Welcome to Dolphin Class

On this page you will find weekly updates about what the children are learning in literacy, maths and phonics so you can support at home.  Our termly curriculum maps provide an outline of what the children will learn across all subjects.  More detailed information for a particular subject can be found in the curriculum area of the website.

Our PE days this term will be Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please make sure all your child’s clothes are clearly named and in school.

If you need to catch up with us about anything we are available before or after school or you can email the office to arrange a time to meet. You will also find a class message board outside to write on for quick messages to be passed on to the teacher. This is to allow us to get into the classroom as soon as possible and start the learning day.

We are hoping Orlando the reading owl will be flying to Dolphin class on a regular basis - please help by hearing you child read at least 5 times a week.

Teachers in the classrom:

Miss Bishop ( Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and  Friday)  

Miss Stannard will be Teaching in the classroom every Wednesday morning and every other Tuesday afternoon.

Our lovely teaching assistant is Mrs Wharton.

We also have the pleasure of having Miss Powell, Mrs Wiles, Mrs Burnett and Mrs Reed with us as well.

Please keep remembering to read with your child at least 5 times a week so that Orlando the owl will hopefully come and visit us! Children will be heard at least once a week in a guided reading group with Miss Bishop or Miss Mills.

What's on this week?

In Dolphins this week:

Week Beginning 13th January

Phonics

This week we will be starting to look at Phase 5a Mastery which looks at revisiting alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include:

- oy (annoy, enjoy, toys)

- ir (thirst, shirt, thirteen)

- ue (blue, glued, clues)

- ue (argue, rescue, values)

- ph (phonics, alphabet, morph)

We will be revisiting the common exception words:

- people

- said

- so

Maths

In maths this week we will be:

- Combining two or more parts to make a whole.

- Explaining that addends can be represented in any order. This is called the commutative law.

- Explaining that the = sign can be used to show that the whole and the sum of the parts are equal.

Mastering Number

As 10 is the basis of our number system, it is essential that children develop sound number sense of the ‘ten-ness of 10’ as well as being fluent in bonds of 10. In the first session this week, the children will explore patterns that can be made by 10, in order to develop their number sense, and will have the opportunity to hear 10 being described using the language of, e.g., ‘ten 1s, one 10, two 5s, five 2s’. The other activities provide the children with an opportunity to explore the composition of 10 by using and making connections between a range of representations. These include their fingers (using a ‘fingers up, fingers down’ action to show a pair of numbers that make 10), 10-frames (both when the spaces in the frame are filled with 2 different colours of counter and also when some spaces are left empty), and rekenreks (first using 1 and then 2 rows).

The children will also reason about the pairs of numbers that make 10, and the activities and discussions included will help them begin to develop an understanding that the composition of 10 is related both to bonds of 5 and the ‘5 and a bit’ structure. For example, if the rekenrek shows 7 beads as 5 red and 2 white, then 3 more must be needed to make 10 because 3 white beads are needed to make 2 complete 5s.

Literacy

In literacy this week we are focusing on the story 'Not Now Bernard' by David McKee.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 6th January

Welcome back! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas! 

Phonics 

This week we will be starting to look at Phase 5a Mastery which looks at revisiting alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include:

- ay (play, crayon, Sunday)

- ou (sound, round, mouth)

- ie (cried, flies, tries)

- ea (stream, clean, peach)

- nk (think, pink, blinking) - YR1 National Curriculum requirement

We will be revisiting the common exception words:

- oh

- their

We will also be recapped the days of the week.

Maths

In maths this week we will be:

- Explaining how odd and even numbers can be partitioned. 

- Partitioning numbers 6 to 10 in different ways, including systematically. 

- Identifying a missing part when the whole is partitioned into two parts.

Mastering Number

This week, the children will explore the composition of 8, relating this to their previous work on 8 as ‘5 and a bit’ and as an even number composed of 2s. This will deepen their understanding of the composition of 8, which will improve their fluency with bonds of 8. The representations used this week – an 8-grid linked to the Numberblocks, rekenreks, the Hungarian number pattern and their fingers – will draw attention to the different ways of composing 8. The children will use the language of ‘how many more to make 8’ and link this to missing parts when the ‘whole’ is 8. The children will also solve picture problems that involve finding the missing part when 8 is a whole.

Literacy

In literacy this week and last week we are focusing on the story 'The Magic Porridge Pot'.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 16th December 

On Monday we will be at the pantomime.

Wednesday we will be having a DT day making moon buggy's. 

This week we will also be completing Christmas crafts and activities.

A fun final week of term! 

Week Beginning 9th December 

On Tuesday we have our nativity performances of 'A Miracle in Town'! Please make sure you have collected your tickets from the office 

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing to look at Phase 5a revision which looks at learning alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include the split digraphs:

- u-e (rude, June, flute)

- u-e (use, amuse, volume)

As well as recapping all of the phonemes we have now learnt in phase 5a!

We will be learning the common exception word:

- asked

We will be revisiting the common exception words:

- were

- there

Maths

In maths this week we will be:

- Recapping the five and a bit structure to make the numbers 6 to 10 using part part whole models, bar models and tens frames.

Mastering Number

This week the children will be exploring the composition of 6. They will be exposed to different common representations of 6 and create their own arrangements of 6, describing them using spatial language. They will explore how 6 can be composed of different parts and identify the parts within 6 in different arrangements including an arrangement that does not show 6. 

Literacy

In literacy this week and last week we are focusing on the story 'Penguin' by Polly Dunbar.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 2nd December 

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing to look at Phase 5a revision which looks at learning alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include the split digraphs:

- a-e (made, shake, game)

- e-e (theme, athlete, complete)

- i-e (kite, shine, time)

- o-e (hope, note, home)

We will be revisiting the common exception words:

- called

- some

- come

Maths

In maths this week we will be:

- Recapping using the equality and inequality symbols to compare amounts (<  >  =)

Mastering Number

This week the children will be consolidating their understanding of odd and even numbers. The focus will be the concept that even numbers are composed of 2's, and that odd numbers are composed of 2's and 1 more - flat tops and odd blocks.

Literacy

In literacy this week and next week we are focusing on the story 'Penguin' by Polly Dunbar.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

We will also be completing Reading Assessments this week.

We are also continuing to regularly rehearse for the Christmas Performance of 'A Miracle In Town'. 

Week Beginning 25th November 

Wednesday 27th - Christmas Fair 2-4pm - children can be collected from classrooms at 1:45pm

Friday 29th - After school disco sessions

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing to look at Phase 5a revision which looks at learning alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include:

- ew (few, nephew, stew)

- oe (toes, dominoes, Joe)

- au (haunt, launch, applaud)

- ey (key, donkey, chimney)

- /zh/ (division, television, version)

We will be learning the common exception words:

- looked

- called

Maths

In maths this week we will be:

- Explaining where 6, 7, 8 and 9 lie on a number line.

- Explaining what odd and even numbers are and the difference between them.

Mastering Number

This week the children will be consolidating their understanding of doubles. They will be practicing making and recalling doubles up to double 5. They will be asked to identify whether two sets of objects have an equal number or not.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the story 'The Hairy Toe' by Daniel Postgate.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

We are also continuing to regularly rehearse for the Christmas Performance of 'A Miracle In Town'. 

Week Beginning 18th November 

Friday 22nd - Non Uniform day (Bring a donation for the Christmas Fair)

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing to look at Phase 5a revision which looks at learning alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include:

- aw (saw, paw, claw)

- wh (when, wheel, which)

- ph (phonics, elephant, dolphin)

- ew (blew, grew, threw)

We will be learning the common exception words:

- Mr

- Mrs

Maths

In maths this week we will be:

- Identifying the whole and parts of the numbers 6 to 10 using the five and a bit structure.

- Exploring the numbers 6 to 10 using tens frames, the part whole model and the five and a bit structure.

- Recapping our 3D shape knowledge including their properties.

Mastering Number

This week the children will be exploring representations of the ordinal aspect of number through a 'staircase' pattern made with Numberblocks, using towers of cubes, and using a number track to deepen their understanding of ordinality. Children need to understanding that the order of the counting numbers is 'fixed' or 'stable' and can be use to help identify the numbers which are '1 more' and '1 less' than a given number.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the story 'A Little Bit Brave' by Nicola Kinnear.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

We are also continuing to regularly rehearse for the Christmas Performance of 'A Miracle In Town'. 

Week Beginning 11th November:

Friday 15th - Non Uniform day (Children in Need)

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing to look at Phase 5a revision which looks at learning alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include:

- oy (oyster)

- ir (bird)

- ue (glue)

- ue (cue)

Common Exception word

- people

Maths

In maths this week

- We will be counting objects and matching the correct numerals and number names.

- Representing numbers 6-10 using the 5 and abit structure. 

Mastering Number

This week, the children will be comparing quantities up to 10 in different contexts, recognising when one quanitity is greater than, less than or the same as the other.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the animation 'Captain Pugwash - Monster Ahoy' 

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

We are also starting to regularly rehearse for the Christmas Performance of 'A Miracle In Town'. 

Week Beginning 4th November

Phonics 

This week we will be starting to look at Phase 5a revision which looks at learning alternative spellings for previously learnt phonemes.

These include:

- ay (play, Sunday, crayon)

- ou (out, loud, shout)

- ie (pie, tie, lied)

- ea (meal, cream, least)

We will be learning the common exception words:

- oh

- their

We will also be learning the days of the week!

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Exploring, discussing and comparing 3D shapes.

- Identifying 2D shapes within 3D shapes.

- Recapping one more and one less than a given number.

Mastering Number

This week, the children will continue to explore how the numbers 6, 7, 8 and 9 can all be composed of two parts where 5 is one of the parts, and continue to use the language of 'whole' and 'part'.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the book 'Tiddler' by Julia Donaldson.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 14th October

Friday 18th is INSET day 

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Reading words with the contraction ('re) include:

- we're, they're, you're

Reading words with the contraction ('d) include:

- he'd, I'd, they'd, we'd, she'd

We will also be recapping our existing phonics knowledge ready to start Phase 5a after half term!

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Investigating tetromino arrangements (four squares joined together at the sides).

- Investigating pentomino arrangements (five squares joined together at the sides).

- Investigating ways that four and five cubes can be composed into different 3D models.

Mastering Number

This week, the children will explore how the numbers 6, 7, 8 and 9 can all be composed of two parts where 5 is one of the parts, and continue to use the language of 'whole' and 'part'.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the book 'The Trapdoor: Breakfast'.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 7th October

Friday 11th is non-uniform day - wear something blue for Weston Hospice 

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Words that add the prefix 'un' include:

- unfit, unclear, unfinished, uncooked (adjectives)

Words that add the prefix 'un' include:

- unhelpful, unafraid, unexpected, unwell (adjectives)

Reading words with the contraction ('ll) include:

- I'll, they'll, she'll, you'll

Reading words with the contraction (n't) include:

- hadn't, aren't, wasn't, didn't

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Composing pattern block images.

- Copy, extend and develop repeating and radiating pattern block patterns.

- Compose tangram images.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the book 'The Tiger Who Came to Tea' by Judith Kerr.

We have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 30th September

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Words that add the suffix 'est' include:

- highest, sharpest, smartest, lightest (adjectives)

Words that add the prefix 'un' include:

unzip, unpack, unwell, unlock (verbs)

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Partitioning numbers one to five in different ways.

- Partitioning numbers one to five in a systematic way.

- Partitioning number using a bar model.

- Exploring 2D shapes. 

Literacy

- In literacy we will be writing about our favourite part from the theatre production. 

- On Thursday its National Poetry day so we will spend time exploring poetry.

- Exploring decoding sentences including known GPCs and completing activities based on these.

Week Beginning 23rd September

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Words that add the suffix 'er' include:

- hunter, cooker, painter, waiter (changing a verb to a noun)

Words that add the suffix 'er' include:

- fresher, smoother, smarter, shorter (adjectives)

Words that add the suffix 'er' include:

- tighter, thicker, sharper, sweeter (adjectives)

Words that add the suffix 'est' include:

- highest, sharpest, smartest, lightest (adjectives)

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Explaining that numbers can represent how many objects there in a set.

- Explaining that ordinal numbers show a position and not a set of objects.

- Partitioning numbers one to five in different ways.

- Partitioning numbers one to five in a systematic way.

- Finding a missing part when one part and the whole is known.

- Showing one more and one less than a number using representations. Pupils describe this accurately.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the book 'Hansel and Gretel'.

Year 1 have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 16th September

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Words that add the suffix 'ing' include:

- wishing, helping, fighting, dashing (verbs)

Words that add the suffix 'ed' include:

- helped, melted, twisted, picked (verbs)

Words that add the suffix 'er' include:

- singer, helper, toaster, painter (changing a verb to a noun)

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Using the equality and inequality symbols ( < less than,  > more than, = equal to) to compare.

- Explaining that a whole can be split into parts.

- Explaining that a whole can represent a group of objects.

- Identifying part of a whole group.

- Explaining what a part whole model is.

- Using a part whole model to represent a whole partitioned into two or more parts.

Literacy

In literacy we are focusing on the book 'We're going on a bear hunt' by Michael Rosen.

Year 1 have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 9th September

Phonics 

This week we will be continuing Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Words that add the plural 's' include:

- chimps, books, skunks, flowers (nouns)

- thinks, drinks, paints, sees (verbs)

Words that add the plural 'es' include:

- brushes, foxes, dishes, dresses

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Comparing items using length, height and distance

- Comparing items using weight/mass and volume and capacity.

- Counting and comparing a set of objects.

Literacy

In literacy we are Focusing on the book 'Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers.

Year 1 have adopted the Drawing club approach to writing where children can develop their imagination, curiosity and writing skills in the classroom.

Week Beginning 2nd September

We will be welcoming the children back to school after the summer break and giving them the opportunity to explore their new classroom and outdoor environment. The provision looks different to move up day, so it is important that we give them time to find out where everything is, how to use the spaces effectively to have rich learning experiences, and now to ensure areas are left ready for other children to enjoy. 

Phonics 

This week we will be starting Phase 4 revision which looks at adjacent consonants and some Year 1 National Curriculum requirements.

Words that add the plural 's' include:

- chimps, books, skunks, flowers (nouns)

- thinks, drinks, paints, sees (verbs)

Words that add the plural 'es' include:

- brushes, foxes, dishes, dresses

Maths 

In maths we are looking at:

- Counting and writing numerals to 10.

- Challenging ourselves to count and write numerals to 20.

- Exploring counting games and activities.

Literacy

In literacy we are looking at:

- Sharing our summer holiday news through pictures, words, phrases and simple sentences.