-120x120.gif)
Developing an awareness of our surroundings is an important part of Key Stage 1. Children begin to ask questions, discover new ways of thinking and follow different paths of enquiry. Their natural inquistiveness should be stimulated and encouraged. Learning is fun and interactive, and helps children to make sense of their surroundings, thinking about the what, why, who, and how of the world around them. Get them in the kitchen, in the garden, and discovering their surroundings while you are out and about
Year 1 Design and Technology
Design and technology aims to teach children about how things work, and who they are for. It is quite a broad subject and covers everything from examining buildings to looking at the properties of meals.
Children are taught to look at and talk about familiar products. They practice simple practical skills and complete tasks, such as cutting and gluing. The subject also helps them to plan and create their own products.
Homes - When you are out and about with your child, take time to talk about the different types of house in your neighbourhood. Why not turn it into a game of spot the difference? That way they will get used to the different terms used to describe houses, e.g. terraced, semi-detached, bungalow. You could also talk about the types of materials used in different parts of the house, such as bricks, wood, glass, and concrete.
Eat more fruit & veg - If you are preparing a meal that includes a variety of fruit and vegetables, talk to your child about which vegetables need peeling and which don't, e.g. carrots and tomatoes. Cut the vegetables in half and let your child see the difference between the insides of the different types. Talk about the textures and identify the parts, e.g. the flesh and the seeds.
Which subject?
During Years 1 and 2, your child will be taught a wide range of subjects. While individual schools teach these at different times, the core National Curriculum subjects are:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Design & technology
- Information & communication technology
- History
- Geography
- Art & design
- Music
- Physical education
- Religious education
Key Stage 1: Science
Children are taught science at Key Stage 1 to help them find out how the world works. At this age, science teaching is broken down into three areas: life processes and living things; materials and their properties; and physical processes. Children learn to ask questions and work out the answers by finding things out and noting down the results. They think about whether their tests are fair, and use scientific language, drawings and tables to record their work.
Growing seeds - In Year 2, children are taught about what makes plants grow. You can help them learn about the effects different conditions have on plants by growing your own plant from a seed. Plant three seeds in soil in different yogurt pots. Keep one in normal conditions, with sufficient light and water, keep one in a dark place and don't water the third but ensure there is plenty of light. Talk to your child about what's working and what's not and ask them to think of reasons as to why the different outcomes might be.
Looking for plants and animals - Next time you are in the park or in your back garden, go on a bug hunt. Look under rocks and stones and see which insects live there. Look out for snails, spiders, worms and woodlice. Talk to your child about why different insects live in certain areas of the garden and the conditions they like. \
Level 2 - Levels are the benchmarks which set out what most children should be able to know and do at set stages in their education. Level 2 is the target that has been set for children aged seven.
If your child finds the work too easy, talk to your child's teacher about what they should be achieving. Listen to what your child's teacher has to say, it could be there are some activities you can do at home.
If your child is struggling with the work, the most important thing you can do is to support them. Show an interest in what they are doing and ask their teacher if there is any extra support you can offer. Remember that what your child can do with your support at home may well not be achievable at school in a larger class. If you are worried, approach your child's teacher and share your concerns. They will be pleased that you are looking to be part of a workable solution and most will be able to suggest approaches that you can try at home.
