Primary 1 Newsletter Session 2017-2018 Welcome to our P1 newsletter. Miss Sweeney teaches the 17 children in P1a , Ms McCann teaches the 20 pupils in P1b and Ms Davies and Mrs Love teaches the 20 children in P1c. We hope to teach the children to love learning and we will be introducing them to all aspects of the curriculum during the year. An active approach to learning is used, with the children learning in a variety of ways. We will develop skills, knowledge and understanding through practical and creative activities. Language The pupils will be learning to sound out and write all the letters of the alphabet using the ‘Fast Phonics First’ programme. Children learn to blend sounds and read simple words e.g. b-a-t. Once all the sounds have been learned, the reading programme will start. The reading programme used is Storyworlds and the pupils will bring home interesting story books to read. There is not a new book every day. Maths The children will be learning how to count and how to write numbers and then addition and subtraction. Other maths topics are time (hour only), shape recognition, measurement, using graphs and money. It is a good idea to encourage your child to use money, and to talk about the different coins and their value. Health and Wellbeing Our gym days are P1a and P1b Tues/Thurs and P1c Mon/Fri but there is extra PE sometimes when it is sunny. Your child may find it easier to wear a polo shirt on PE days. Please make sure that your child has a named gym bag with named sandshoes, T-shirt and shorts in it. This stays in school on your child’s peg, and is sent home termly for washing. For safety reasons and to follow the authority’s regulations, please ensure all jewelry is removed on gym days before coming to school. As part of our Heath & Wellbeing programme we will be given the opportunity to participate in structured play, Circle Time, Bounce Back and assemblies. Other areas In line with Curriculum for Excellence, we will be carrying out lots of outdoor exploration. Please ensure your child always has a waterproof/hooded jacket with them. Children are allowed to bring in their own bottle (preferably with a sports top) to keep hydrated throughout the day. Water only please – no juice. We will participate in special school events throughout the year, such as the Christmas Nativity and our Scottish concert. Our year planner which gives an overview of our programme is attached on the reverse(please note this is subject to change). Miss Sweeney Ms McCann Ms Davies Mrs Love Learning At Home Please help your child practise sounds every night. Your child should write the new letter in both capital and lower case, and constantly go over all sounds previously learned. Reading homework is marked on a reading record which both the teacher and parent sign. Please listen to your child read every night. It also helps to talk about the story and discuss the picture in detail. Maths homework will start later in the session. Please check your child is holding their pencil correctly, using a tripod grip. We do not usually set homework at the weekend! Please help us Please check your child’s red bag every day for important letters and information. Please name coats, sweatshirts, polo shirts, shoes and so on. Much valuable teaching time can be lost helping distressed pupils to find their belongings. Please do not hesitate to contact us via the school office with any worries, problems or relevant information which you feel may affect your child’s learning or behaviour. We hope your child will enjoy this very important Primary 1 year and have lots of fun while working hard! We appreciate your help and support. Miss Sweeney, Miss McCann, Ms Davies and Mrs Love