This week we have been learning a bit more about penguins.  We enjoyed sharing the non-fiction book "Can a penguin ride a bike?" which taught us lots of interesting facts about penguins.  We then put our writing skills to the test and wrote out a favourite fact we had learned to create our own non-fiction book all about penguins.  The children have made great progress in their writing this half term and are beginning to formulate and write their own independent sentences.  Great work Wrens!

In maths this week we have started to explore the composition of 6 and 7. It was lovely to see how quickly the children picked up the concept of making these numbers in different ways by applying the strategies they had already learnt when looking at numbers to 5.  Perhaps you can play a game of "Show me" with your child and ask them to show you different ways of making a number using their fingers.

In RE we have been exploring the story of Zaccheaus the Tax Collector and what it teaches us about God.  We decided that Jesus had chosen to visit Zaccheaus because he wanted to help him make good choices and learn to be kind.

In DT we used some of the skills we learnt earlier in the term to create some polar landscapes out of junk modelling.  The children had to think carefully whether they were created an Arctic or Antarctic landscape when choosing which animals to add to their designs.  In art with Mrs Postlethwaite we continued to explore a cold colour palette and created some lovely artwork featuring penguins.

I hope you all have a lovely half term holiday and the children have a well deserved rest.  Please do not forget to complete and return your "proud peacock" sheets if there is any home learning you would like to celebrate with the class.  

This week in English, the children worked really hard to finish off their diary entries as the little old lady from A Squash and a Squeeze. They have produced some excellent writing and remembered the key features of a diary in order to be successful.

In maths this week, we have been looking at addition and subtraction. We started the week thinking about related facts. The children recognised patterns to help them solve calculations. For example, if they know 3+5=8 then they also know 30+50=80. They identified related facts for both addition and subtraction calculations. They have also been adding and subtracting 1s from numbers up to 100. To end the week, Skylarks have been applying their number bond knowledge to add to the next ten. For example, 46+__ = 50

In science, the children explored different fabrics. They did an investigation to see which fabric would make the best curtains. They identified that curtains should be opaque and strong before testing three fabrics.

In geography, the children used their knowledge from this unit on maps to redesign the playground. They needed to identify key features of the playground before reflecting and improving them.

Timetable

Monday: Wellies and a coat suitable for the weather

Tuesday and Thursday: PE kits

In science this week, the children carried out their investigations into whether longer arms throw further or longer legs jump further.  We recapped the meaning of a fair test and the children were able to identify which variable they would change each time. They then produced their results in a table and drew scientific conclusions from them. They also referred back to their predictions, discussing if they were accurate or not.

In geography, we went on our local field trip. The children were using an OS map of the local area along with an OS legend to identify human and physical features. They took photos of the features they found which they will use in their work after half term. 

In art, the children continued to make their 3D people using wire, newspaper and tape. They have been inspired by the work of Faith Bebbington to create their sculptures. The children have worked collaboratively to make some fantastic models and have also created clothes for them to wear from newspaper and tape. These figures will be put together to make a group sculpture that symbolises a school value when we come back after half term.

In music this week, we performed our group 'Samba Groove' using a variety of different percussion instruments. Each group performed their Call and Response while maintaining a clear and steady pulse. Well done everyone!

As it is half term, the children have not been set any homework.

In English, the children explored the world of nonsense poetry by writing their own imitation poems inspired by Jabberwocky. They had great fun inventing their own portmanteau and nonsense words, carefully following the poem’s rhyming pattern and iambic tetrameter. The results were wonderfully imaginative and full of creativity!

In maths, the focus has been on multiplying fractions and dividing fractions by integers. After mastering these skills, the children applied their knowledge to a range of problem-solving challenges, demonstrating excellent reasoning and perseverance.

In science, the children created informative leaflets to help others understand the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy. Their work was detailed and engaging, highlighting the importance of sustainable energy sources.

In geography, we took our learning outdoors with a fieldwork study of our local brook and pond, investigating levels of litter pollution. The children wrote insightful reports on their findings, considering the environmental impact and suggesting ways to help improve the issue. Their thoughtful reflections showed great awareness of the importance of looking after our local environment.

In music this week, we performed our Arctic compositions using the glockenspiels and other percussion instruments. Well done everyone!

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