Who will you find in Dragonfly Class?
Mrs Harris (class teacher)
and 24 hardworking children
Welcome to Dragonfly Class!
Below are links to documents which share with you the learning we have planned for the Summer Term in Dragonfly Class. Our topic is: “What Lies in the Hidden World?” and has a History focus.
Summer Term Pathway Dragonfly Class 22-23
Dragonfly Class History Learning Loop Summer 22-23
Dragonfly Class History Knowledge Organiser Summer 22-23
Dragonfly Class DT Learning Loop Summer 22-23
Below are links to documents which share with you the learning we have planned for the Spring Term in Dragonfly Class. Our topic is: “How Was Our World Formed?” and has a Geography focus.
Spring Term Pathway Dragonfly Class 22-23
Dragonfly Class Geography loop Spring 22-23
Dragonfly Class Geography Knowledge Organiser Spring 22-23
Dragonfly Class Art Learning Loop Spring 22-23
Below are links to documents which share with you the learning we have planned in Dragonfly Class this term. Our topic is: “Whose Footsteps do we Follow in?” and it has both a Geography and a History focus.
Class 5 Autumn Term Pathway 22-23
Dragonfly Art Learning Loop Autumn Term
Dragonfly Geography Learning Loop Autumn Term
Dragonfly Geography Knowledge organiser Whose footsteps do we follow in
Dragonfly History Learning Loop Autumn Term
Dragonfly History Knowledge organiser Whose footsteps do we follow in
Maths
English
We have explored the book ‘Traction Man’ and used it to write our own adventure diary entries as Traction Man. We explored the character of Traction Man by recreating some of his adventures and used show not tell to explain his feelings. When writing our own diaries, we concentrated on including all the different writing techniques that we have developed this year and the results were fantastic.
Computing
We have explored the different features of blog pages and blog posts before creating our own blog posts to add the class blog about how to be more rich tea / how to have growth mindset. As technology users we had to make sure that we were respectful and responsible when commenting on each other’s blog posts.
Science
The Year 6 pupils enjoyed a morning of Science when the Year 5 pupils completed the Bikeability training. We made sure we were working scientifically when we chose questions, planned experiments and completed those experiments all linked to pulse rate. We repeated measurements three times to calculate an average and presented the results on a bar chart and a line graph before drawing a conclusion from the results.
As a class we have continued our learning about light. We chose questions linked to shadows and planned an experiment which involved measuring to demonstrate how we can work scientifically.
Maths
We have been exploring angles, 2D shapes, 3D shapes and nets of 3D shapes. We experimented with different arrangements for a net of a cube to identify which would work and whether there were any similarities in all the nets which successfully made a cube.
Music
We are continuing to learn to read staff notation and to perform on pitched instruments using staff notation. This week, we revisited our understanding of rhythm notation and combined this with our pitch knowledge to compose our own simple melodies. We worked in pairs to rehearse each short melody.
Science
In Science we have been investigating whether all objects reflect light and finding proof that light travels in straight lines. As Scientists we planned each investigation by thinking about the different variables and which needed to change and which needed to stay the same.
Music
As Musicians we have been learning how to read staff notation for the notes C,D,E,F and G and used this to perform a simple pitched accompaniment to a song. When performing, we had to make sure that we stayed in time with the steady beat / pulse.
History
Our topic this term is linked to the study of the Ancient Maya civilisation. To introduce our topic we researched the Ancient Maya game of Pitz and played this during a PE lesson. As Historians we have used the skills of ordering events chronologically and comparing periods of history using historical language such as BC/AD and century. We placed Ancient Maya alongside other ancient civilisations and different periods of history on a timeline. As Historians we have also learnt the difference between primary and secondary sources of evidence and evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of both. We used a range of images created by Frederick Catherwood to gather information about the Maya civilisation – we used some skills as Readers by retrieving from the pictures and inferring meaning.
English
In English we have continued to build our skills in using ‘show not tell’ in our writing and in particular how we could integrate dialogue into a story to show characterisation.
Maths
We have been exploring volume; how it can be calculate by counting cubes and investigating the number of cuboids which can be made with the same volume. As Mathematicians we needed to use the problem solving skill of listing all possibilities by working in a systematic order. We used cubes to create the cuboids but we also recorded the possibilities on a table so that it was easier to ensure we had all possibilities.
PE
We have continued to improve our sprinting technique including learning which is our driving leg, how our arms should move and how to use a crouch start. Using the correct running technique really improved our speed.
Science
In Science we are learning about light and this week we used our oracy skills to help us develop a definition of what makes a source of light. We took on the role of summariser to improve our active listening skills and to recall key words used when deciding if something was or was not a source of light.
RE
In RE we are considering the Big Question of ‘What difference does the resurrection make to Christians?’. We have explored the evidence in the Bible that leads Christians to believe that Jesus was resurrected and reflected on reasons this may be easy or hard to believe.
Year 6
Year 6 have worked incredibly hard during this week taking the end of Key Stage 2 SATs. I am incredibly proud of their calmness, commitment, resilience and positivity. To celebrate all their effort, we enjoyed some time to just have a natter with something to eat and drink. Well done Year 6 – we are all so proud of you.
Computing
This term we are exploring spreadsheets and how formula can be used within a spreadsheet. We used simple counting formula and total formula as well as the skills of copy and paste to explore the probability of rolling a given number on a 6 sided dice. We worked together to solve problems within the set up of our spreadsheets. It was amazing to see how much quicker finding a total can be when you use a formula in a spreadsheet cell.
PE
Our focus in PE this term is athletics and we began by focusing on running technique and finding ways to increase our sprinting speed. We enjoyed our warm of game linked to ‘rock, paper, scissors’ which challenged our reactions and burst of speed.
Science
As part of our science week, we investigated the forces which act on a parachute and experimented with making parachutes. Having tested our initial designs, we reflected on which parachutes were successful and why.
We considered the different variables which could be changed to affect the speed of descent of a parachute. In groups we chose one question to investigate and set up the experiment. We had to make sure that we were scientific in our approach: keeping all but one variable the same, measuring accurately, repeating the test at least 3 times to achieve an average and recording the results accurately.
DT
As part of science week we compared different rocket designs before creating our own. We designed our rockets using an annotated sketch to show the main features as well as the materials we would use and the different methods we would use to join parts together.
We turned our designs into model rockets making sure we used accurate lines and accurate cutting to create the different parts needed. We used a range of joining techniques such as tabs, flange and slots to attach different parts to the rocket. Often, we supported each other with creating nets and problem solving when parts didn’t quite work as expected.
Music
This week saw the last of our ukulele lessons with Somerset Music. We have loved all of our lessons and thoroughly enjoyed learning to play the ukulele. We have learnt to play the chords: C, F, Am and G and played along with songs which needed us to move smoothly between those chords. We have also learnt the skill of picking the open strings and been able to perform in 2 groups – one on open strings and another on chords. We also revisited our learning about rhythm notation and combined this with staff notation to read and write music. During our last lesson we performed lots of the songs we had enjoyed over the term.
Maths
One of our favourite games to play is ‘Fishy, Fishy Fingers’ which we use during Natty Numbers to improve our speed of recall of times table facts. We have to total the number of fingers and then multiply by our times table that week. So far we have looked at the 2, 10, 5, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 times tables.
Science
As Scientists we used the skill of careful observation when we dissected a daffodil to identify the different parts of a flowering plant and specifically the male and female parts needed for the plant to reproduce.
Maths
We have been learning to convert between fractions, decimals and percentages and using this to be able to compare and order a mix of fractions, decimals and percentages. In pairs we played a game where the person with either the lowest or the highest value scored a point. Sometimes the answer was clear because we could see one was more than a half when the other was less than half or one was incredibly close to a whole ; on other occasions we needed to convert in order to compare.
PE
In PE this term we are focusing on dance and learning how to perform in time to a steady beat, perform in unison, change direction to vary the sequence and perform with clear and precise actions linked together.
RE
Our overall question in RE this half term is ‘What did Jesus do to save human beings?’ We have reflected on the Easter story as told in the Bible and reflected on how the different events must have made the disciples feel and how they make Christians feel. Developing our oracy skills of: summarising, clarifying, probing, building and challenging, we discussed who or what we thought was responsible for Jesus’ death.
World Book Day
An excellent day dressed as a range of book characters. As a class we explored the poem ‘Chocolate Cake’ by Michael Rosen and enjoyed watching a video of him performing his poem. In Guided Reading we explored the language used and organisation of the poem to explain the poet’s choices and the effects they created. Linked to our school oracy focus, we explored the different techniques he used to perform the poem and in the afternoon, we worked in pairs to first read and then perform the poem or sections of the poem. In the morning, we worked together to make chocolate tiffin / chocolate fridge cake. We used the recipe to explore scaling / ratio in Maths. In English, we explored 2 paragraphs of writing which used description, powerful verbs and figurative language to describe sneaking downstairs at night to raid the fridge – just as described in Michael Rosen’s poem. Using the descriptive and suspense writing techniques we have developed this year, we wrote our own descriptions of sneaking downstairs at night to raid the freezer, fridge or cupboard. The writing was amazing.
Computing
In Computing we are exploring binary numbers and binary code. We learnt about how binary digits (bit) are used to store data on a computer and were amazed at how many bits there are in a single gigabyte (gb). We completed a quiz online using 0 (off) and 1 (on) to represent yes and no to identify living things using a branching key database.
Music
We are continuing to learn the ukulele this half term and have been concentrating on moving smoothly between 2 chords. We have also been using chords with finger picking to create a different sound. We enjoy playing accompaniments to different songs and also enjoy the body percussion work to improve our use of rhythm and our performing in time to a steady beat.
Science
This week we had a visit from Noah’s Ark Zoo linking to our science learning about classification. We explored the different animal classification groups and their features and met some wonderful animals as part of it.
English
In English we have been learning an explanation text and writing our own. As Communicators we used the skill of selecting appropriate vocabulary by using formal language and cause and effect words and phrases. We also made sure that our sentences were grammatically accurate. Creating actions for the key words and phrases in the text supported us to be accurate. We explored ways to build sentences and then used our presentation oracy skills to share these clearly with others. We showed active listening by being able to explain which parts of the sentence we particularly impressed by.
DT
Linked to our English focus of writing an explanation text based on the ‘Teacher-Pleaser’ machine, we invented our own machines or gadgets. We used our design skills to create an annotated diagram of our design which labelled its features and explained their purpose and key information about them. We had to make sure the diagram was clear and the purpose of the invention was clear.
Maths
We have been exploring fractions in maths and how to calculate with fractions. To explore how to subtract mixed numbers which require exchanging, we used paper to represent wholes and fractions so we could see what happens when you exchange a whole for 6/6 or 8/8 etc
MFL
We are learning about time in French and started by learning the names of the days of the week and how to spell them in French. We played a game of matching pairs with the French names for the days of the week and the English names. As Linguists we listened carefully to how each day was pronounced and we noticed that they had the spelling di in common at the end of each day but that in dimanche (Sunday) the di was at the beginning.
Mini Police
One of our last Mini Police sessions was about how a crime scene is investigated. A mock crime scene was set up within the classroom and investigated including preserving the scene, taking finger prints and collecting and storing evidence from the scene. It was great fun.
RE
In RE we have been exploring the religion of Islam and particularly the 5 pillars of Islam. As Theologians we used the skill of interpreting when exploring the pillar of Salah – prayer. We researched the different stances taken during prayer, the actions / movements used and the words spoken and considered how they represent Muslims submitting to the will of Allah.
Mini Police
Dragonfly Class continue to enjoy their weekly Mini Police lessons with PCSO Henderson. We have discussed a range of topics such as anti-social behaviour, how to take action to reduce crime such as keeping valuables out of sight and we have learnt how to use the radio and the phonetic alphabet. We really enjoyed seeing around and inside the police car.
Maths
We have worked hard on developing fluent and accurate written methods including division by a 2 digit number. We used our division skills to help us solve problems which involved a remainder – deciding whether to round up or down. We introduced this using counters and squares which represented a wide range of contexts such as tables, car, coaches, boxes etc.
Science
As Scientists we looked for patterns and anomalies when learning about classification and how to create a branching key. We used liquorice all-sorts to help us understand how to use observable features and how to use questions to sort objects.
MFL
As Linguists we are continuing to develop our listening skills and our accurate pronunciation this time through learning about colours and holding short conversations which involved a greeting and asking for a coloured crayon.
Music
As Musicians we are continuing to learn to play the ukulele and apply our skills of staying in time with a steady beat / pulse and being able to pitch match in a song. We have learnt to play the chords of C, F and G and are beginning to be able to move between the chords.
Geography
The first of the physical features we are learning about this term are rivers. We used our identifying and locating skills to identify which continent key rivers can be found in and used lines of latitude to locate whether they are in the Northern or Southern hemisphere, on the Equator or the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. We then used our locating skills to place the river and the countries it flowed through on a world map.
English
We are exploring a warning tale in English which also uses features of suspense writing which is allowing us to apply our suspense writing skills from last term in a new context. To support us to internalise the text and the sentence structure, we represented the story on a text map and created actions to help us remember key events, words and phrases. We have also been improving our editing skills and working hard with our editing partners to ensure that all our writing is grammatically accurate with correct punctuation and spelling.
MFL / French
As Linguists we used the skills of listening carefully and accurate pronunciation when we revisited our learning from last term. We are now more confident when holding a short conversation including greeting each other and asking questions about: names, ages and how people are feeling.
Music
Our Music lessons this term are lead by Somerset Music who are teaching us how to play the ukulele. We began by learning how to correctly hold the ukulele and how to strum before learning how to play a C chord. The lesson also helped us to revisit our knowledge and understanding of rhythm notation for rests, crotchets, quavers and minims as well as how to accurately pitch match when singing.
Oracy / Reading
This term we are working hard to improve our oracy skills and in particular we are focusing on the strategies of: build, challenge, clarify, probe and summarise. In reading we have used these strategies when we discussed the characters from our class book: Letters From The Lighthouse. Having finished the book, we have used the skill of summarising as a reader. As part of this we tried to narrow down the list of characters into just 5 or 6 which we thought were the main characters. We had to justify all of our choices. The discussion was fantastic.
RE
This term in RE we are building further our understanding of the religion of Islam. As Theologians we used our knowledge of the Five Pillars of Islam to reflect on which ones we thought might be the most important. We used our discussion skills in pairs and as a class. There were some fantastic ideas and all really well explained.
Science
We also used our discussion skills in Science when as Scientists we looked for similarities and differences in animals to find common features which would allow us to group them. We had to make sure we looked in detail at the features of the animals in order to group accurately.
Geography
To start our topic of ‘How Was Our World Formed?’ we revisited our previous learning and skills linked to identifying and locating using world maps. We also revisited the difference between human and physical geographical features and explored the layers within the Earth and how the Earth’s crust is covered by tectonic plates.
Music
As Musicians we used the skills of listening carefully to the music of Riverdance and described what we could hear using the musical elements of timbre, dynamics, tempo, pitch and texture. We then represented this visually using art work by Kandinsky as inspiration.
Mini Police
Each week our local PCSO comes to work with the children exploring different aspects of policing. They particularly enjoyed the lesson on fingerprinting – exploring the different types of finger prints and comparing their own with others. It is lovely to hear from the PCSO how well the class listen and behave during these sessions. Well done Dragonfly Class.
History / Class Trip
As Historians we used the skill of researching what life was like for children during WW2 and in particular what it was like to be evacuated. We discussed the difference between primary and secondary sources and used a range of sources to research facts and opinions. As a class they visited the West Somerset Railway to learn more about evacuation including being given the description of a host family to understand what it may have felt like. Again, their behaviour, listening and engagement were all complimented by the adults involved in the trip.
English
During Guided Reading, we explored a range of extracts from different fiction books linked to evacuation. All of the information and experiences linked to evacuation were used to create a descriptive diary imagining they were a child being evacuated during WW2. These diaries were a delight to read and the children should also be proud of their paired work to edit their writing.
Maths
In Maths we have used our written addition and subtraction skills to solve a range of word problems. We used bar modelling to support us to understand which calculation was needed to solve the problem. We have also begun looking at written methods for multiplication and worked in pairs to talk through the method and explain reasons for each stage of the calculation.
History
Building on our understanding of the difference between primary and secondary sources, we further explored a range of primary sources and considered whether they were reliable sources. We discussed the idea of propaganda and of bias to understand that sometimes events or situations may be reported differently depending on the point of view of the person / organisation reporting or the message they may want to convey. We used a range of photos and written documents to investigate an historical question.
Computing
In Computing we have started to create our own text adventure stories combining images, backgrounds, text, animation and sound.
History / Design and Technology – Cooking
As Historians we used the skill of understanding the impact of WW2 by exploring the role of women in WW2 and the impact this had and the effect of rationing. As part of this we revisited the use of posters and propaganda to persuade people to behave in certain ways and how this encouraged people to make certain choices including Doctor Carrot encouraging children and adults to grow and eat more carrots. We then made some carrot cookies using a recipe from WW2.
MFL
As Linguists we have used the skills of careful listening and accurate pronunciation to improve our ability to hold a short conversation in French. Our conversations now include a greeting, asking someone their name, asking someone their age and asking someone how they are.
Maths
This term we have been concentrating on improving our rapid recall of addition and subtraction number facts. We have enjoyed playing the game Fishy Fishy Fingers to help improve the speed at which we recall the facts.
Science
As Scientists we have used the skills of understanding variables to plan experiments to investigate how quickly solids can dissolve. We have also set up an experiment to explore how evaporation can be used to reverse dissolving. The cups that we emptied of a salt solution and left on the draining board to dry had a few droplets of the solution remaining so when we cleared them off the draining board, we could see the salt that had been left behind when the water had evaporated.
We have also experimented with different ways to separate mixtures using: sieving, filtering and magnetism.
Music
We have continued to look at samba rhythms and develop our skills in performing individual parts whilst performing in time with others. We really enjoyed performing at the school carnival and hope you enjoyed it too. We were impressed at how we were able to stay in time whilst on the move.
Computing
In Computing we have started a new unit on creating a text adventure game. As technology users we developed our skills in evaluating digital content when we explored how a Little Red Riding Hood game worked and evaluated the planning which helped to organise the game before beginning to plan our own story.
Geography
As Geographers we used the skills of creating maps, identifying and locating and navigating when we created our own maps using all the knowledge and skills we had learnt when exploring OS maps over the term. We chose our own map symbols and included a range of physical and human features. The maps looked fantastic.
History
In History we are learning about World War 2 and to start our topic, we looked at where WW2 was in relation to other periods of British and World history. We used the skill of ordering events chronologically by placing the different periods of history on a timeline. It was fascinating to see the relative length of time the different periods in history had. We have also looked at the countries involved in WW2 and whether they were Allies or Axis. This gave us an opportunity to revisit some of our locational knowledge in Geography.
Mini-Police
We enjoyed our first visit from the PCSO where we learnt about the uniform and were given our own mini-police uniforms. We learnt about the different roles within the police and asked lots of questions to find out more. We are looking forward to the next few weeks in our role as mini-police.
Children in Need
We enjoyed coming to school in pyjamas or spotty clothes. Thank you for all the donations which we used to help created a giant Pudsey of coins. These donations will be used to help children in many places and situations. Thank you.
Remembrance Day
To commemorate Remembrance Day we read and learnt two short poems and a verse of a poem and shared these as part of the school’s Remembrance Day reflections. We also collected for the Royal British Legion by taking poppies to each class in the school.
Welcome back after half term. The last two weeks have been packed full of learning and it has been lovely to be able to welcome everyone back. In English we have been learning a text called the Old Mill which builds suspense. As Communicators we have been concentrating on how we can make language and grammar choices to convey atmosphere. To support us in our writing, we have internalised the text using a text map and actions.
As Scientists, we have been learning about variables knowing which variable needs to change in an experiment and which variables need to stay the same. We have been exploring the meaning of dissolving and how it is different to melting. We used a range of solids to first predict with reasons and then investigate which would dissolve.
As Geographers, we have continued to explore OS maps and have used compass directions and 4 and 6 figure grid references to navigate, identify and locate. To finish our Geography focus on maps, we created our own maps – applying all the skills and knowledge we have learnt over the last term.
In Music we have explored rhythm notation and used different time signatures to compose and perform using rhythm notation. We have also begun to look at Samba music and different samba rhythms. We will be using these to perform at the school carnival in a few weeks. We will definitely need the musical skill of performing with an awareness of others.
In Maths, we have celebrated the beginning of Barvember! During the month of November, we focus on the use of bars and boxes to help us represent the maths contained within a word problem. The bars / boxes help us understand what calculations are needed to solve the word problem. We use bar modelling all year round to help us represent our maths but we celebrate this during Barvember.
In French, we are learning about a range of different greetings and using short phrases to link into sentences which in turn we can link into short conversations. We need the skill of listening carefully to make sure we understand what is being said and can pronounce the greetings and sentences accurately.
In Jigsaw, we are exploring learning within the theme of ‘Celebrating Difference’. We started by discussing what we thought ‘normal’ meant. There were several fantastic ideas and great discussions many of which linked to the fact that ‘normal’ meant being yourself and that really the only normal was something that was normal for you. The class were firm in their belief that everyone should be accepted for who they are and not judged. We experimented with a usually straightforward task of making a square from paper and gluing it on top of another piece of paper. However, each child had an action that they would normally be able to do removed. This led to needing to find creative solutions and different ways to achieve the task. Great discussion followed on what it felt like for example what it felt like to not be able to see what was happening or hear what was happening.
It seems hard to believe that we have already completed the first half term of this year. It has been lovely this week to hold parents’ evenings and to be able to share the many successes of the half term – there has been much to celebrate. This week we have worked hard in English to write our own non-chronological report on an invented creature. It has been lovely to see the improvement in their writing compared to the first non-chronological report that they wrote all about themselves at the start of September. In Maths we have continued with our learning about decimals including placing them on a number line and rounding them.
In Computing we have continued to learn how to use code to create an algorithm and this time to build a traffic light simulation. As technology users we used the skill of debugging code to ensure the algorithm was successful. This was not always easy and we needed to resist the urge to ask for help immediately but carefully identify where the simulation wasn’t working; locate the code and change it – sometimes trying more than one way to fix it. It was a great feeling when we successfully solved the problem ourselves.
As Linguists we have used the skills of listening carefully to make the numbers to 100 that we heard and used our careful listening to support us to pronounce the numbers correctly. When saying numbers to 100, we discovered that there were some helpful patterns in how words and phrases repeat.
In Music our focus has been on our singing skills and in particular making sure we were able to accurately match the pitch in a short melodic phrase and a song. We have used 3 notes to create a chord and have been able to work in 3 groups to hold a different note. It sounded fantastic and one of the class commented, “Wow! We sound amazing.” We have also been able to sing a simple harmony part alongside the chorus of ‘Count on Me’.
In Geography we have been continuing to use OS maps and the skills of navigating, identifying and locating. We have used 8 and 16 points of the compass to compare the location of places on the Quantock Hills. We have also begun using an OS map and the OS map key to plan and describe a route from Rams Combe to Dowsborough hill fort including beginning to use contour lines to identify whether we would be walking up or down hill and how steep it would be.
Another two weeks full of learning in Dragonfly Class. In English we have been writing our own defeating the monster tales working hard to apply the descriptive writing techniques we have learnt about and to show character through ‘show not tell’. To support us in creating the character of a hero, we thought about what a hero’s appearance might be, objects they may have, behaviours they may demonstrate and how they might talk and move. We created a hero character by using post it notes to describe different features. We generated many different ways we could show the character was a hero rather than simply telling a reader that they were a hero.
As we wrote our stories, we also developed our editing skills by listening to each other’s writing and checking that all the sentences made sense, that our punctuation was accurate and that there was enough description in our writing.
In Geography we looked at a section of an OS map and compared the map key used to the keys used in an atlas. We noticed that an OS map was able to show more detail than an atlas and so used different symbols and colour to give information. We looked at an OS map linked to Bishops Lydeard and an aerial photograph of the same location making comparisons between them. Even though there were similarities each gave us different information. On an OS map the fields were shown as white areas with some contour lines whereas the aerial photograph showed us the colour detail to indicate what might be growing in the field. The aerial photograph showed us the roofs of buildings but the OS map used symbols to tell us the specific use of some buildings.
In Science we have used the skills of asking questions and observing carefully when we explored the Non-Newtonian fluid of oobleck. We mixed cornflour and water and observed how it behaved. When pressure was applied it behaved as a solid but once the pressure was released it behaved more as a liquid. We linked this to the viscosity of liquids. With pressure, the viscosity increased making its rate of flow much slower. Without pressure, the viscosity decreased making its rate of flow much faster.
In Computing we have been exploring coding. We have looked at ways of simplifying code and making sure that each part of an algorithm is correctly sequenced.
Dragonfly Class are continuing to build on their fantastic start to the year. In Maths we have been exploring the place value of numbers and different ways to represent this. As Mathematicians we have been identifying patterns within place value and noticing links between numbers. Using a Gattegno chart we were able to explain the links between numbers using the power of 10.
In English we have been learning a defeat the monster tale called Beowulf. In order to improve our sentence construction further we have internalised the text using a text map and actions. Our focus has been on extending sentences using conjunctions and a range of openers as well as improving the detail of our description. We worked together to generate many different possible openers to add variety to our writing. As Communicators we have considered our choice of vocabulary carefully to match the message we want to share and are working hard with editing to ensure that all our sentences are grammatically accurate.
In Science we have explored the three states of matter: solids, liquids and gases by noticing the similarities and differences between examples to help us create a list of properties for each. As Scientists we used the skill of asking questions to identify which state some of the more complicated examples were such as salt which appears to flow and pour like a liquid and tomato ketchup which rarely seems to want to flow out of the bottle without a force being applied. We investigated how the type of liquid affected how easily it flowed. We were a little surprised that golden syrup flowed more easily than tomato ketchup.
Our focus in Geography this half term is on developing our map skills. To begin the topic we looked at how an atlas can help us locate and identify countries. We revisited our prior learning about continents, hemispheres, lines of latitude and longitude, the Equator and the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and used this in an atlas to locate a range of countries. We then used the key to identify the height of the land within that country and whether there were any significant rivers, lakes or mountains. We discussed what an atlas could tell us and discovered it was so much more than where countries were located. Using bar charts, line graphs, tables, pictograms and a range of different map keys we listed all the information we could find about a country. This included: rainfall, average temperature, population, land size, number of doctors per 10,000 people, human features such as airports, cities and so much more.
As Artists we used the skills of exploring the technique of painting a wash as a background, creating and recreating the style of another artist. We created work similar in style to the art work in the book The Lost Words by Robert MacFarlane.
In Music we have revisited the meaning of the 7 inter-related dimensions of music and identified the steady beat in a piece of music and its time signature. We listened carefully as Musicians to clap on different beats and stay in time and began to identify how the pitch in a song was changing. We will be learning to perform the song Count on Me developing our pitch accuracy, breath control using phrases and performing using the musical elements.
As Linguists we used the skill of listening carefully to help us pronounce the numbers to 20 accurately. We also looked at the spelling of the numbers to identify similarities to help us remember the pronunciation.
This week we have enjoyed spending time as a class getting to know each other; reflecting on what makes a successful pupil and a successful class; exploring our school golden rules and how we can demonstrate these in Dragonfly Class and considering what it means to have a Growth Mindset – in particular how we can be ‘more rich tea’ in our approach to learning.
In Maths we have been revisiting the addition and subtraction number facts within 20 and working to increase our speed of recall. We also used our decision making and explaining skills as Mathematicians when playing a game in pairs involving number facts when deciding whether to use addition or subtraction to try and block a player from being able to create another number fact.
