History: learning about the Minoans using historical sources
This afternoon, we’ve used historical sources to learn about the first great Greek civilisation: the Minoans.
We learnt about Arthur Evans, a British archaeologist who discovered an early Minoan written language which has never been deciphered.
We’ve also learnt about Arthur Evans’ greatest discovery: the Palace of Knossos. We then used pictures of the palace and artefacts found there to tell us more about life during this time.
This week in Reception
This week in Phonics we are learning the phonemes c,k,ck,e,u,r. The children will know that two letters that make one sound (ck) is called a digraph.
We will learn our first ‘tricky words’ the and to. These are words that can’t be read using phonics. The children will need to recognise them by sight.
It’s great to see so many children gaining confidence and using their phonic knowledge to ‘have a go’ at writing.
Our story this week is ‘Owl Babies’ by Martin Waddell. The children have been retelling the story using story maps and story language such as, first, then, next and finally.
They have been making their own ‘owl babies’.
Odd socks day
Next week is Anti-Bullying Week.
This year’s theme is ‘United against bullying’ and we will be taking part in Odd Socks Day on Monday 16 November.
Odd socks day is to raise awareness of our differences, individuality and personal choice. There is no need for any payment – your child should simply wear odd socks and join in the fun!
Thank you for your support.
Last week in Year 2
Last week, we were learning about nouns in our writing sessions. The children were able to sort common, proper and collective nouns. They also had a go at writing their own.
Next week, we’re moving onto adjectives.
In living and learning, we reminded ourselves about the ‘vampire sneeze’.
This is helping us to keep everyone safe and not spread germs.
In PE, the children have been practicing their dribbling skills. I’ve been impressed with some of the amazing footballers we have in Year 2!
In our history topic, we’re continuing to learn about The Great Fire of London. Come back next week to see what we’ve been finding out!
Consent
In class, we often take photographs of the children and their learning. We use these images as part of our school displays and in other printed publications like the school website. Every time we take a photo of a child or a piece of learning, we ask the individual for their consent. The children, in Year 1, are getting used to hearing “Is it ok for me to take a photo?”
Regularly asking for consent means the children are becoming familiar with these type of questions and more aware that they have a right to say no.
Can I take a photograph of your learning, Tom?
Yes, that’s ok.
Thank you.
Science: sound sources
In today’s science lesson, we’ve been learning about how sounds are produced.
We used tuning forks and drums with rice to see the vibrations causing the sounds.
Reading: Ancient Greece
A nice, calm start to the morning in Year 4. Milk and a gory Greek Myth!
Athletics!
This week, we have started a new P.E. topic: Athletics!
Ask your child at home which activity there favourite was! Was it sprinting, shotput, speed bounce or something else?
Here are some pictures of us in action!
History: chronology of Ancient Greece
This week, we’ve been learning about a period of Ancient Greek history and the key events during that period. We’ve learnt about the golden age, a dark age and the things that happened prior to the golden age which enabled Greece to make such impressive advances.
Wolf Brother
This week, we’ve been thoroughly enjoying our new class novel Wolf Brother!
In reading, we ‘unwrapped’ the book by analysing and discussing its front cover, title and blurb.
Our task was to comment on:
- likes and dislikes
- connections or links to what we’ve seen, heard or read before
- powerful vocabulary
- questions we had
Ask your child about their favourite part so far! What predictions do they have for the rest of the book and why?
If you want to listen to part of it together at home, check out the audio version (chapter one – part one) read by Ian McKellen.