Introduction

The onset of the better weather brings our topic on growth and a study of fantasy texts.

Core curriculum areas

Literacy

We start with an author focus on Tony Ross, comparing books and encouraging children to give reasons for their preferences. Exploring the fantasy genre is a good opportunity to develop the children’s creative writing. Sports day and trips are used as a basis for simple report writing.

Numeracy

In Numeracy sessions we will continue to investigate numbers. We will look for patterns in numbers by counting in 2s, 5s etc. and develop our understanding of place value. We will undertake a variety of activities using addition and subtraction. We will investigate 2d and 3d shapes, develop our understanding of measurement and apply our knowledge of mathematics when solving problems.

Science

The topic of growth covers the growing of plants, looking at the different parts and their purpose. The children keep a bean diary as their runner bean (hopefully) grows. A visit to the Chelsea Physic Garden is part of this topic. We also cover the topic of 'Light and Dark', looking at sources of light and reflection.

Information and communication technology (ICT)

At the end of the year we do an integrated topic, which uses all the skills we have been developing. This work is carried out over a number of weeks.

Foundation subjects

Geography

Maps, atlases and pictures are used to find out more about places in this country and abroad. Children will think about the climate and the landscape as well as appropriate form of transport.

Religious education (RE)

Our focus is special books and stories from the Bible.

Physical education (PE)

Games skills are developed and games are played in small teams. Skills are developed for sports day.

Personal, social and health education (PSHE)

The theme ‘Relationships’ looks at those people who are special to us. It gives the children the opportunity to explore the emotion of jealousy and think about how to deal with hurt feelings without hurting others. In preparation for the move to Year 2 the last PSHE theme is ‘Changes’.

Art

This term we will be modelling and sculpting using a variety of materials as well as continuing to develop our drawing and painting skills through other areas of the curriculum.

Design and technology (DT)

The children use their senses to choose fruits to make a fruit salad, giving reasons for their choices. They think about whom it will be for and the presentation.

You can help at home with

Reading

Reading continues to be very important. Please hear and read to your child as often as possible. Discuss the feelings of the characters, look for humour in stories and talking about the plot is very helpful. Throughout the year we will have introduced children to fiction, poetry and information books. Helping your child to spell basic keywords and play spelling games will assist the children as they get ready for Year 2.

Numeracy

For numeracy it would be helpful if your child could count in 2s, 5s, and 10s possibly help at home by weighing when making cakes and reading prices when shopping.