Year 1 is an exciting and important year in a child’s education, especially in English (or Literacy). It’s the start of Key Stage 1, where children begin to build the academic skills they’ll use for years to come. As a parent, it’s helpful to understand what your child will be learning in Literacy, so here’s a clear breakdown:
What is Literacy in Year 1?
Literacy in Year 1 focuses on four key areas:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
These skills are interconnected and help children communicate effectively, express themselves and understand the world around them.
- Reading
In Year 1, children will:
- Learn phonics: They’ll continue to build on the phonics skills they started in Reception. This includes blending sounds to read words and recognising common exception words (tricky words that don’t follow phonics rules, like “the” or “said”).
- Read simple books: They’ll read books matched to their phonics level, often with repetitive sentences and pictures to help them understand the story.
- Develop comprehension: They’ll start to talk about what they’ve read, answering questions like “What happened in the story?” or “How do you think the character felt?”
- Enjoy shared reading: Teachers will read stories aloud to the class, helping children develop a love for books and storytelling.
How you can help at home:
- Read with your child daily, even for just 10 minutes.
- Encourage them to sound out words using phonics.
- Ask simple questions about the story to check their understanding.
- Writing
In Year 1, children will:
- Write simple sentences: They’ll learn to write short sentences using capital letters, finger spaces and full stops.
- Use phonics to spell: They’ll sound out words to spell them, even if they’re not perfect.
- Write about their experiences: They’ll write about things they’ve done, seen or enjoyed, like a trip to the park or a favourite toy.
- Draw pictures to support writing: Drawing helps them organise their thoughts and ideas before writing.
- Learn basic grammar: They’ll start to use joining words like “and” and describe things with simple adjectives (e.g., “a big dog”).
How you can help at home:
- Encourage your child to write notes, cards, or shopping lists.
- Praise their efforts, even if the spelling isn’t perfect.
- Help them practise forming letters correctly.
- Speaking
In Year 1, children will:
- Express themselves clearly: They’ll be encouraged to share their ideas and feelings in full sentences.
- Ask and answer questions: They’ll learn to ask questions to find out more and answer questions in detail.
- Take part in group discussions: They’ll practise listening to others and taking turns to speak.
How you can help at home:
- Have conversations with your child about their day or interests.
- Encourage them to describe things in detail (e.g., “Tell me about your picture”).
- Play games that involve asking and answering questions.
- Listening
In Year 1, children will:
- Follow instructions: They’ll learn to listen carefully and follow multi-step instructions.
- Listen to stories and information: They’ll practise paying attention during class discussions, story time, or when learning something new.
- Respond appropriately: They’ll learn to respond to what they’ve heard, whether it’s answering a question or joining in a conversation.
How you can help at home:
- Play listening games like “Simon Says” or “I Spy.”
- Read stories together and ask your child to recall what happened.
- Encourage them to listen carefully when you give them instructions.
What’s the difference from Reception?
In Reception, children learn through play and exploration, with a lot of free choice. In Year 1, the focus shifts slightly to more structured learning. They’ll still have playtime and fun activities, but they’ll also be expected to sit for longer periods, concentrate and work more independently.
How can I support my child in Year 1?
- Be patient: Year 1 is a big transition, so it’s normal for children to feel tired or overwhelmed at first.
- Celebrate progress: Focus on what they’re doing well, rather than what they find tricky.
- Make learning fun: Use games, songs and stories to practise Literacy skills at home.
- Stay in touch with the teacher: They can give you tips and updates on your child’s progress.
Year 1 is a year of huge growth and your support at home will make a big difference. By encouraging reading, writing, speaking and listening in a fun and positive way, you’ll help your child build a strong foundation for their future learning!