This week we have reflected on how our actions, regardless of their nature, have a consequence. We discussed what the ‘ripple effect’ is and how our actions can create a series of knock on effects- which is why we should always stick to our class targets of ‘being kind’ and ‘treating others how you would like to be treated’. We referred this to the Bible in how Mary is the untangler of knots- emphaising the importance of forgiveness and making the right choices.
And just like that, we are underway into our third and final term of the year! A mixture of nerves and excitement have been present in the children. Excited for the summer term, the nicer weather and closer to the six week break but also nervous of edging closer to their final year of primary school. The children’s focus, determination and resilience has remained on a high- even after the Easter break- allowing us to really get into our learning for the half term!
What have we been learning this week?
English- We have began our new poetry topic where we have began to investigate and read the opening of ‘The Highwayman’. The children have created a toolkit of their poetic devices and have been able to identify these in our poem. I have been super impressed with the children’s imagery and creative thinking- especially today when they were creating their own metaphors based from stanza one.
Maths- After two weeks of getting stuck into our long multiplication method, the children were amazed to discover ‘short multiplication’- a more effective way of using the same method but to answer bigger multiplication problems. The children have been able to use their times table knowledge to speedily answer difficult calculations- something they should be really proud of.
History- We have started our new topic- Crime and Punishment. This unit has hooked the children instantly, in which they have recognised the significance of the topic and understand the maturity that comes with learning it. We discussed about any crimes that we know of already and analysed these to rank them in order of seriousness. We then have been looking at what Crime was like in the 17th century- to understand why certain crimes were higher and what type of punishments were used.
Science- For this half term, our focus will be all things materials. We kicked the week off with looking at the different properties that a material can have and understanding what the vocabulary means. We have then experimented with different classroom materials to test which properties that have/don’t have.
Deeper thinking questions
Every week now, we would like children to explore their weekly learning at home by discussing interesting questions with family members. This may be at the table during dinner, before bedtime or when out for a walk. However you choose to discuss these questions is up to you but this may give you more of an insight into what we have been learning in class.
How do you think crime has changed over your lifetime?
Do you think prisons really work?
Let’s Celebrate
Arthur for being a focused learner- You have come back after the Easter holidays and got stuck straight into your learning. Your eyes and body posture has been centered towards the teacher which shows that you are ready to learn and you have been able to answer all questions when chosen straight away. Keep this up for the rest of the year!
Ruby for being an enthusiastic learner- I have loved your enthusiasm towards poetry and how you have just fully emerged yourself into it. You have enjoyed spotting our poetic devices in our new class poem and you have even been creating your own poems in your free time- which have been a delight to read.
Excellent work!
Virtue Butterflies- Our virtues for this half term are learned and wise. Our butterfly goes to Liam- you make such wise decisions both in and out of the classroom which really shows your maturity. You never let a game of football and the emotions get the better of you. Inside the classroom, even when you are sat with friends and they are not making the right choice, you still remain on task regardless of distractions.
Lunchtime Certificates
Marvellous Manners- Rex
Role Model of the Week- Ruby
Notices
Eco Trip- We will be going to Hope Park on Friday to check now our bulbs have grown after we planted them before Christmas. We will be going from 12:30-2:00. This will be weather dependant so make sure to check the forecast in the lead up.
Netball Tournament- Mrs Gregan will be taking one team to the tournament on Thursday 18th April. Please check the sports page to see if your child has been chosen.