Welcome
to Year 1
Mr Cranston
Meet your teachers
Mr Cranston
Hello everyone! My name is Mr Cranston and I am very excited to be your Year 1 teacher in September.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going on walks, visiting the cinema and cooking food. I also have a fluffy cat Laisa, who loves to keep me company at home. I always like to bring lots of fun and excitement into the classroom.
When I was in primary school, my favourite books were the Captain Underpants series because they always made me laugh. I can’t wait to share stories together. My favourite subjects are Maths and History, and I love helping children discover new things and grow in confidence.
One thing you should know about me is that I’m quite tall, so I have to be very careful not to bump into anything—or anyone! I can’t wait to meet you all and have a fantastic time together.
Meet your teaching Assistants
Miss Hoyland
Hello everyone, my name is Miss Hoyland and I am really looking forward to working with you all next year! You may have already seen me around school and I can’t wait to get to know each of you better.
A little bit about me… I have a cat called Tiger, who keeps me very busy and makes me smile every day. I love reading and my favourite book (and film!) is Alice in Wonderland because I enjoy all of the imagination and adventure in the story.
My favourite subjects are Art and History – I love being creative and learning about the past.
When I was at school, I used to play the clarinet. I don’t get to play it very often these days, but I still enjoy listening to music whenever I can. I am so excited for the year ahead and all the fun, learning and memories we will make together! See you soon!
Miss Mason
Hello, my name is Miss Mason and I am very excited to be your new Teaching Assistant.
Before this role, I ran the school’s Breakfast Club, but I loved seeing children learn and grow so much that I decided to join the Ashwood team in the classroom.
I love helping children feel proud of themselves and can’t wait to support you on your learning journey. If you’re feeling a little nervous, remember that I am always here to help.
I enjoy reading mystery books and singing in my spare time. I also have two children of my own.
I am looking forward to getting to know you all and having a fantastic year together.
Class Information
Our Class Dojo Page will be updated regularly with lots of pictures, messages and dojo points- it is important that you have access to this as lots of important information about school goes on here, including celebrating your child’s achievements.
Phonics
In Year 1 we continue to progress in phonics through the Little Wandle phases and units. Staff meet with the EYFS team to discuss progress made in phonics and early reading in Foundation stage and look at next steps needed for the children in Y1. Reading books are fully decodable and follow the Little Wandle scheme. Reading at home with your child is really important to support their progress in their early reading skills.
Staff send home two books a week with the children. Take a look at our Supporting your child with reading at home video.
Your child will bring home:-
- A decodable book matched to children’s secure phonic knowledge. This book should enable children to ‘show off’ their new learning. If the child reads the book fluently and with expression, that’s great – it doesn’t mean that the book is too easy.
- A love of reading book. The best way parents can support their child is to share books together at home. The child will not be able to read this sharing book alone. Parents should read the book to the child, explore and talk about the pictures and enjoy reading together!
PE
Our PE days will be uploaded to our Class Dojo page when this has been confirmed. Children will need to wear their Ashwood PE kit. This includes: a plain white t-shirt, plain black shorts or a black tracksuit and trainers. All jewellery must be removed for PE.
Areas of Learning
Phonics
In Year 1 we continue to progress in phonics through the Little Wandle phases and units. Staff meet with the EYFS team to discuss progress made in phonics and early reading in Foundation stage and look at next steps needed for the children in Y1. Reading books are fully decodable and follow the Little Wandle scheme. Reading at home with your child is really important to support their progress in their early reading skills.
Staff send home two books a week with the children. Take a look at our Supporting your child with reading at home video.
Your child will bring home:
A decodable book matched to children’s secure phonic knowledge. This book should enable children to ‘show off’ their new learning. If the child reads the book fluently and with expression, that’s great – it doesn’t mean that the book is too easy.
A love of reading book. The best way parents can support their child is to share books together at home. The child will not be able to read this sharing book alone. Parents should read the book to the child, explore and talk about the pictures and enjoy reading together!
PE
Our PE days will be uploaded to our Class Dojo page when this has been confirmed. Children will need to wear their Ashwood PE kit. This includes: a plain white t-shirt, plain black shorts or a black tracksuit and trainers. All jewellery must be removed for PE.
Class News
Y1 Little Wandle Success
We are so incredibly proud of how our Year 1 children have embraced their Little Wandle Letters and Sounds journey this term! The transition from Reception to
Maths in Y1
Our Year 1 pupils have been busy developing their understanding of numbers through an exciting part-whole lesson this week. Using practical resources such as counters,
Phonics at Ashwood
At Rawmarsh Ashwood, we use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised to teach phonics, helping children learn to read by breaking words down into sounds.
Y1 Reading and Phonics
At Rawmarsh Ashwood, learning starts as soon as the children come through the school gate in the morning. Staff utilise every single opportunity to drive
