Welcome to Primary 1! with the Primary 1 Team
Our Team• Mrs Stilwell• Mrs Yacoubian• Mrs Gilchrist• Mrs Macfarlane• Mrs Ingham – Classroom Assistant• Mrs Benson – Support for Learning
Primary 1, room 1
Primary 1, room 2
Our Day • Organisation• Soft start /Reading• Mental Maths /Odds and Evens• Active maths• Active language – phonics, reading• Handwriting• Creative writing• Story telling• Topic work
In amongst this we have:
Science
Music
Gym
ICT
Drama
Circle Time
Active Learning ZoneLearning which engages and challenges children’s thinking using real-life and imaginary situations. It takes full advantage of the opportunities for learning presented by:
• spontaneous play• planned, purposeful play• investigating and exploring• events and life experiences• focused learning and teaching
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
-- Confucius
• First 30 – 45mins: Soft Start – children have free choice as to the activities they participate in. These may be structured or unstructured
• At present the majority of activities are less structured but will develop more structure as the year progresses
i.e. Free play in water will develop into activities related to volume
Mental Maths/ Odd and Evens
Work on numbers 1 – 10 and then 1 – 20 using:
• number fans• whiteboards and pens• number line• interactive whiteboard• Odd and Evens (visualisation of
number)
Reading
Use of three integrated strategies
1. Phonics - Fast Phonics First2. High frequency words3. Reading book skills
On this basis reading grows
1. Fast Phonics First (phonics)
• Each letter is taught in a very active way using a variety of approaches
• As we move along we learn that two letters together can make a sound
• When we have learnt 7 or 8 letters we start putting these together and blending
c atp ats at
• We learn that there are vowels and that vowels have two sounds.
• Using all this information we very quickly learn to decode words
• Every night as part of our reading homework you will have the opportunity to practise this with your child using the sound board
• Parents can choose to buy a magnetic pack similar to the ones used in class if they wish.
An information sheet will come home when it is time to start this
2. High Frequency Words
• We have compiled a set of 40 words that your child needs to know to progress with his/her reading and writing skills
• You will be given 2/3 words each week to learn
• You will find these words in the reading diary
• At present we are learning the common reading book words – Kipper, Biff and Chip
3. Reading Book Skills• It must be fun• Discuss the story with your child• First night – read the book to your child• Second night - read together• Third night – your child reads it
If your child wishes to read it every night then this is fine.
• It is vital that you carry out all three aspects of the reading to support your child
• Approximately 2 books a week
Money and Lunch
• Always hand in any money in a marked envelope
• Money for bistro should come in a purse/wallet
• Please write on the From Me to You each day what your child is doing for lunch – this can be a stressful time for your child
Staffing
Visiting Specialists• P.E. – Mrs Lindsay• Music – Mrs Yeoman• Science – Mrs Macfarlane
In class supportMrs Ingham – Classroom AssistantMrs Benson – Support for Learning(Support staff are also out in the playground)
Other Information
• Any issues will be dealt with immediately• Appointments can be made before school -
8.50am• A quick chat at the gate at home time can
often be enough to resolve any issues• If your child needs help we will meet with
you prior to parents night• Parents night is a nice time to come and
view your child’s classroom and work and the opportunity to have a chat with the teacher – not a time to worry
The Curriculum for Excellence
• A framework for change• Builds on existing good practice• Not a single document – allows
for flexibility• An ongoing process of review
and change
Curriculum for Excellence
The curriculum areas are:• Sciences • Languages • Mathematics • Expressive arts • Social studies • Technologies • Health and wellbeing • Religious and moral education
A New Curriculum- A Curriculum for Excellence3-
18The hope is that all Scottish children become
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/video/c/video_tcm4500634.asp?strReferringChannel=curriculumforexcellence