Robins (Y1)

Our teachers are Mrs Preece, Miss Calam supported by Miss Pearson. 

In the Robins we like to have lots of fun and try to be the best that we can be! 

Important information for parents and carers: 

If you have any concerns or need to share information with us during the year, please speak to us at the door at the end of the day or contact the school office. You can also ask staff at the entrance to pass on a message at the start of the day. 

Homework 

Homework is provided as a ‘Pick and Mix’ menu. This approach is designed to make learning at home enjoyable while reinforcing and extending what has been taught in school. 

Children will bring home a homework book in which activities can be recorded and ticked off by a parent or carer. Homework is sent home on Friday and should be returned by the following Wednesday. 

Reading at Home 

Reading regularly at home is one of the most important ways you can support your child’s learning. 

Each Friday, your child will bring home: 

• A reading book or a phonics ditty sheet. 

• A blue reading diary. 

Children are expected to read at home throughout the week and are rewarded for their efforts: 

• 3 reads per week = 1 reward point 

• 4 or more reads per week = 1 reward point plus a prize 

Please remember to sign or record each reading session in your child’s reading diary so that we can celebrate their achievements in school. As well as their reading book, children will be given a list of words to practise reading at home. These are commonly used words that help to develop fluency and automatic recognition of sight words. When your child can confidently read all the words on their list, their achievement is celebrated in class and they move on to the next level of words. 

Phonics homework will be sent home via Arbor every three weeks. We encourage children to practise little and often, as this helps to build confidence and secure their phonics knowledge. In the summer term of Year 1, children take part in the Phonics Screening Check. Regular practice at home can make a significant difference and will support your child in becoming a successful and confident reader. We appreciate your support in helping your child with their phonics and reading throughout the year. 

Spelling 

In the Robins, we will be learning to spell words as they arise in our writing throughout the week. This ensures that spelling is meaningful and linked directly to the children’s learning in class. 

Each week, I will email a list of the focus words that we will be practising in school. We encourage you to support your child at home by helping them to read, write and practise these words regularly. Working together will help children become more confident and accurate spellers. Weekly spellings and homework will be on the window of the Robins class too. Year 1 spellings. 

These are the spellings that children are expected to spell by the time they complete Year 1: 

PE 

Robins PE day is Friday. Children should come to school wearing their PE kit on their PE days. Please ensure that all items are clearly labelled with your child’s name.  

The PE kit consists of: 

• Plain white T-shirt (with or without the school logo) 

• Plain black shorts 

• Plain black or grey tracksuit bottoms or leggings 

• School jumper 

• Black plimsolls or trainers 

Please note that football strips, coloured tracksuits and hoodies are not permitted as PE kit. For health and safety reasons, children must not wear jewellery for PE lessons. Long hair should be tied back. To support your child’s independence in school, please ensure that if they are wearing trainers or shoes with laces, they are able to tie their own laces independently. If your child is not yet confident with tying laces, Velcro-fastened shoes or trainers are a more practical option for school and PE. Practising this skill at home can help children feel more confident and ready for the responsibilities of Year 1. 

Clothing 

Please make sure your child’s clothes are clearly labelled. 

Maths  

How Parents Can Help at Home with Maths: 

• Count everyday objects (stairs, toys, fruit). 

• Practise number bonds to 10. 

• Count in 2s, 5s and 10s. 

• Use coins when shopping. 

• Read clocks together and discuss times of daily events. 

• Spot and name shapes in the environment. 

Useful websites: 

• https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/ 

• https://numbots.com/ 

• https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button 

• https://letters-and-sounds.com/ 

• https://ictgames.com/ 

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working together to help your child have a happy and successful year in Year 1.