Spring term after-school clubs
Our spring term after-school clubs will be starting next week and while many of the clubs are full, we do have some spaces available for the following clubs.
Maths: Arrays
In maths, we are learning about multiplication and today, we focussed on arrays.
An array in maths is an arrangement of objects, numbers or pictures in columns or rows.
This morning, we noticed an array in real life when the milk was delivered.
We looked at the rows and columns to work out the corresponding multiplication number sentences. This helps us to recognise that multiplication can be done in any order.
5 lots of 3 = 3 lots of 5
5×3 = 3×5
Then, we used practical resources to make our own arrays and to work out the matching number sentences.
Can you spot any more arrays around us?
Have a look at our multiplication video in the calculations section of the website to see the sequence of learning.
What is an adverb?
As part of our current english learning about instruction texts, today our focus was what are adverbs?
Adverbs are words that add more information to the verb.
In instruction texts, adverbs can be useful to give more information about how someone should do something.
Carefully, fill the cup with water.
Stir it gently.
This morning, the class worked in pairs to act out different adverbs. Their partner had to guess which adverb it might be.
We noticed, throughout the day, just how many adverbs are used in classroom instructions.
Calmly, line up.
Quickly, collect your resources.
Science: Seasons
This half term, our biology topic in science is seasonal changes.
In line with the KS1 science expectations, our main learning objectives are:
- I can observe changes across the four seasons.
- I can observe and describe weather associated with the seasons and how day length varies.
The vocabulary we will be learning and using in this topic include:
- winter
- spring
- summer
- autumn
- seasons
- day length
- temperature
- change
So far we have been learning the seasons and the corresponding months of the year that match each season. Some of the things we have noted that change across the seasons include:
- weather
- temperature
- trees
- plants
- animals
- clothes we might wear
This video (One year in forty seconds) helps to show the changes across the seasons.
On our class calendar, we note the weather and season on a daily basis. We also record the temperature using our thermometer giving children the chance to develop an important maths skill of reading scales.
We will be moving onto learning more about weather across the seasons and how the length of the day (and night) changes across the year.
Bossy verbs in PE
Year 2 have been busy looking at some instructional texts. Today, in our writing lesson, was to learn about imperative verbs. Often, these words are referred to as bossy verbs. Following a quick recap on what a verb is ( a doing word) the children were introduced to the term imperative verb.
An imperative verb tells someone to do something, so that the sentence it is in becomes an order or command. For example in this sentence (a command, outlining an action that must be done):
Fold your clothes up!
The imperative verb is ‘fold’.
We carried this learning on into our PE lesson. The children were given different commands to follow.
To finish off our lesson,we played some parachute games.
Computing
Big topic: Computing Throughout this topic the children will learn how to create a clear, precise algorithm. Algorithms are described as something very simple but important. They are explained as instructions that are split into little steps so that a computer can solve a problem or get something done. The children will discover how to de-bug a simple algorithm when it goes wrong!
Debugging is when you find an issue in the program that you have written and repair it. When writing a program it is very easy to make mistakes in your code.
We began with a lesson to help us understand that a computer follows precise commands and will respond to those commands consistently. Next, we will plan and predict the behaviour of simple programs and work with a
friend to plan a route for Beebot.We always begin a new topic by introducing relevant vocabulary that will be referenced throughout our lessons. The intention is for the children to learn the words and feel confident to use them in context.
These are the words/phrases the children will be using;
- algorithm
- debug
- appropriate
- computer
- technology
- password
- personal information
- devices
- trusted adult
During the topic we will also be looking closely at how we stay safe online. Age restrictions, digital content, passwords, privacy, personal information and online vs. offline behaviours are all on our agenda.
Learning at home
It’s great to see the children have started the new year by carrying on their learning at home.
Congratulations to Betsy and Theo for earning the first Lexia certificates of the year.
Each week, on Spelling Shed, a new spelling list will be posted with the weekly spelling words for the children to practise.
The children’s logins are inside their reading record books but if you have any problems with accessing Lexia or Spelling Shed at home please let us know.
Living and learning: d:side visits
This half term, our Living and Learning focus includes staying safe. We have arranged for visitors to come into school to help to deliver this key aspect of education.
We have been working with d:side for many years and they will be visiting school to deliver sessions based around drug education and e-safey sessions to coincide with Safer Internet Day (11 February).
d:side is a comprehensive drug & alcohol education programme that encourages children to make positive & healthy life-choices whilst promoting a pro-active attitude to life. They focus on developing the children’s knowledge, skills & attitude, whilst equipping them with the appropriate life skills to successfully manage sensitive situations with peers & encourage a positive approach to life.
As part of these visits, there are two specific parent/carer information sessions.
Tuesday 21 January 3.05-3.30pm d:side drug education informal information session (open to all parents)
A d:side representative will be available to provide information about your child’s drug education learning with d:side and answer any other related enquiries.
Tuesday 04 February 2:50-3.30pm d:side e-safety informal information session (open to all parents)
A d:side representative will be available to provide information about your child’s e-safety learning with d:side and answer any other related enquiries.
Please contact school if you would like to attend.
Tennis
Today, Year 2 enjoyed a tennis taster session. The lesson was delivered by two coaches from a local tennis club.
‘Chapel Allerton Lawn Tennis Club has recently teamed up with Yorkshire Tennis to try and increase the number of juniors playing tennis across North Leeds throughout the first 3 months of 2020.’
Tennis opportunities
Today, Year 2 – Year 6 pupils have taken part in tennis sessions to give children a taster of tennis and to promote sessions starting locally at Chapel Allerton Tennis and Squash Club.