Term 1 Week 3
Stig’s Modern-World Adventure Begins!
There was great excitement in Owls this week when we introduced our brand-new class mascot - Stig!
Our class novel is Stig of the Dump by Clive King, and in English we are studying Stone Age Boy. These books link perfectly with our history learning about the Stone Age, so our very own Stone Age visitor has joined the Owls on their learning journey!
The children were thrilled when the little Paddington-style suitcase was opened and Stig was revealed. When I asked who would like to take him home, every hand shot into the air!
Inside Stig’s labelled suitcase, families will find his Adventure Book and some simple instructions to follow. Each week, Stig will travel home with a different child to discover what everyday life is like in the modern world.
We cannot wait to hear about his first adventure. Let the adventures begin!
Exciting English Learning
English has been full of excitement this week! As part of our work on Stone Age Boy, we took part in a hot-seating activity. One child stepped into the role of the boy from the story while the rest of the class asked thoughtful questions about his experiences, thoughts and feelings. This gave the children a valuable opportunity to explore the character in greater depth and orally rehearse their ideas before writing.
During our grammar lesson, we learnt about fronted adverbials. We explored how they can tell the reader when, where or how something happened, and practised placing them at the beginning of sentences followed by a comma.
We also identified the key features of a diary entry, including writing in the first person, using the past tense, recording events in order and describing thoughts and feelings. This will prepare us for planning and writing our own Stone Age Boy diary entries next week.
Finally, we enjoyed a Free Write Friday! Using an intriguing picture as inspiration, the children let their imaginations run wild and created some wonderful stories. It has certainly been a busy and creative week of English learning in Owls!
Marvellous Maths
This week in Maths, the children have been exploring numbers beyond 1,000 and learning how to represent them in different ways. We have also investigated partitioning and flexible partitioning, developing a deeper understanding of place value.
The children have really stretched themselves by tackling reasoning questions, carefully checking their work and returning to correct their answers. I have been incredibly proud of their perseverance and positive attitude - brilliant mathematical thinking, Owls!
Reflective RE
In RE this week, we explored the question: What do Christians believe about Jesus and his miraculous birth?
The children learnt that Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity. We discussed the meaning of key vocabulary, including Messiah, prophet, Virgin Mary, Holy Spirit and miraculous conception. The children then thoughtfully recorded their understanding in these wonderful stable-shaped pieces of work.
Our School Community
In PSHE this week, we explored the different people who belong to our school community and the important roles they play. The children discussed how teachers, teaching assistants, governors, lunchtime supervisors, office staff, our site manager and many others help to keep our school safe, happy and successful.
We also reflected on how the children contribute to our school community by following our Behaviour for Learning: being respectful, being kind, being responsible, working as a team, trying our best and having fun!
Important Reminders
Reading: Please listen to your child read at least four times each week and sign their Reading Record. Children are also welcome to read books of their own choice, which can be recorded too. We endeavour to check Reading Records every day, so please ensure they are brought into school daily.
Homework: Times tables and spelling homework will be sent home every Friday and should be returned by the following Thursday.
Times Tables Rock Stars: Please encourage your child to practise regularly at home using Times Tables Rock Stars.
PE days: Tuesday – Gymnastics; Thursday – MNR. Please ensure that children come to school wearing the correct PE kit.