I Am Special – Year 1

This half term, our Year 1 children will be exploring our exciting topic ‘I Am Special’. Through a carefully chosen sequence of stories, children will learn more about themselves, their families, their homes and the people and communities around them. The topic supports our Curriculum for Wales focus on Cynefin, helping children develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and an appreciation of what makes every person special and unique.

We will begin with The Colour Monster, exploring different feelings and emotions and helping children recognise and talk about how they feel. Our Class is a Family will introduce the idea of belonging, encouraging children to think about their home family and their new Year 1 school family.

Through All Are Welcome Here, we will celebrate different cultures, backgrounds and traditions, recognising that our differences make our school community special. We will then explore homes and buildings through In Every House, on Every Street, encouraging children to talk about their own homes, families and local community.

As the topic progresses, The Great Pet Sale will introduce learning about pets and animals, providing opportunities to explore caring for living things as well as linking our learning to maths, literacy and role play. We will then enjoy Elmer, celebrating individuality and uniqueness while giving children opportunities to share their own hobbies, interests, talents and the things that make them special.

Finally, we will bring our learning together with Elmer’s Birthday, focusing on celebrations and friendship. Children will explore how and why people celebrate, share their own experiences and work together to plan a special celebration for Elmer.

Throughout ‘I Am Special’, children will be encouraged to develop confidence in talking about who they are, where they belong and what makes them unique, while learning to value and celebrate the similarities and differences of others.