Year 1 & Year 2 Mrs Grange & Mrs Loader We would like to take the opportunity to welcome you and your child to our class. If you would like to help in school, hearing children read after half term, please ask at the school office for a CRB form.

The children are engaging in a variety of stimulating activities. Our curriculum The children are engaging in a variety of stimulating activities. We aim to help the children become independent and resilient in their learning.  

The Year 1 & 2 curriculum is available to view in the entrance near the office. This term we will be reading Handa’s Surprise and linking it to our PSHE, Art, Music, Maths, Literacy and Geography.

Homework The children will come home with a reading book. Please read with your child every day (even if it’s only 1 page!) We will give out homework weekly and expect it to be returned promptly. Please encourage your child to do this work as independently as possible.

Reading Please take time to share the reading book with your child, making up stories by looking at the pictures and asking them questions about the book. The books will be changed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. When you have shared a book with your child please make a comment and sign the reading record diary. Your child will be heard read in a group on a weekly basis by an adult.

What is phonics? Phonics is a way of teaching children to read quickly and skilfully. They are taught how to: recognise the sounds that each individual letter makes; identify the sounds that different combinations of letters make - such as ‘sh’ or ‘oo’; and blend these sounds together from left to right to make a word. Children can then use this knowledge to ‘de-code’ new words that they hear or see. This is the first important step in learning to read.

It is particularly helpful for children aged 5 to 7. Why phonics? Research shows that when phonics is taught in a structured way, starting with the easiest sounds and progressing through to the most complex, it is the most effective way of teaching young children to read. It is particularly helpful for children aged 5 to 7. Almost all children who receive good teaching of phonics will learn the skills they need to tackle new words. They can then go on to read any kind of text fluently and confidently, and to read for enjoyment.

Phonics Please look at the link below to help your child learn how to pronounce the initial sounds of the alphabet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlTw0oiLNys Please go over these sounds with your child if they are still finding it difficult to recall these sounds on sight.

Things to remember Please ensure… all items of clothing are labelled children arrive at 8.55 ready for the morning walk/ run and are collected promptly at 3.15 wellie boots are in school you read daily with your child at home and make a comment or sign the homework diary each time. book bags are brought into school every day.

Finally We look forward to working with you and your child in the year ahead. If you have any questions, we are happy to see you before or after school or please write them in the homework diary and we will speak to you when we get a chance.