Leeds Children’s mayor
Could you be the next Leeds children’s mayor? Year 6 are invited to take part in this annual programme. Pupils write a short manifesto (400 words maximum) saying how they would improve Leeds if they were the Children’s Mayor. The manifesto must be based on one of the 12 Wishes for a more child friendly Leeds.
What would you do to make Leeds a better city for other children and young people?
If you’d like to take part then please complete your manifesto by 23.09.15 and the class will vote for the entry that will be submitted. Only one entrant can be submitted per school.
Welcome back
Hello all and welcome back.
It will be great to see everybody back in school having had a long summer to refresh ourselves. I’m excited to be in a new classroom and year group as, I hope, our new Year 5s are, too. We’ll be diving straight into a great mini-topic based on a picture book by Shaun Tan (more below) which has some amazing artwork. Each week, I’ll post on here an overview of what we’ll be focussing on in English, Maths and Topic. This means that people at home will be able to get an idea of what the children will be learning and what they might need support with.
English starts with us recapping our grammar, recognising nouns, adjectives, adverbs, verbs, prepositions and conjunctions while we enjoy our class picture book. This will run alongside developing our skills in descriptive writing by using all of those different word classes effectively. To help at home, test each other on what type of word is on a road sign or in a recipe. Here’s a list of definitions and examples if you need a refresher too and there are some posters in the playground…
noun – can be an object (the table, a book, an orange), a place or person (Miss Rushbrooke, Leeds, Moortown Primary School).
adjective – gives information about a noun (large table, clever Miss Rushbrooke, wonderful Moortown Primary School).
verb – an action word (to play, to sneeze, to hink). These might have ed or ing added to the end, too.
adverb – gives information about the verb. You might say how (play nicely, sneeze extravagantly, think carefully), where (play on the grass, sneeze in assembly) or when (play after dinner, sneeze all through the night).
conjunction – joins two sentences together (We went to bed because we were tired. It’s raining so I’ll get an umbrella.).
preposition – indicates where or when (in, around, under, through, after, whilst).
Maths will be kicked off by ensuring we are able to read numbers up to 1,000,000 and we understand what each digit in that number is worth. This will involve ordering, comparing and rounding numbers before then applying this knowledge to real life contexts. To help at home, notice numbers around you and say them out loud. Decide which is bigger or smaller and test each other by asking what is 100 more or 10 less.
Topic will be focussed around Shaun Tan’s ‘The Lost Thing‘. We’ll look at art by Salvador Dali and take on the role of news reporters as we write a class report on the discovery of the ‘lost thing’.
SEAL New beginnings
As we start the new school year, our SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) theme focuses on New Beginnings.
We have three new members of staff making a new beginning at Moortown, Mrs Wells, Mr McKeon and Mr Lawton, alongside new children joining our school and our new Reception class.
‘I make someone feel welcome‘ is the first SEAL statement to launch the theme.
New beginnings allows children the opportunity to discuss and reflect on how they or others may feel in a new situation or setting. This SEAL theme offers children the opportunity to see themselves as valued individuals within a community, and to contribute to shaping a welcoming, safe and fair learning community for all.
During the theme, the key areas of learning are empathy, self-awareness, social skills and motivation.
Through discrete SEAL lessons, circle times and across the curriculum, children will explore feelings of happiness and excitement, sadness, anxiety and fearfulness, while learning (and putting into practice) shared models for calming down and problem-solving.
New Beginnings supports the development of a learning community in each classroom where all members feel that they belong. Class contracts, produced at the start of the year, allow children to contribute to how they feel they can achieve a safe and fair learning community.
Reading
Just as the summer started, the papers were full of articles about ideal holiday reading for adults and children alike. (I think ideal holiday reading is any reading you want to, whether it’s in the holidays or not!)
How many books has your child read this holiday? More importantly, what sort of discussions have you had with your child about what books you’ve been reading, and of course what they’ve been reading. (I’ve already had chats with Mrs Weekes and Miss Valentine about my summer reading. including a great children’s book, ‘Grace‘ by one of my favourite authors, Morris Gleitzman.)
As we approach the end of the holidays, it’s an ideal time to reflect on what we’ve read – and start the new school year off taking a positive, encouraging approach to your child’s reading.
Encourage your child to read anything and everything: a story, leaflet, brochure, comic, flyer, advert… It could be for pure entertainment, or with a different purpose: to use a recipe, make a shopping list, read street signs, or any kind of text! The more varied reading your child does, the less likely they are to be put off reading a text. Don’t be too pushy either – texts which are too difficult can put children off (harder books might be best left to bedtime reading); all children should be able to read their reading book 90-95% accurately and fluently in order to enjoy and gradually progress in their reading.
- Build reading accuracy – as your child reads aloud, point out words they miss and help them sound out and read them correctly.
- Build reading comprehension – talk with your child about what they’re reading, asking about new words and what new information they’ve learned.
- Read together every day – don’t forget reading aloud to your child at bedtime reading can count, too!
- Don’t overlook non-fiction texts – spend time talking about pictures and diagrams.
- Visit the library regularly – did your child take part in the local libraries’ Summer Reading Challenge (see News article on 13 July 2015)?
- Use the Internet – find out more about the books your child has read or would like to read next, and just enjoy surfing the internet for facts and figures about whatever interests your child.
Enjoyable, regular and short practice is the best way for your child to progress and learn through reading. Make sure your child spends 10-15 minutes reading each day and use the guidance below to ensure (s)he is getting the most from every book they read. The questions will need to be varied according to the book and your child. The book may lend will to developing knowledge, phonic, punctuation, writing or comprehension skills.
Don’t attempt to try to cover all the bullet points! It might be a good idea to focus on just one of these areas every few days or so, or just choose a question from two or three sections.
Comprehension
- Did you enjoy the story – why?
- What happened at the start / in the middle / at the end?
- Was there a problem? How was it resolved?
- How would you have resolved the problem? Can you think of another way?
- What would you do if …
- What was the main idea of the story?
- Can you summarise the story in a couple of sentenced?
- Try to predict what will happen before the story ends.
- Write about a memory or experience of your own that is similar to something you’ve read in your book.
- Write a letter to someone telling them about the book and your opinion of the book.
- Construct a time line to fit the story. Include all the main events
Characters
- Who are the characters?
- What do they look like?
- What kind of clothes do they wear?
- How did the character feel when …?
- What kind of mood was the character in?
- What kind of personality do they have? Kind, caring, nasty, bully, liar, friendly, quiet, noisy …?
- What does it say in the text that makes you think this?
- What do other characters think or say about this character? Why do they feel this way?
- How does your character treat other people in the book? How does the character change throughout the story? Explain and give support for your answers.
- Can you re-write the story and include your own character?
- Write a description of the main character – their looks, the way they dress, the way they talk and their personality.
- Draw and label a character or a setting from a description in the book.
Story setting
- Where is the story set?
- Imagine you are in the story …
- What can you see? What can you hear? What can you small? What can you feel?
- Can you write a description of the story setting using adjectives? eg I found myself standing in the middle of …
- What is the weather like?
Non-Fiction
- Research the subject further using the internet or local library.
- Write down in your own sentences some facts you have learnt from the book.
- Can you think of anywhere we might be able to find additional information about this?
- What do the pictures or diagrams in this piece of information add to the text?
- How are these different to the pictures you might find in a story?
- Can you point out: a heading, sub-heading, caption, diagram, introduction, contents page etc?
- Why has the author organised the information in this way? (You could refer to sections and sub-sections, bullet points etc)
- How do you feel about …? Can you explain why?
Farewell, Year 3
Well, it’s the end of our year and what a great one we have had. It has been an absolute pleasure to work in Year 3 and I will miss the children dearly. Throughout the year, I have been so impressed by improved behaviours, mature attitudes and impressive learning. I am incredibly proud of each and every child and have written a poem to give a quick mention to them all. Enjoy…
Well, Year 3, our work is done. Just look how far you’ve all come.
Edward, you make me smile every day, and with anyone you will play.
Fancy a challenge, then ask Nico. He’s never afraid to give it a go.
Always wanting a chat to share something new, Pippa, without this, what will I do?
Zack’s head is bursting with fascinating facts. Ask him a question and he’ll be quite exact.
Happy to always keep things fair, Grace, you should be proud of the amount you care.
Umaimah’s swimming has been great this year. You deserve a great big cheer.
Grinning from ear to ear, Aleena will always be a friend that’s near.
Matteo, you are such a good sport, an eager learner, a pleasure to have taught.
Noah, a happy chap who tries his best, not content to sit back and rest.
A great friend you will have in Stan, a popular boy with lots of fans.
Nishaan always gives his all, and my goodness how you’ve grown so tall.
Oliver is growing into a confident young man, his attitude is “I will if I can!”
Elias, always caring and kind, another like him would be hard to find.
With confidence oozing through her veins, Pavan is thriving and making great gains.
Archie just loves to kick a ball, and if Leeds United are stuck they should give him a call.
Her reading has become an absolute joy, Pohnum, it’s a pleasure that I enjoy.
An amazing year this young man has had, Brandon, you are just a super lad.
A great character in Neive you will find, with super manners – if you don’t mind!
Daanyaal, you have worked hard all year. Your reading is just lovely to hear.
Megan you are a shining star. I have no doubt that you will go far.
Give this boy a ball and he is content. Abdullah, footballer in the making – I think that is meant.
Enthusiasm runs through him like a fire. Owen, keep working hard and never tire.
Determination through gritted teeth, Enya can tackle what lies underneath.
Hibba who works so very hard, has quite a sense of humour – a bit of a card.
Harry is a person who… is always willing to try something new.
You’ve come so far, Isobel. Well done! Just keep working on those tricky sums.
Saleem, a kind, gentle boy with manners to show. Keep up the good work and far you will go.
A chatty young man with lots to say, Sam, you’re progressing along the way.
Matthew can listen with a caring ear, and is willing to help those who are unclear.
And Zeewa, well what can I say? I will miss you each and every day.
Well done, Year 3. I’m proud of you all. And by golly we’ve had a ball!
Enjoy the summer and see you all in September!
Final thoughts on a great year!
Well, that went quickly!
I was really looking forward to teaching the class again this year and they have not disappointed. I’ve had a great year and have thoroughly enjoyed teaching them again. There have been so many highlights this year. Here’s an A – Z of favourite memories:
- Ahmed’s absolute desire to always reach the top of the learning mountain in maths lessons.
- Archie body popping his way to the Moortown’s Got Talent title.
- Arran’s scene-stealing performance in the production, wearing a strap-on tortoise shell!
- Bailey’s brilliant, last minute Mouse performance in the production.
- Brandon’s growing obsession with Bear Grylls.
- Ethan’s incredible drawings of Robo-Dog.
- Henry’s great writing progress whilst continuing to be the ‘human calculator’.
- Ibrahim’s funny, yet annoying, cricket sound effects.
- Isabella’s brilliant performance in the production (She even knew most of the lines from Act II as well!)
- Jahneil’s blossoming fractions confidence in maths.
- Jaskirat’s great creative homeworks
- Jawaad’s many pets and Fighting Fantasy books.
- Jennifer’s amazing homeworks and Scratch creations.
- Lanas’ superb learning behaviour.
- Lennox’s solo singing in the production – and his scream!
- Levon’s deadpan humour.
- Linda’s enthusiasm!
- Molly’s fabulous performances in the school sports teams.
- Oliver’s sense of humour.
- Pavan’s singing and all round performance in the production.
- Ravinder pulling his shorts up to his chest in PE lessons and acting as if it was perfectly normal.
- The shock that Rayhaan doesn’t love Hondas anymore!
- Roshan’s laugh.
- Sam trying not to giggle in RSE lessons.
- Shahban’s Malteser song: “Malteser. I’m gonna tease ya! I’m gonna eat ya! Malteaser!”
- Simran laughing so much that she starts to cry.
- Sofiah’s love of Jacqueline Wilson.
- Tayshaun’s “Make way for the King and Queen of Hearts!” in the production.
- Yahya’s very slow reaction time when Lennox poured water on him at the Mad Hatter’s tea party.
- Zachary becoming the first Prime Minister of Year 5 in our election.
Thanks to all for their part in making it a great year. A big thanks also to Mrs Bald who has done a brilliant job. Have a great summer holiday and I’ll see you in September.
Goodbye Year 1….
…what an amazing year we have had! You’ve all been incredibly hardworking and have been pleasure to teach. You have all made different contributions and will be remembered for lots of different reasons:
- Well done to Zara and Enas – you are much more confident and will always join in now and, Zara, you are also the best giggler!
- Evie and Alexandra- you are amazing writers and have exceeded all expectations.
- Byron, Alexander, Finlay, William, Sam and Eliza have all made us say “wow” at some point this year with some of their maths. It’s great to see your enthusiasm.
- Ben, Zakariya and Charlie – your handwriting is so much better. You’ve showed perseverance and determination. Ben, we also have to mention your stylish bed-hair!
- Musa, Daniel, Ahmed and Gurnoor – you ask really interesting questions and always want to find out more. Keep asking questions – that is how you find out more and more.
- Kismat (also known as Bob!), Eve, Rabiya, Kirsten, Natasha and Zidaan: you’ve made so much progress with your writing – you’re now much more confident and can write for lots of different reasons.
- Aisha has to be the most talkative member of Year 1 but she has also made lots of progress in phonics and is now a confident and accurate reader.
- Arundeep has learnt his spellings thoroughly every week and has been determined to get every spelling right each week – he has achieved this on many occasions.
- Poppy, Manpreet, Maggie and Nayaab: thank you for your efforts with your creative homework – it’s always something to look forward to.
- Eleni – your skills in PE are amazing. You’re competitive but also a really good team player.
Thanks, Year 1, for a brilliant year. Enjoy the summer and we will see you in September all ready for Year 2.
Goodbye for summer
The end of a fantastic year for Year 2 has arrived. It’s been very sad this week to be taking down displays and giving out books to send the class on to Year 3 but very exciting as well. We’re all ready for moving up the school (and a holiday). A big thank you to all the children who have been a pleasure to teach and get to know.
True to last year’s farewell, I’ve prepared a little poem to say something about everybody.
Farewell, Year 2, it’s been a blast.
If only one more year, it could last.
Farai has grown so very tall
and talks so very much about football.
With Kai he talks, who is quite lovely
sitting next to Martha, who’s rather bubbly.
Want to know about space? Ask Ripley.
In a rocket he’ll go. On the moon he’ll be.
To Thomas and Filip you must go,
if you want to be in the know.
Smiles all round from Grace and Mia.
and what a fab year for happy Zia.
Ethan’s always teaching words anew.
Gabs and Noorpreet are children who,
are ready to go straight away
and with anyone caring Pia will play.
Ben, Humairah and Phoebe are sure
to be there for you to open the door.
So polite are Ishaan and Josh,
and all that rhymes with Josh is posh!
Isaiah and Isaac always try their best,
let’s now hear about the rest.
Theo’s jokes make me laugh (and cry),
About hotdogs Dylan talks, day and nigh’.
Ismail’s presence is such a treat,
And next to him – the wonderful Manpreet.
Lewis and Lory have a fab cheeky side,
and Nicky and Albert, how hard they’ve tried.
I’ve never met some one quite so kind,
and Sachpreet, always keeping others in mind.
And Alex I’m left with, so honest and true.
This poem is over. What a relief. Phew!
Have an amazing holiday, everyone. I’ll look forward to seeing you in September.
Goodbye, Reception Class!
We’ve come to the end of a busy and exciting year!
The children have been a delight to teach and we will have very fond memories of them all…
Albie, Henka and Will have amazed us with their knowledge of the world. Well done, Emma and Sakina, for having better handwriting than the teachers! Emily, Hifza and Olivia have star potential with their singing and dancing and Ethan and Jasraj have both grown in confidence throughout the year. We’re so impressed with Georgie’s determination to form her letters correctly and we can now read her writing! Harris and Felix have been great mathematicians and Jemima, Phoebe, Leo and Safiya-Mishal have impressed us with their love of writing. Jessica and Raima have been happy and positive members of the class. Thank you, Liam, for fantastic tidying up and sweeping! Well done, Musa – you have amazed everybody with your progress and enthusiasm to learn. Pollyanna, we are sure you will be a famous artist one day and we’ve loved seeing your work. Sami and Rayn have been polite and helpful members of the class. Well done, Kashif and Noah, for keeping us entertained and well done, Maya and Isabella, for being so caring. Taha, you have pleased us by trying new foods and being so enthusiastic about your learning. Well done, Yusayrah, for always doing your homework and being so kind and helpful.
Have a great summer and we look forward to hearing about your time in Y ear 1.
Summer Reading Challenge 2015
This year, the Summer Reading Challenge returns with the challenge of breaking records!
It’s really simple to join in and complete the challenge. All you have to do is
- Join any Leeds library (including mobile libraries).
- Borrow three books and read them. (You could write a short book review on them too.)
- You can borrow any book: stories, joke books, information books or even audio books.
- Return these (to any Leeds library) and borrow another three books.
- That means you need only borrow six books altogether – or more, of course!
- Once you’ve returned your second lot of three books, your challenge is complete!
We’re hoping to get lots more children taking on the challenge this year and enjoying their reading over the summer. Try not to borrow thick books that you’re never going to finish and make sure you pick books you’re going to be interested in, or, try something new. For any more information, take a look at the leaflet below.
