In maths this week, we have been building on our factor and multiple knowledge to mentally multiply and divide. We have used a range of strategies to do this, such as regrouping, doubling, halving and using known facts.  The children were surprised to see how easily and efficiently they could calculate using large numbers and decimals. Well done Year 5!

In science, we investigated friction. Year 5 put their shoes to the test to find out which ones had greater friction and thought about why. To measure, we learnt how to use a Newton meter.

Year 5 really are a talented bunch, and on Thursday we had the chance to watch them in their music concert. It was clear how hard they practise at home. I was proud of how well they performed and the confidence they showed.

This week, it was national tree week. We celebrated this by weaving using natural materials from the trees in our school environment. Before heading out to gather our resources we discussed how weaving was the method the Saxons would have used to create their clothes. Once we collected what we needed, we headed back inside to weave so that our fingers were not too numb to work!

In assembly this morning, Year 5 placed their Advent Angels alongside the rest of the school in the hall. They have thought about how they will be more helpful and supportive of others during this time. Many have said they will be helping out at home- I’m sure you will look forward to this, parents!

I have been told many of you plan to hang your decorations this weekend. I hope you have a wonderful time doing this and of course enjoy attending the Christmas Fayre.

Have a great weekend.

Mrs Lines

Home Learning

In order to be fully prepared for the advent service, home learning this week is to learn the words to our songs. I have sent a copy home with each child.

I have also asked the children to complete a piece of science home learning. This is due on Tuesday 12^th December. I would like the children to choose a key scientist in the area of forces and create a poster/report/fact file on them. The scientists and a link to some information can be found below.

Key Scientists

Sir Isaac Newton (1642 – 1727) – Formulated the laws of motion – http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/newton_isaac.shtml

Christopher Cockerell (1910- 1999) – Inventor of the hovercraft – http://www.design-technology.info/inventors/page11.htm

Archimedes (c.287 – c.212 BC) – Greek inventor – http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/archimedes.shtml

All different. All Equal

This week in Year 5, we have taken part in anti bullying week. On Monday, we began by celebrating our differences. The children created mini books that their classmates filled with positive messages. Watching the children read these was a real joy and I wish I could have captured all of their facial expressions on camera. They were truly filled with happiness and felt incredibly valued. Not only did they enjoy the aspect of receiving the compliments, they discussed how much they enjoyed building each other up being the reason someone smiles.

On Tuesday, we took part in a class discussion about the times when people aren’t kind and at what point it becomes bullying. We explored ways of dealing with it and how we can support each other.

On Wednesday, they children used their knowledge of the Lectio Divina to listen to, mediate, pray and reflect on a piece of Scripture about not judging others. They considered how they would apply it to their everyday life to support the anti bullying message.

On Thursday, we turned our attention to cyber bullying. We looked at the impact of it and created posters that showed how we can help ourselves or others who are experiencing it.

Overall, the children showed great maturity and sensitivity to the issues we discussed.

Traction Man is Here!

Alongside the rest of the school, we have been looking at the book ‘Traction Man’ by Mini Grey. We have focussed on retelling the story through drama and story maps. We also empathised with our main character by holding a press conference for this fearless hero!

Have a great weekend

Mrs Lines

Home Learning

English:

Comprehension

SPAG.COM

Spelling: Credible, edible, horrible, legible,possible, resistible, responsible, reversible, sensible, terrible and visible.

Maths:

Book 4 – ‘Using times tables’ pg 22 and ‘Factor Pairs’ pg 24

There has been a little confusion about what maths work to cover! Last time, I referenced incorrect page numbers. Some children completed the task based on the page, and others based on the title. I will list below the titles and pages that need to be covered. Children can complete the activities they did not do last week.

Book 5-

‘Multiples’ pg 18.

‘Factors and Primes’ pg 19 and 20

‘Multiplying by 10, 100  and 1000’ pg 21 and 22.

Welcome back. I hope that you enjoyed your time as a family over the break. It has been fantastic to hear about all the exciting things the children got up to.

This week in literacy, we began a poetry unit about a city at night. We have been looking at powerful vocabulary and in particular adjectives, verbs and use of personification, simile and metaphor. The children really enjoyed taking part in some readers’ theatre and performed stanzas of ‘Last Night, I saw the city breathing’ by Andrew Fusek Peters.

In numeracy, we began looking at common multiples. We have connected it to other areas of maths and represented them in a range of ways.

Our computing learning on programming had us thinking about processes this week. We used flow charts to create algorithms for automated control systems. We were also able to create charts for everyday activities, such as making a cup of tea. We discovered they could range from very simple, to more complex.

In science, we turned our attention to forces. We went outside to see if we could demonstrate some forces.

In our topic learning, we found out about Anglo Saxon village life. We then used this information to create a map of a Saxon village by using natural items found in our playground. See if your child can explain the key features to you.

In R.E, we have been learning about Judaism. In particular, we have discovered more about Bar and Bat Mitzva. We compared this Jewish rite of passage with the sacrament of confirmation that we studied last half term.

Overall, this first week back has flown by. Not only did we take on a range of learning, but over half of the class represented the school by singing at the Royal Albert Hall. While they were signing their hearts out, the rest of us went to OLSV for All Saints’ Feat Day mass. I’m not sure how we managed to fit it all in a week! The children have been bubbling with excitement today about their weekend firework plans. As a more creative home learning, I have given the children the option of creating a firework poem. It would be great to see them using the poetic features we have discussed this week to describe this wonderfully sensory event.

Family home learning!

Today we dug over our Year 5 garden in preparation for planting on Monday. Many of the children have told me that they have keen gardeners at home and they would like to design it with you. We have some spring bulbs and need a plan for where we should plant them. See the link below to view the selection we have. I look forward to seeing the designs. The theme of the garden is ‘Resurrection’ as they should flower in time for Easter.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Complete-Spring-Flowering-Bulb-Collection/dp/B00F3X9V04

Home learning

SPAG.COM

Maths book 5- Multiplying and dividing by 10, 100 and 1000. Pg 19 and 20.

Maths book 4- Counting in multiples. Page 6

Dividing by 10 and 100. Pg 36 and 37

Reading comprehension.

Spellings- Suppose, surprise, therefore, although, thought, through, various, weight, women.

We are now at the end of our year 3/4 word list and so there are only 9 spellings this week.

This week, we have been writing biographies in English about author Anthony Horowitz. We have researched his life and found out what inspired him to write. Many of the children have taken books from our ‘Featured Author’ area to read his work.

In maths, we have been learning about negative numbers and using our knowledge to reason and problem solve.

In geography, Year 5 improved their map reading skills by identifying symbols and finding out what they mean. They focused on their local area to see what they could find.

In science, we learnt about night and day. We saw how we can tell the time by using shadows and how the sun’s position changes in our sky. The children then wrote explanations of why this happens.

Next week, you have the opportunity to join us in our classroom twice! Our class mass is on Wednesday and the children will be bringing home invitations for you today. On Friday, we have our Harvest Festival Assembly, followed by a celebration morning. We will be sharing all of the exciting things we have learnt about Australia.

Home Learning

As it is One World Week next week, a creative homework for the whole school has been given. If you would like to consolidate some of this week’s class objectives, home learning has been supplied on SPAG.COM and Mathletics.

Spellings:

Naughty, notice, occasionally, often, opposite, ordinary, particular, peculiar, perhaps, popular, position, possession, possible, potatoes and pressure.

Have a fantastic weekend

Mrs Lines