This half-term we will be conducting a local area study and will think about the big idea ‘What is special about our local area?’.

In this geography unit, we will discover which countries make up the United Kingdom and be able to locate these on a map. Our focus will then turn to our local area where we will locate Keyworth on a UK map and identify the physical and human features within our village and school grounds. We will engage with maps, aerial images and 4-point compass directions.

Part of our topic will include a walk around the village, and this will take place in the afternoon of Wednesday 20^th November. Please let me know if you are able to help with this visit (times TBC).

Our class texts
My Map Book by Sara Fannelli, Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, Binny’s Diwali by Thirty Umrigar and The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivizas and Helen Oxenbyrt, Every House on Every Street by Jess Hitchman

Check out our Year 1 curriculum map and knowledge organisers to find out what else we are learning this half-term.

Dates for your diaries:

We have got lots of exciting activities planned between now and Christmas! Please keep an eye out for the next Dragon’s Roar, where you will find more information about these events.

• Week beginning 11^th November: Anti-bullying week
• Friday 15^th November: Children in Need
• Wednesday 20^th November (afternoon) – Village fieldtrip.
• Tuesday 3^rd December 10am – Library visit
• Friday 6^th December – Christmas Fair
• Tuesday 10^th December – Morning Christmas performance
• Wednesday 11^th December – Afternoon and evening Christmas performance
• Monday 16^th December – Whole school visit to the Pantomime

Reminders

• Reading: please continue to read 3 times a week and sign this off in your child's home-school book. We are still working towards our bronze awards - some of you have already achieved this which is brilliant! 
• Red words: Before half-term, your child was given a 'red word' bookmark listing all of the tricky words they will come across in their phonics lessons. Please take some time to read through these with your child. 
• Doodle Maths: stay within the green zone on Doodle Maths. Extra challenges are set regularly which are personalised to support your child to reach their next steps. 
• PE: PE will still be taking place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Shout out!
Towards the end of our science unit, we will be designing and building a mini shelter to test the properties of everyday materials. If you have any cardboard boxes, tin foil or small plastic recyclables, please send them in. Thank you!