Maths

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

Firstly, we started our ‘Addition and Subtraction Within 20’ topic. We began with adding by counting on.  We then moved onto adding by making 10 and then adding by adding ones. We then completed our topic by subtracting by counting backwards using a numberline. 

Next, we moved onto our ‘Counting to 40’ unit.  We used the making 10 strategy from last half term to count numbers above 10.  We were also able to represent numbers on a number line, as well as use the ten-frame method of organisation and place-value cards to assist us in writing numbers to 40.  We were then able to understand that digits represent tens and ones and represented these numbers using Base 10 materials and numbers. 

Next, we used place value to compare two or three numbers and determine which number was bigger or smaller.  We then progressed onto arranging three numbers in order of size. 

To finish our unit, we compared numbers using number bonds, 100-squares and number lines to determine how much more or less.  We also looked a 2D and 3D shapes. We sorted them and looked at their properties.

English

This half term in English, we continued to study the book “Beegu” by Alexis Deacon. We thought about how Beegu was feeling during different parts of the story. We used drama to act this out and then we collected adjectives to describe Beegu’s feelings. We used this to write a diary. We learnt how to write in the first person and we pretended we were Beegu.

We have also been writing in writing workshops. We have been working on our writing stamina and using adjectives.

Science

In Science this half term, we have continued our Materials topic. We have carried lots of experiments to test different properties of everyday materials. We looked at the words transparent and opaque. We investigated how waterproof certain materials were and also how elastic different materials were. We have worked in groups and focussed on making careful observations and following instructions.

Geography

In Geography this half term, we have started our new topic and tried to answer the question ‘How does the weather affect?’

Firstly, we thought about the question ‘What is the weather?’ We looked at images of a variety of weather and identified the weather types.  We also compared some of the weather.

Next, we wanted to answer the question ‘How do great artists paint the weather?’ We looked at a variety of artwork and discussed how the artists showed how weather makes us feel through their paintings.  We then attempted our own weather artwork.

After that, we investigated how the weather changes through the seasons.  This linked to our Science topic from earlier in the year.  After looking at a variety of images, we listened to The Four Seasons composed in 1723 by Antonio Vivaldi.  We had great fun using musical instruments to try and recreate different weather types.

RE

In RE, we began our new topic of Judaism.  We were aiming to answer the question ‘Is Shabbat important to Jewish children?’

Firstly, we thought about the days of the week, and which one is special to us.  We also thought about the different activities we do on each day.

Next, we gained an understanding about Shabbat.  We watched a video clip about a young Jewish boy.  He explained the importance of Shabbat to him.  We learned about features of the Shabbat table such as Challah bread, the Kiddush cup and Havdalah candle. 

After that, we gained an understanding about the importance of the synagogue during Shabbat.  We looked at a replica of the Torah and watched an online tour of a synagogue.  We then labelled different features of the synagogue such as the Siddur, the Ark, and the memorial boards.

To finish our topic, we thought about how important Shabbat is to children.  We imagined what it would be like to be a Jewish child being invited to a birthday party on a Friday night.  We thought about what we would say and why.

Computing

In computing this half term, we have been using iLearn2 to explore Digital Design. We used a programme to design a home for a pet and a robot We developed skills to change the colour and pattern of elements, position and rotate objects on a design, position objects in relation to each other and resize, rotate, flip and arrange objects behind/in front of each other.

PE  

As part of PE the children have been undertaken lessons linked to developing skills within athletics. By the end of the unit the children have shown real improvements  linked to sprinting whilst maintaining a good posture, running and then changing directions, hopping with a rhythm and jumping from a height and then landing safely.

We have also had a coach in to help us to develop our throwing skills. We focussed on under and over arm throws. We worked on accuracy by trying to hit a target. We also worked on our teamwork skills by trying to achieve an end goal together.

 

PSHE

Our PSHE topic this half term was ‘Relationships.’

We began the topic by thinking about how it feels to belong to a family and care about the people who are important to us.  We

identified the members of our families and understood that there are lots of different types of families.

Next, we identified what being a good friend meant to me.  We identified which qualities make a good friend and understood how to make a new friend.

After that, we recognised which forms of physical contact are acceptable and unacceptable to us.  We learned about appropriate forms of physical contact to greet our friends and understood which forms of physical contact we prefer. 

Next, we learned about who can help us in our school community.  We thought about knowing how to ask for help and when to ask for help.

Then we recognised our qualities as a person and a friend.  We thought about ways to praise ourselves.  

Finally, to complete our topic, we told each other why we appreciate someone who is special to us.  We discussed ways to express how we feel about people.

DT

We have continued our designing a windmill topic this half term. We assembled out parts and used technical terms such as turbine and cylinder. We carefully cut out the turbine and followed the instructions to complete our design. We evaluated our design and thought about what had gone well and what we would like to improve next time.

Life Education

Steve from Life Education came to visit us.  We learned about healthy foods including the different food groups.  We really enjoyed meeting Harold the Giraffe!  He taught us all about teamwork and working together.  We then learned about the different organs in our body and their function.  We had great fun as well as learning some important information. 

Music

The Little Marvels this half term in their music lessons have been using the classroom glockenspiels. They have learnt how to open up the case, locate the note B, hold the beater and bounce the beater on the notes  B, A, G,  to create a lovely pitch sound.

Using Charanga they have played the note B along to the music, waiting and listening to the count in and introduction. We count 1,2,3,4 to try and stay in time with each other.

We start and stop together.