Reflection and Celebration

Overview

This is the final lesson in the "Fun First Days!" unit. It provides a joyful and meaningful conclusion by inviting Year 1 pupils to reflect on their favourite moments from the past weeks, sharing verbally and through creative expression. The lesson concludes with a small class party that celebrates their achievements, promotes a sense of community, and consolidates key vocabulary and social skills in line with the National Curriculum for England (Key Stage 1).

National Curriculum Links

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

H1.1: What makes a community – Pupils recognise the importance of working together and respecting others in a group.
H1.2: Caring for others – Pupils learn to express their feelings and listen to others.

English - Spoken Language

Eng 1.1: Speaking and Listening: Pupils participate in discussions, listen attentively, and express themselves clearly.

Personal Development

Developing confidence through sharing ideas and experiences.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

WALT: Reflect on and share favourite experiences from our first days.
WALT: Use new vocabulary learnt to describe feelings and moments.
WALT: Demonstrate collaboration and respect for others during a class celebration.
WALT: Identify ways we have grown as a class community.

Success Criteria

I can talk about my favourite moment using full sentences.
I can listen carefully when my friends share their ideas.
I can use words like "happy", "excited", "kind", and "team" in my reflections.
I can show good manners and help during our class party.

Resources

Large colourful emotion cards (happy, excited, proud, kind)
Paper and crayons for drawing
“Memory jar” (a decorated box to collect written/drawn reflections)
Small party snacks and drinks (nut-free, allergy-conscious)
Celebration music playlist (calm and upbeat tunes)
Visual timetable for the session on display (dyslexia-friendly font)

Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Greet the children warmly; explain today is a special day to celebrate.
Engagement: Use emotion cards to recap vocabulary: ask children to show a card that represents how they feel today and say why.
Mindfully model language: “I feel happy because we have lots to celebrate!”
Reinforce use of vocabulary for feelings and community words ("team", "friends", "help").

2. Reflection Circle (15 minutes)

Sit in a circle. Teachers model sharing a favourite moment from the first days using visual prompts (“I liked when we played the name game because I made a new friend.”).
Use a talking object (e.g., a soft toy) to give each child a chance to share their favourite part. Encourage full sentences, linking to taught vocabulary.
After each child shares, briefly reinforce key new words by repeating and showing the emotion cards.
Collect children’s words or drawings about the first days in the "Memory Jar." For children who find speaking challenging, offer drawing or stick-figure support to express their ideas.

3. Drawing Activity: “My Best Day” (15 minutes)

Children draw their favourite moment from the unit on A4 paper. Encourage them to use words or phrases underneath their drawings (with adult support as needed).
Display exemplars of simple vocabulary labels to scaffold writing (e.g., “fun”, “friends”, “play”).
Dyslexia-friendly strategies: Use lined paper with clear spacing, coloured pencils, and positive feedback affirming all attempts.

4. Sharing Gallery and Vocabulary Recap (10 minutes)

Children walk around to view drawings from classmates displayed on the walls or tables.
In pairs or small groups, children say one nice thing about a friend’s drawing using vocabulary prompts (e.g., “I like your picture because it looks fun!”).
Teacher reinforces sentence starters and vocabulary.

5. Celebration Party (10 minutes)

Children enjoy small snacks and drinks, seated together to promote community spirit.
Play calm party music and encourage chatting about the drawings and their experiences.
Group activity: Teacher leads a simple game like “Pass the Smile” to reinforce kindness, collaboration, and positive social interaction.

Differentiation Strategies

For less confident speakers: Provide sentence starters on cards (e.g., “My favourite day was… because…”). Allow drawing or role play to support verbal expression.
For children with additional needs (SEN/Dyslexia): Use clear, dyslexia-friendly fonts and visual supports. Provide individual support or peer buddies during sharing.
For advanced learners: Prompt to use more complex sentences (“I felt excited when… because it was a new experience.”) and descriptive vocabulary. Invite them to help lead the reflection or assist peers.

Assessment

Observe pupils’ use of taught vocabulary during sharing and paired activities.
Anecdotal notes on confidence in expressing reflections and listening skills.
Collect drawings and written captions as evidence of vocabulary and ideas recalled.
End-of-lesson self-assessment: thumbs up/down for “I enjoyed sharing my favourite moment today.”

Extension Activities

Create a “Class Book of Memories” compiling all drawings and sentences for a shared keepsake.
Encourage pupils to write or dictate a short sentence about their first days for display in the classroom or home.
Use a simple digital app (voice recorder or drawing) for pupils to create an oral or digital memory.

Notes for Teachers

Emphasise positive classroom relationships to finish the term on an inclusive, upbeat note.
Use calm, encouraging tone to support any children who find reflection or sharing difficult.
Maintain a balance of speaking, listening, drawing, and social time to cater to active Year 1 learners.
Prior to the party, ensure snacks meet dietary restrictions and handwashing routines are followed.

This lesson celebrates the achievements of the children’s first days at school through reflective, vocabulary-rich, and community-building activities, fully aligned to the KS1 National Curriculum and emphasising social and emotional development alongside English communication skills.

Teaching Instructions