🌟 Year 1 Newsletter

Welcome to Learning in Year 1 – Supporting Your Child Through the TransformED Curriculum

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to Year 1! This is an exciting stage in your child’s learning journey. As part of Northern Ireland’s TransformED curriculum, there is a strong focus on helping children develop as curious, confident, and capable learners.

In Year 1, learning is carefully designed to be play-based, practical, and engaging, while also building the foundations in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.

🌱 What does learning look like in Year 1?

Children in Year 1 learn best through:

• Play and exploration

• Talking and sharing ideas

• Hands-on activities

• Short, focused learning sessions

The aim is not just academic progress, but also developing:

• Confidence

• Independence

• Social skills

• A love of learning

📖 Literacy (Language and Communication)

In Year 1, children begin their journey to becoming readers and writers.

Your child will be learning to:

• Recognise letters and sounds (phonics)

• Blend sounds to read simple words

• Listen to and talk about stories

• Begin writing letters, words, and simple sentences

How you can help at home:

• Read together every day (even 10 minutes helps!)

• Talk about stories and pictures

• Practise letter sounds in a fun way

• Encourage mark-making, drawing, and early writing

👉 The focus is on building confidence and enjoyment in reading and communication.

🔢 Numeracy (Early Maths Skills)

Year 1 numeracy is all about building a strong understanding of numbers and using maths in everyday situations.

Your child will be learning to:

• Count, recognise, and order numbers

• Understand simple addition and subtraction

• Use language like more/less, bigger/smaller

• Explore shape, pattern, and measurement

How you can help at home:

• Count objects during daily routines

• Talk about numbers in the environment

• Play simple number games

• Use everyday activities like cooking or shopping

👉 The focus is on understanding, not speed or memorisation.

💻 ICT (Using Technology)

Children are introduced to technology in a safe and meaningful way.

Your child will be learning to:

• Use simple digital devices

• Explore educational apps and games

• Begin creating simple digital content

• Understand basic online safety rules

How you can help at home:

• Encourage purposeful screen time (learning apps, creative tools)

• Talk about staying safe online

• Balance screen use with play and rest

👉 Technology is used as a tool for learning and creativity.

💬 Personal Development & Wellbeing

A key part of Year 1 is helping children to:

• Build friendships

• Share and take turns

• Understand and express feelings

• Develop independence

You can support this by:

• Talking about emotions

• Encouraging kindness

• Celebrating effort and achievements

🏡 Supporting Learning at Home

The most valuable support you can give your child is simple:

• Spend time talking and listening

• Encourage curiosity and questions

• Keep routines consistent

• Celebrate small successes

Remember—learning at this stage should feel positive and enjoyable.

🌟 Final Thought

Year 1 is the foundation for your child’s future learning. Through the TransformED curriculum, we aim to nurture children who are not only developing key skills, but also enjoy learning, think independently, and feel confident in themselves.

If you have any questions or would like further guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Thank you for your continued support.