In September’s blog Corrie Leach EYFS teacher at Coppice Valley answered the questions why does she love the Early Years so much? The absolute joy and enthusiasm from her words rang out clear and strong as she stated that the only way she could possibly sum up her feelings about the early years was the word ‘magic ’Goodness me, I thought, how on earth does a child transition from the magic of early years to a year 1 setting. What happens to the magic? Does it still exist as children progress throughout the school and how does a year 1 teacher possibly follow that?
The first thing I do in September is remember that this new little group of year 1s are actually reception children who have had a 6-week holiday. Many have mastered the challenges and experiences of Reception, their foundations are strong and they are ready to start embedding their knowledge and skills in year 1. However, they are just at the start of this journey, some of their learning from Reception will have been forgotten and it’s my job to help them retrieve that learning so that it is right at the forefront of their minds.
At Coppice Valley, we believe it is important to follow the needs of the children, to introduce the year 1 learning at their pace, making sure there is play incorporated into the learning. Play is an important part of our learning in Year 1, and just like our fab Reception teachers, I am also experienced in silly voices, dancing and dressing up. Last year saw me being Mary Anning and my Teaching Assistant, the ever-helpful Mrs Nalder, dress up as a dinosaur.
But, play provision is not just about the furniture or resources you have in the classroom. In my year 1 classroom, I am the main provision. I adapt and change in response to what the children need. Pushing them and challenging them just enough so that they are engaged and curious learners. The national curriculum starts in Year 1. It is an absolute delight introducing, history, geography, science, art, DT, music, RE and computing in addition to Maths and English. It is integral at Coppice Valley that children have a broad curriculum to gain knowledge and skills and Year 1 is the start of it all.
Last week it was quite incredible discussing the concept of time and the past with my class in our first history lesson. I find I can have some incredibly deep philosophical conversations with 5 year olds and they reignite my own curiosity. The history lesson culminated in us learning about the stone age and that there were no toilets. Much hilarity ensued about where one would poo in the stone age!
Year 1 is the year where you really start to see children’s minds expand, their curiosity flourish and their confidence blossom. There is nothing quite like observing the progression in reading in year 1. EYFS is a truly magical start but year 1 is a different kind of magic all of its own; it’s the gateway to igniting deeper learning and curiosity about the curriculum.
Miss Morris Year 1 Teacher, Coppice Valley Primary School
*Sponsored Blog
