Elf Notes From the Workshop: Free Printable Card Set for Year 1
Elf Notes From the Workshop is a free printable card set for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1. Ten calm notes from a friendly elf It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This card set includes cards to cut out and use.
A look at what children will meet:
- Good morning! I hope you slept well.
- Please say thank you today.
- I saw you share your toys. Well done!
- Try a new food today.
- Can you tidy your room for me?
- Give someone a big smile.
- Please be kind to your brothers and sisters.
- Read a story before bed.
- I love your drawings!
- Have a lovely day. See you soon!
Who this is for
Year 1 (ages 5 to 6) in Key Stage 1.
Key Stage 1 covers Years 1 and 2, ages 5 to 7. Children are building secure foundations in reading, writing and number, and short playful practice at home helps those foundations stick. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Reading
- Kindness
- Comprehension
Reading short kind messages aloud.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: English. Key stage: Key Stage 1. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Cut out the cards and leave one for your child to find each morning.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Read the note aloud together and point to each word.
To stretch confident children
Ask your child to write a reply to the elf.
Make it a game
Read the notes in a silly voice.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Print on plain A4 paper. Black and white printing works too.
- Work through it together the first time, then let children try alone.
- Praise effort and thinking, not only correct answers.
A screen-free english activity for Year 1
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free english activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free english resources for teachers
Teachers can use this card set as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
English ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free english worksheets for Year 1, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider english plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | English | Reading: word reading | Year 1 |
What children will be able to do
- I can read a short note aloud.
- I can sound out words I do not know.
- I can say what the note means.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What was your favourite note, and why?
- Which word was tricky, and how did you read it?
- Who would you give a kind note to?
Play it for real
Jaques of London has made games and toys since 1795. These go well with this sheet:
More like this
Same subject, one year up: The Kn and Wr Spellings | Same subject, one year down: All About My Dad
Frequently asked questions
What age is Elf Notes From the Workshop for?
It is written for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1.
What will children practise?
Reading short kind messages aloud.
How do I use it?
Cut out the cards and leave one for your child to find each morning.
What if it feels too hard?
Read the note aloud together and point to each word.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Elf Notes From the Workshop suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More Christmas printables | More for Key Stage 1 | More english printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources