Maths

In Maths this half term, we continued with our ‘Maths – No Problem!’ scheme. 

Firstly, we identified 2D and 3D shapes.  We then grouped them using different criteria. 

Next, we learned how to tell the time on an analogue clock.  Firstly, we learned how to read and tell the time to o’clock. Then we progressed onto half past the hour.

After that, we extracted information from a calendar and used it to answer questions.  We then used our knowledge to sequence events.   

English

This half term in English, we studied the book ‘Pattan’s Pumpkin: A Traditional Flood Story from Southern India’ by Chitra Soundar. 

Firstly, we looked at images based on real locations in which the story occurred.  For example, Mannarkkad, the Sahyadri mountains, the Kerala region, etc and of the Irula tribe for whom this is a traditional story passed down orally for generations.

Next, we looked at an image of the two main characters Pattan and his wife, Kanni.  We thought about what words we would use to describe these two people based on this image.  We asked ourselves the questions: What do they notice? What are they wearing? What are they doing?

After that, we listened to a description from the story and then sketched what we thought was being described.  We then wrote our own sentences to describe what we had drawn.

Next, we used an image from the text to describe the animals we could see.  We compared them by using language such as ‘taller than’, ‘braver than’ and ‘smaller than.’    

After that, we did some drama lessons which included activities such as freeze framing and hot seating.  By doing this, we were able to empathise with the characters.   

Science

In Science this half term, we continued with our topic ‘Plants.’

Firstly, we learned how to identify different trees by looking at their leaves.  We learned the following new vocabulary: Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees. 

In our next lesson, we identified a range of garden plants.  We chose our favourites and created a picture of a garden.  We also did some activities on Purple Mash linked to this. 

RE

In RE, we began our topic of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  We were aiming to answer the question ‘Are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur important to Jewish children?’

Firstly, we were thinking about understanding the word ‘Forgiveness.’  We thought about a time when we showed forgiveness or when we needed somebody to forgive us. 

Next, we learned about the Jewish celebration of Rosh Hashanah.  We used a variety of sources to find out lots of information about it.  We then created our own cards and tasted sweet food such as bread and honey.

To finish our topic, we learned about the Jewish celebration of forgiveness – Yom Kippur.  We created a Yom Kippur Machzor which consists of prayer.

PSHE

Our PSHE topic this half term was ‘Changing Me.’

We began the topic by starting to understand the life cycles of animals and humans.  We played a game where we each had a card with an adult animal/human on or a baby animal/human.  We then had to match our cards.  We then looked at the life cycle of a frog and discussed the term ‘Life Cycle’ and what it might mean.

Next, we thought about some things about ourselves that have changed and some things that have stayed the same.  We made concertina booklets to show our how we have changed so far in our lives. 

After that, we thought about how our body has changed since we were a baby.  With a partner, we talked about all the ways we could think of that we had changed since being a baby. Share round the circle the ideas they have come up with. We then thought of a change in our body as abilities, personality etc.

Finally, to complete our topic, we thought about changes that had happened in our life.  We discussed how some changes are better than others and how change can be good.

PE  

In PE this half term, we have enjoyed having a coach in our lessons to teach us multi skills games.  We have been learning how to work together a s a team.  We have also been practising other skills such as underarm throwing and underarm throwing.   

Jubilee Celebration

As part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we celebrated in school with a huge ‘street party’ lunch.  We made crowns and enjoyed a delicious lunch.  We also learned about Queen Elizabeth II and designed our own stamps for her.

Mayor visit

We were very lucky to be visited by Madam Mayor Cosima Towneley – the Mayor of Burnley.  She came to visit each class and planted a tree to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with our school council.  Three of us were lucky enough to ask her some questions. 

Spelling Bee

Charlie and Jaxson represented Year 1 in our whole school Spelling Bee competition.  They worked very hard to learn lots of words.  Both boys were very confident standing in front of the whole school!

Northern Rail Visit

As some children in our class like trains, Mrs Dempsey arranged for her husband, Mr Dempsey to visit the children as he is a train driver for Northern Rail.  We enjoyed listening to him telling us about his job and dressing up in his uniform.  We also liked looking at the equipment he brought in.

Music

Linking to the maths shape topic, the Little Marvels been created shapes to music using the dance ribbons. They had great fun learning the actions to the song Big Fish, Little Fish – there is a cardboard box! A 3D Shape.  As the tempo increased, we found these actions tricky but still fun! We listened to and joined with 2D and 3D shape song on YouTube embedding cross curriculum vocab. Then we looked at graphic scores using shape symbols on the website Charanga and created a group composition.