Dear Parents,

Please find attached to this letter an overview of the exciting learning theme we have planned. For this term we will be continuing to study Explorers, and in particular, explorers of polar regions. This will inspire our own diary entries based on the expeditions of Ernest Shackleton. 

We will be lucky enough to be joined by Dominic Renshaw on Thursday, 12th January. Dominic is an explorer, and in 2024 hopes to beat the world record for the fastest solo trip to the South Pole. His target is to complete the feat in about 24 days, breaking a Guinness World Record currently held by Christian Eide.

Please visit https://www.dominicrenshaw.com to find out more. 

 

Overview of the subjects which are separate from the learning theme:

Maths

We will be using our work on multiplication and division to help us to complete a range of calculations. We will solve one step and two step problems involving measure, using concrete objects and pictorial representations.

We will develop our shape, position and directional skills when studying maps, as well as looking at 'statistics' when exploring climates and temperatures. 

We will also be continuing our work on children’s maths passports.

French

We will revise numbers, age and learn about playground games.

Computing

We will apply our IT skills when researching the world of famous explorers. We will also use software such as chrome music lab to develop compositions. 

RE

What do Hindus believe God is like?   

PE

PE will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

We will learn some dance movements linked to our new topic. 

We will also be improving our skills in catching, throwing, balance and agilty. 

 

How can you help at home?

 

MyMaths

Homework will be mainly linked to MyMaths. MyMaths has tutorials/lessons linked to the homework given, as well as fun games to practise mathematical skills. MyMaths is set every Wednesday and is due on the following Wednesday. Please encourage your child to complete their homework. The children will be able to mark their homework straight away; if your child has scored below 70% they will be expected to try again.

 

Maths Passports

To support their daily session in school, your child’s Maths Passports should be practiced at least 3 times a week at home. Copies of the children’s passports are being sent home and will also be being stuck into the back of their reading records. Use of the children’s Numbots’ account will assist in securing their number facts.  Once they get to the Africa passport, they will need to practice multiplication and division, and you can help by asking tables questions, mixing up the order and asking division facts, for example “How many 5s in 25?” Online resources to help include a very good site called “Hit the Button”  and "TT Rockstars" (which uses the same login as numbots) where they can practice multiplication, division addition and subtraction facts. Targets, guidance sheets and links to online games can be found on the school website http://www.lydbrook.gloucs.sch.uk/curriculum/maths_passports/maths_passports.html .

 

Reading

Please listen to your child read at least three times a week to support your child's progress for the Class Reading Challenge.  Their three reads must be from their school scheme book, although enjoying other stories and types of texts in encouraged to create a real love of reading.  It is also really beneficial to have times where you read to, and enjoy stories with your child.

Please ask them a range of questions about what they have read to check their understanding, examples of questions can be found on their ‘Totally Pawsome Reading Gang’ bookmark which will be sent home with their new reading record. We will keep a close check on the reading books and check their home/ school books every day. To develop your child’s fluency we will ask them to practise reading some of the pages. This can also be done at home. The book will be changed regularly once your child has developed good understanding and has improved their rate and accuracy.

The children’s reading record books will be checked every Monday for their three reads a week, please ensure an adult signs for each of the reads.

Equipment. Please can the children continue to bring the minimum into school.

PE kit: Please ensure that your child is wearing their PE kit every Tuesday and Thursday, that earrings are removed (if the child can’t do it themselves) and long hair is tied back.

Outdoor trainers: A pair of trainers for outdoor sessions to be kept on your child’s peg all week.

Water bottle: Please ensure that your child has their named water bottle filled with water at the beginning of each day.

Reading books and Home School Contact Book. These items should be brought into school every day.

Personal equipment: Each child is provided with a school pencil case with all the equipment they need for learning; therefore, personal pencil cases and equipment from home are not necessary.

 

Staff in Magpies

Mrs Fellows will be teaching the children on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with Miss Sprawson in the class on Thursdays and Fridays.   We also have Mrs Townsend, Mrs Atanasova, Ms Virgin and Mrs Phelps as teaching assistants, in class supporting the children’s learning.

Finally, if you ever have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to continue to contact us via email, magpies@lydbrook.gloucs.sch.uk, or by phoning the school.

 

We look forward to working with you and your children this term,

Miss Sprawson and Mrs Fellows

Discovering Distant Lands Part 2 Thematic Plan Spring Term 2022

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