English: Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 encompasses Year 1 and Year 2 when pupils are 5 to 7 years old. In English, pupils during this stage learn to speak with confidence and listen to other people while speaking. But they also begin to learn to read and write on their own.

Speaking and Listening During Key Stage 1

In English, Key Stage 1 focuses on teaching pupils to speak clearly and confidently as well as to listen what other have to say, including understanding what they want to say and remember the key message. Pupils are also taught to use language in imaginary situations such as role playing. Speaking and listening during Key Stage 1 involve working in small groups and as a class, while pupils are also introduced to the basics of standard English language, its structure and variation.

Reading During Key Stage 1

Reading during Key Stage 1 isn’t only focused on helping pupils to learn to read independently and with confidence but it also seeks to arouse pupils’ interest in reading as such. Pupils are also encouraged to pay attention to words and sentences as well as their correlation to the text as a whole. They learn to understand the meaning of simple texts.

Writing During Key Stage 1

During Key Stage 1, pupils learn to write, spell and punctuate but they also learn the importance of written communication and to communicate in written word.

Resources for English for Key Stage 1

In addition to using textbooks and resources according to their teacher’s instructions, pupils in Year 1 and Year 2 can also improve their knowledge of English with the aid of various online English resources. Some of the most helpful websites include:

BBC KS1 Bitesize. Here, pupils can train their English and have fun at the same time while playing various educative games. They can choose between three difficulty levels and test their knowledge in phonetics, spelling, making sentences, alphabet, etc.
AtScool.co.uk. This website is also based on helping kids learn English through fun activities and games. But it also offers online tests, worksheets, interactive exercises and a variety of other resources.

English teachers can found useful resources on websites such as Tes.co.uk, one of the largest online teacher networks, TeachIt.co.uk with over 5,000 edited resources and BBC Learning Teachers which amongst other also offers lesson plans and worksheets.