What Does Your Child Learn During Key Stage 1? A Complete Guide For Parents

Key Stage 1 covers the UK’s first two years of primary school education, typically including children aged 5-7. This stage of learning is crucial as it sets the foundation for a child’s educational journey. As a parent, you play an essential role in supporting your child’s development during Key Stage 1. However, you wonder how best to help your child Key Stage 1. This article will explore tips and strategies to help your child succeed during this critical period.

 

Every parent wants to provide their children with the most significant education possible, especially in their early years. As a result, many parents choose tutors who can strengthen the child’s foundation sooner in the child’s official schooling. Many parents opt for Key Stage 1 tuition in London as a more effective resource because it provides fantastic learning chances for young children failing in their year groups.

What Does a Child Learn During Key Stage 1?

It should be noted that the 11 disciplines are there for your child to come in contact with during Key Stage 1. It includes Maths, English, Science, ICT Design and Technology, Geography, History and Art and Design, PE, Music and RE. On the other hand, Except for RE, they’re all subjects that will take place alongside learning areas, e.g., health, personal, social and education (PSHE) citizenship, the concept of citizenship, and foreign languages.

Reception

Key Maths Learning

• Use the number lines to perform basic subtraction and addition.
• Recognise simple 3D and 2D shapes.
• Patterns of form and descriptions of events according to chronological time.

Key English Learning

• Learn the alphabet and the familiar words (the and, to).
• Know the basics of grammar.
• Start to learn to handwrite.

Key Science Learning

• An introduction to watching and discussing.
• Presenting information of an introductory nature.
• ICT fundamentals.

Personal Development

The reception will introduce your child to other children from various backgrounds. Friendships that they develop with their classmates might last all their lives. Your child will begin to build confidence both academically and socially. Thus, they’ll be able to think critically about what’s happening around them during Key Stage 1. 

Exams

No essential tests exist this year, but the schools could create their exams. Only designed to monitor and assess your child’s progress. Therefore, this may not be a significant factor in your child’s academic future.

Year 1 Curriculum

Resuming school for year 1. It won’t be easier than it was the year before. Your child will be more at ease with their peers and the school. Hence, the task will begin to get more complex.

Key Maths Learning

• Counting from 100, then back to zero.

• Subtraction and addition facts to 20 and basic tables of times.
• Identifying half/quarters of the shapes.
• The art of telling the time.

Key English Learning

• Acquire a solid understanding of phonics.
• Read a variety of poems.
• Improved spelling.
• Punctuating sentence

Key Science Learning

• Recognising plants and understanding the basic structure of plants.
• Naming various animals and understanding the different categories.
• Studying characteristics of materials.
• Classifying the seasons as well as different kinds of weather.

Personal Development

The friendships built in the Reception years will be strengthened during the first school year. Your child will be capable of better communicating with other children and formulating new ideas of their own. They’ll also exhibit more desire to learn and might even lure you into helping. Expect they will often read to you and ask for your assistance with timetables. Better brush up!

Exams

Not any necessary tests in Year 1. However, certain subjects your child is exposed to can be helpful during Key Stage 1 SATs in Year 2. The school may also conduct internal tests to assess the student’s progress.

Year 2 Curriculum

The second year could be an extension of Year 1 in many ways. The workload will be more challenging before your child’s first “proper” examinations, the Key Stage 1 SATs.

Key Maths Learning

• Subtraction and addition of numbers with two digits.
• Division and multiplication rules for the 2, 5, 10, and 10 times tables.
• Searching for more complicated fractions (one-third or three-quarters) of forms or numbers.
• Measurements of length, weight capacity, weight, and time.
• Interpreting different graphs.

Key English Learning

• Automatically reading words without the need “sound them out “sound the words out”.
• An introduction to non-fiction and more complicated fiction.
• Begin joining handwriting.
• They write their own stories and poems.
• Learning to construct more complex sentences using conjunctions (if it is, when it is, and because).

Key Science Learning

• Monitoring how plants live their lives.
• The most imperative aspects of life on animals include the reproduction process, diet, and exercise.
• The effect of force on materials and objects.

Personal Development

Children continue to gain confidence as they play with their peers. Social interactions are becoming more complicated as children learn to communicate their thoughts. The tasks might become too complex for confident children at this point. Additional support could be needed, such as through English and Maths tuition or private tutoring. However, your child might also begin becoming more anxious in the lead-up to the SATs.

Exams

The KS1 tests will likely be the first time your child has experienced official exams. In contrast, these scores aren’t crucial in the long run. They will give the school and you an idea of the child’s improvement. The SATs occur later in the year, but assisting your child in preparing at the earliest opportunity is essential. This will lessen their stress and will result in better performance.

How Parents Help Children During Key Stage 1?

1- Establishing Daily Routine

Establishing a routine is essential for your child’s academic success. Create a daily routine with time for learning, play, and rest. Ensure your child has a designated time and place to study and complete homework. Setting a routine will help your child develop good study habits, increase their focus, and reduce stress.

2. Encouraging Reading

Reading is a crucial skill that forms the basis of all learning. Encourage your child to read daily, even just for a few minutes. Start with simple books with large print, and gradually introduce more challenging books. You can also read to your child and discuss the story together. Therefore, this will help develop their comprehension skills and increase their vocabulary.

3. Supporting Phonics Learning 

Phonics is the method used to teach children how to read and write. Support your child’s phonics learning by practising phonics sounds and words regularly. Use games, flashcards, and other interactive activities to make learning fun and engaging. You can also ask your child’s teacher for additional resources and support.

4. Developing Numeracy Skills 

Numeracy skills are essential for everyday life. Encourage your child to practise basic Maths skills such as counting, addition, and subtraction. Use everyday situations to teach them about money, time, and measurements. Play games that involve numbers to make learning fun and engaging.

5. Promoting Physical Development

Physical development is crucial during Key Stage 1, supporting a child’s overall health and well-being. Encourage your child to engage in physical activities such as running, jumping, and playing sports. However, this helps develop motor skills and coordination. Make healthy choices, such as eating nutritious food and getting enough rest. 

6. Supporting Emotional Well-being

Emotional well-being is just as important as physical development and academic success. Listen to your child and communicate regularly to understand their feelings. Encourage your child to use positive self-talk, such as “I can do this!” to help build their confidence. Create a safe environment for your child at home where they feel loved, respected, and valued.

Closing Words

Supporting your child during Key Stage 1 is crucial for their academic and overall development. By understanding what your child is learning, establishing routines, and providing support and encouragement, you can help your child succeed during this critical period. Remember to communicate with your child’s teacher, listen to your child, and make learning fun through play and creative activities.