourage you to take your child to the library and read a range of stories written by her or similar novelists.

Children will have the opportunity to read, share and explore non-fiction texts, papers and magazines that also promote further a love for reading. This selection of texts develops a fun, rich and enjoyable reading culture, which is crucial to developing language, vocabulary and a love of reading. Once read by an adult, the children will have the opportunity to share these books either individually, in groups or as a whole class. 

 

Science

Working scientifically, in Science this term, the children will be learning all about parts of the body and the five senses. They will learn about the human body, so they understand how it works and how to keep their bodies healthy. Learning about how the parts of the body work is essential for providing context for why healthy eating and exercise are essential. They will be immersed in a rich vocabulary and begin to ask and answer questions. 

Using knowledge from previous learning in Reception, we will recall information and record what they have found out - working scientifically. As young scientists, children will explore the real world, and they will have the opportunity to develop scientific skills that provide an opportunity for continued understanding and progression. Throughout the topic, the children will have the opportunity to and maintain their understanding.

Throughout science in year 1, children will be exposed to many scientific methods, processes and skills to improve their learning. There will be plenty of opportunities for children to ask questions, take part in observations, perform simple tests, and gather different types of data. 

As the seasons change throughout the school year, we will also continue to observe all different types of changes in the weather and environments across all four seasons.

 

History

This term, we will be focusing on history. We will be learning about chronology. The children will learn about topics covering a wide time frame. This includes changes in recent memory to national life or events that are beyond memory. 

During these lessons, the children will learn about personal chronology and find out about the past within living memory. By examining photographs and asking questions, the children will investigate chronology, beginning to look at a simple timeline extending back to before they were born. They will begin to understand and make comparisons between familiar things and experiences today and in the past. The children will make a memory box at the end of the unit and have the opportunity to write a memory to add to the box and recall the school year.

The children will also complete activities through a mini-topic book, learning about significant events past and present, real news and world events, influential people, British Values and Black History.

 

Art and Design

This term the children will follow a scheme of work to develop art skills. This process will help the children to explore and understand different types of line types and mark-making techniques. The skills taught will enable children to develop drawing and enhance their ability to describe lines, control drawing materials such as pencils and chalk and experiment with various media.  

The children will move on to learning about painting and mixed media – colour splash. The children will learn about primary and secondary colours, colour mixing techniques and apply these skills in painting and printing. The lessons encourage exploration and confidence in colour use, creating a painted plate in the style of an artist. This unit enhances pupils' understanding of colours and their applications in art.

 

Design and Technology

This term, and through (DT) Design Technology, the children will have the opportunity to learn about and design a moving story book. They will follow a specific design criteria using key knowledge and skills while following the program of work.

During the process they will research, plan and create pieces, then test and develop their product, having the opportunity to improve their design. They will evaluate their work at the end of each unit. The children will be immersed in specific vocabulary, developing as they work.

 

Physical Education (PE)

Over the year, our weekly, high quality, PE educational lessons will take place on a Wednesday and Friday afternoon. We want all of our children to develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities and field games.

The theme this half-term is 'send and return'. The children will be able to send an object with increased confidence using a hand or bat. They will move towards a moving ball and return it, developing the skill. They will learn how to work together in pairs or groups and develop PE skills individually. This will follow on from the reception year. The children will showcase their learning to the other groups.

Children will continue to know the importance of staying fit for our future health and wellbeing. They will learn about flexibility, stretching and curling and work in pairs to develop safe gymnastics skills.  The children will also take part in activities to enable them to catch, throw and retrieve a ball in a fun and supportive environment. Children will learn to work together in teams, and if they encounter a problem, learn to carry on to solve it. 

Look what we have been doing...