Chestnut (Y1/2)

Chestnut Class

Class teacher: Miss Rogers (Mrs Stevens on a Tuesday 11-3:15 and Mrs Goodman from 11-12 on a Thursday morning).

Teaching assistants: Mrs Stevens will be supporting as TA from Tuesday to Friday. When Mrs Stevens is covering the class, she will be supported by either Miss Porter or Miss Mason. Mrs Mason will be supporting in Chestnut class on a Monday all day.

Dear Parents/Carers,

We have a very exciting term ahead of us in Chestnut Class! We are not starting a topic officially until Term 2 to allow us to build relationships with the children and develop their confidence in the new environment. We will be creating exciting sculptures in art, with our focus artist being Henri Matisse. We will also be learning about animals in Science, as well as doing other subjects such as computing, RE and PSHE.

Just a few reminders for this term:

Our P.E sessions are being held on a Thursday morning because we have dance lessons with the amazing Caroline! Please make sure your child comes into school wearing their PE kit. Could you also ensure book bags are checked regularly for letters etc.

Reading:

As a parent, you are your child's first and most important teacher. When you help your child learn to read, you are opening the door to a world of books and learning. Reading aloud to children is the best way to get them interested in reading. Before long they will grow to love stories and books. Eventually they will want to read on their own.

With the help of parents, children can learn how to read and can practise reading until they can read for their own enjoyment. Then they will have a whole world of information and knowledge at their fingertips! It is important that you hear your child read at least four times a week and comment in their Reading Records. Every time your child reads, they get to colour in a star on their bookmark and, once this is filled up, they will receive some sort of reward! Please note that Bellefield staff are no longer stamping/commenting in reading records anymore but are still reading with all the children regularly in school.

Some children will take Readerful books home as they have progressed through our Phonics books and are ready to develop their fluency and comprehension through our levelled system. These will be changed every two weeks if your child has read enough at home. However, some children will continue to take a Phonics book home. These books will contain sounds your child still needs to practise as identified in a recent phonics assessment. These will be changed weekly.

We also have a brand new "We love to read" display board where, if a child has enjoyed a book they've read (either from home or at school), they can recommend it and then a photocopied picture of the book's cover will be pegged on the display board! Any books from home are welcome.

Communication:

We will have a Class Dojo page where we will share information about events and activities happening in class. We also endeavour to update our 'class stories' each week, this will give you a snapshot into the learning that your child is taking part in.  

It can also be used to message the class teachers. Please be mindful we will only message back during reasonable hours.

Please remember we are always available to speak to on the door before and after school – do approach us if you have any questions or concerns.

Homework: 

Homework challenges are sent home termly rather than weekly via Dojo. This will contain a mix of English, Maths & creative tasks. Children are expected to complete at least one (or as many) of the tasks each term. This will be posted this week.

Just a few other general reminders:

• 1) Children will need to bring in their own water bottle to drink from throughout the day.

• 2) Even though the weather is warming up, children need a coat in case of rain.

• 3) KS1 children are offered a piece of fruit or raw vegetable (funded by the Government) as a healthy snack, promoting commitment to healthy living. However, if your child would prefer to bring their own snack please feel free to do so! (fruit or vegetables only please)

• 4) Please ensure all uniform is clearly labelled with your child’s name.

If you have any further questions about the year ahead please do not hesitate in speaking to us either before/after school or messaging Miss Rogers on Class Dojo.

Kind Regards,

Miss Rogers             Mrs Stevens, Miss Mason, Mrs Mason, Mrs Goodman, Miss Porter

(Class Teacher)         (Other members of the Chestnut team)