Space
Y5 kicked off their learning about Space with all things technological!
First, we analysed five websites to help us answer:
“Why do we have night and day?”
We discussed each web page’s ease of use, age appropriate level of information, and whether it had any features that made us trust it. Challenge your child to explain what these features were. Finally, we ranked each page.
Next up, it was time to find out for ourselves! We combined a couple of clips from (trusted) BBC Bitesize and our own research to create a short film using iMovie to explain our original question.
We had to write a script…
… work well as a team …
… speak loudly for the camera …
… direct each other …
… and edit our videos …
… before finally watching our efforts on the big screen!
Ask your child to explain why we have night and day, how shadows move and lengthen and where the sun rises and sets.
Living and Learning: Table Manners
Every half term, our Living and Learning statements begin with a manners focus and this time we are looking at table manners.
Year 4 discussed different scenarios and how we would show good table manners. Following this we read a poem related to our focus.
The Goops
by Gillette Burgess
The Goops they lick their fingers
And the Goops they lick their knives:
They spill their broth on the tablecloth
Oh, they lead disgusting lives!
The Goops they talk while eating,
And loud and fast they chew;
And that is why I’m glad that I
Am not a Goop, are you?
We discussed the language in the poem and compared ‘old fashioned‘ manners to (what are considered to be) ‘good table manners’ today.
The children completed a RIC activity about the poem.
Reading with R.I.C
R – Retrieve (Example: Find 3 different ways the Goops demonstrated bad table manners.)
I – Interpret (Example: What could ‘broth‘ be?)
C – Choice (Example: Why did the author choose to end the poem with a question?)
If you would like to know more about RIC reading, see the link below.
http://www.mrspteach.com/2015/08/ric-reading-lesson-starters.html
Open wide!
Earlier in the week, Year 4 started their new topic all about teeth.
For the next 3 weeks the children will learn that humans have 2 sets of teeth, and that teeth can be classified into different groups. We will study the locations and various functions of the incisors, canines and molars.
To begin with, we discussed what our bodies need to stay healthy. The children looked closely at ‘The Eatwell Plate‘ and we compared the sizes of the different sections.
Following this, Year 4 were given mirrors to examine their own teeth.
My teeth are all different sizes.
Why are some teeth pointy?
How do your teeth stay strong?
I think my teeth look very healthy.
Next, using an angled dental mirror, the class examined each others teeth. This was carried out hygienically by cleaning the mirrors and not using the same one on more than one person.
Wow! I can see right to the back.
The back teeth are a different shape to the front ones.
Do different teeth have different jobs?
What does our tongue do?
Finally, to finish off our examinations, we enjoyed a little role play.
Easter!
This week the children had fun decorating their own Easter eggs, using different materials.
Why not ask your child what they used to decorate their egg?
Living and Learning: I use good table manners
Every half term, our Living and Learning statements begin with a manners focus and this time we are looking at table manners.
Year 2 discussed different scenarios and how we would show good table manners. Children are encouraged to use these manners at school, when they have their school dinner or packed lunch, and we hope you see them at home too. We had a great discussion.
Reading at home
Daily reading at home is important to develop your child’s fluency and understanding of different texts.
This half term, we are starting a reading challenge where the children will move along the reading chart every time they read at home. Once they reach the end, they will receive a reward.
Please ensure there is a brief note/signature from an adult in your child’s reading record book to show they have read.
Green Fingers
This week, we begin our new science based topic, Green Fingers.
To start the topic, the children enjoyed planting tomato, pea and cress seeds and we will be monitoring their growth throughout the topic.
‘We put some soil in a pot and added water. Next, we planted seeds. I planted cress seeds. We were very green fingered.’ Bridget
‘We put soil in our cups and added 100ml of water. Next, we put our seeds in our soil and covered them up. Finally, we put them on the windowsill.’ Gabriel H
We also thought about what we want to learn in the topic.
‘How do plants grow roots?’ Daniel
‘I want to learn about how plants grow.’ Ewan
‘I want to learn what stems are and what different flowers there are.’ Shasmeen
‘How many plants are there on the planet? Sophia
‘How do plants make pollen?’ Iris
All Stars Cricket
Yesterday, we started our All Stars Cricket sessions led by Tom Bates from Yorkshire Cricket.
Each session will be based around different skills used in the game of cricket and our first session was all about catching.
After the session, Tom told us about the All Stars Cricket courses that will be running at local cricket clubs. The All Stars website provides more information about how to sign up.
Because of our cricket sessions this half term, PE will be on Mondays and Tuesdays so please ensure your child has their PE kit in school.
Allerton Grange visit
Year 5 enjoyed another trip to Allerton Grange, this time to visit their sports leaders and try out some fun activities.
“My favourite was the basketball because you had to dribble and shoot into the hoop,” said Zara.
“My favourite part was the basketball because you got to dribble and it really helped you and the shots were into a really high hoop. It was really fun,” said Zidaan.
Serenity’s favourite was the rugby station. “The sports leaders were really funny and they kept pretending they won but they didn’t!”
Living and Learning
This week’s Living and Learning statement is – I use good table manners.
On Monday Year Three discussed what makes good table manners.
Amrit stated, “You shouldn’t use electronics at the table because if you’re holding something else you may not be holding your knife and fork properly.”
Lewis reported, “You should always use your knife and fork properly unless it is finger food like a sandwich.”
Christina replied: “Never burp at the table because it is very rude. If you really need to burp then say excuse me and cover your mouth.”
“You could also say pardon me.” Added Ashton.
Sam explained, “If you want to get something that’s on the table you should ask for it to be passed to you rather than reaching across the table.”
