Squirrel Class

Welcome to Squirrel Class

Hello and welcome to Squirrel Class web page.

Squirrels are a Year 1 class taught by Mrs Louise Parfitt and supported by Mrs Claire Howe and Miss Jaeger O'Sullivan.

Our Curriculum

In Year 1 we offer a continuous provision based approach. The purpose of continuous provision is to offer children a constant environment that is safe for them to explore whilst challenging their learning and development across all areas of the curriculum.. It allows children the freedom to explore and become independent in making choices, while supporting children in becoming active learners. Within continuous provision children are able to explore the environment and develop independence. It allows children to make choices and initiate their own play.

Each session starts with a whole class learning input, children then either take part in a focus group working with an adult, or they work in a 'shadow group' to complete a task designated by an adult, or the children choose their own learning through continuous provision.

Termly Curriculum Overviews

In Squirrel Class we recognise that every child is a wonderfully unique individual. We are proud and privileged to play a part in helping them to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. We believe that all children have the ability to achieve their aspirations through developing a 'can do' attitude and a growth mind-set through engaging in a stimulating and challenging learning environment. Our aim within this is for the children to become confident, resilient and self-assured learners who are proud of theirs, and others achievements.

Within the classroom we have Maths, English, RE and Wider Curriculum working walls, as well as an English, Phonics and Maths creative station. Each area has been designed to help scaffold the children's learning and to ensure that all learners are challenged to suit their individual needs. We also have a reading chart on which daily reading at home is recorded and rewarded.

Our Classroom

Phonics

Phonics

At St Michael's C of E First School we use the phonics scheme Read, Write Inc. To find out more about Phonics at St Michaels', how to support your child and information about the Phonics Screening please follow the link.

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How to pronounce pure sounds

Learning to blend

Read Write Inc. eBooks RWI offer a selection of eBooks via their website. You will need to create an account (it is free to do so)

Year 1 Recommended Reads

Year 1 Common Exception Words

Year 1 Common Exception Words.pdf

All children are expected to know and spell the Year 1 Common Exception words by the end of Year 1.

Year 1 Expectations and Parent Partnership

In order to help your child reach their full potential please support them with these four key areas at home:

Reading - Children should read every night for 15 minutes to an adult. Any reading should be recorded in the reading log book.

Maths - Marvin the Maths monkey will be choosing 1 person from Squirrel Class to come home with every weekend to learn and practice Maths skills.

Homework - Activities are sent home every Tuesday, to be brought back to school by the following Monday. They will focus on objectives taught in class to consolidate the children's learning, as well as spelling activities which will focus on Year 1 common exception words.

Wherever possible, please encourage your child to have a go at new concepts and challenges as this will develop their growth mindset.