Gardening
We have been gardening this week and the children have been sharing their experiences of gardening at home-it appears we have some keen gardeners out there!
Why not ask your child what they planted encouraging them to use the language first, next, then and finally.
Homework
Last week, the children were asked to get creative with their homework and show what they know about teeth.
Yet again, the class produced some outstanding pieces of homework. It is always an absolute pleasure to see such amazing creations. It is clear that, the children have thought through their work and spent time reflecting on their learning. Well done Year 4!
Computing
This week, in our computing lesson, we’ve been using lots of skills:
- We logged on independently using our individual details.
- We found an image of a British tree and its leaf using a search engine.
- We copied and pasted these pictures into a blank word processing document.
- We labelled the document with the name of the tree.
- We logged off the computers.
Creative tree homeworks
We were really impressed by the quality and variety of the creative homeworks this week. Here are a few of our favourites:
Measuring length
In our maths lesson today, we used a trundle wheel to measure the length of the playground.
It’s about 26 metres in length.
Eggciting Investigations
This week, Year 4 have begun to investigate the effects of acid on our teeth.
Sugar creates a sticky substance, called plaque, which can build on your teeth and become a home for bacteria. And guess what that bacteria does? It produces acids which act directly on your teeth, slowly eating them away.
What is tooth decay?
Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars from foods and drinks. These bacteria produce acid, which damages the outer surface of the tooth (the enamel). Saliva helps to repair this damage, but if over time there is more damage than repair, it leaves a cavity or ‘hole’ in the tooth.
To begin with, we discussed what it was we wanted to find out. The children were able to generate some scientific questions. This project focuses on two different dental hygiene issues: stains and decay.
What equipment will we need?
I wonder if we should use different liquids?
How will we know that the shell has been damaged?
Teeth are made from minerals. These minerals will begin to dissolve if exposed to acid. We decided to use hard boiled eggs as a substitute for teeth. This may seem like an unlikely pairing for an experiment, but eggshells make a realistic model of dental enamel.
Next, we chose a scientific enquiry to help us to answer our questions.
Let’s put the eggs into the liquids and look at them at the end of the day.
“I wonder if we will see any changes straight away?
Maybe we should leave them for a week.”
We could observe the eggs every few days and record any changes.
The class decided that an ‘observation over time‘ would be the best way to get some information about tooth decay in a very visual way.
Make it a fair test
To make this a fair test, the children recorded what needed to stay the same and what could change.
Then, it was time to make some predictions.
What do you think will happen to each egg? Why?
I think the egg in the water won’t look any different.
The coke will stain the egg.
The shell will disintegrate in the vinegar.
I predict that the sugar free juice will weaken the eggshell.
The outside will become sticky and change colour
Five eggs have been placed in different liquids: coke, vinegar, low sugar juice, water and milk. The children will observe and record any changes every couple of days. 
Stay posted to find out our results.
Pupil voice: School Council investing their library budget
- The Usborne Book of Fariytales and You Choose in Space by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart (suggested by Reception)
- Meg & Mog Collection by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski and Geronimo by David Walliams (Y1)
- Lego Star Wars Movie Collection (Y2)
- Dr Who Collection and Six Animal Adventures by Michael Morpurgo (Y3)
- Tracey Beaker Trilogy by Jacqueline Wilson and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown by Jeff Kinney (Y4)
- The Parent Agency by David Baddiel and The Bolds Series by Julian Clary (Y5)
- Tin Tin by Herge and Secret Nightingale Series by Lucy Strange (Y6)
Gymnastics in the sun
Y5 have started a new unit in PE – gymnastics! It was made even better by being able to have our lesson outside in the glorious sunshine.
We practised travelling and jumping in different ways …
… like this brilliant tuck jump …
… and practised balancing individually and in a group …
… making sure we were always safely in control of our movements.
We performed a simple routine to the rest of the class and gave each other feedback about what was good and what could be improved.
Living and Learning: Mindful hearing
As part of our Living and Learning session today, the class enjoyed a mindful hearing exercise.
In this exercise, children were guided through an experience of paying attention to sounds. Why not try it with your child at home?
Living and Learning: Remembering Stephen Lawrence
Today, we remembered Stephen Lawrence.
Following a whole school assembly, Year 2 talked about the life of Stephen Lawrence and what they can do to help to prevent racism and discrimination.
‘Stephen Lawrence was kind.’ Noah F
‘He was murdered in 1994 and he was eighteen years old.’ Gabriel H
‘Stephen was murdered at the bus stop because he had brown skin. The people who murdered him had white skin.’ Sophia
‘Stephen wasn’t doing anything wrong when he was murdered.’ Harry
‘We can look after other people’s feelings by being a good friend.’ Shasmeen
‘We can start telling other people to stop being racist.’ Zain
‘We can make new friends and be kind to others who have different coloured skin.’ Bridget
‘It doesn’t matter if you have anything different to other people.’ Rizwan
‘Be kind to other people.’ Eleanor
