During the first half of Term 2, our Primary 1 pupils have been enthusiastically developing their skills across the Northern Ireland Curriculum through engaging, play-based learning experiences.
In Numeracy, children explored practical weight activities using pan balance scales, where they developed mathematical language, made predictions, and investigated the weight of a variety of objects through hands-on exploration. Pupils also investigated 3D shapes using practical materials and enjoyed using the ‘Feely Bag’ to identify shapes using only their sense of touch, encouraging reasoning and descriptive language. Our class explored data handling by creating and interpreting graphs using practical graph kits, cubes, and supporting worksheets. In addition, children investigated capacity through fun sand and water tray activities, learning to use language such as full, half full, empty, more, and less. Pupils have been consolidating their knowledge of numbers 6–10 through a variety of interactive and practical activities. They are also beginning to recognise the numbers 1-5 in words.
In Literacy, children have been building early reading and writing skills through CVC word activities using flip charts, phonics cubes, and whiteboards, alongside daily phonics and High Frequency Word practice. Reading groups continue to support the development of early reading confidence and comprehension. They enjoyed sequencing a ‘Roses are Red’ poem for Valentine’s Day.
In Religious Education, pupils have been learning songs while exploring the childhood and life of Jesus.
Through World Around Us, children have been discovering Winter and Polar Lands through creative and investigative play, including painting winter scenes, creating paper plate penguins and polar bears, and engaging in imaginative role-play in our class igloo. Pupils measured penguin heights using cubes and carried out simple science investigations, such as testing penguin ‘waterproofing’ using wax crayons and water sprays, and observing melting rates of frozen ‘ice eggs’ containing penguins. Playing with ‘ice bergs’ in blue water in the water tray was a firm favourite. The class have also developed early writing skills by labelling penguins and snowmen and composing shared sentences about polar bears.
PE continues to be a highlight of the week, promoting physical development and teamwork. Alongside these whole-class activities, many pupils have also been supported through individualised learning experiences.
It has certainly been a very busy and exciting half term for our wonderful class. We hope you enjoy our selection of photos. Unfortunately, we don’t have pictures of every activity, but we have included a lovely range that highlights the children’s learning and the wonderful fun they have been having along the way.
