Counting Like the Maya!

English This week, the children have been revising their scary short stories. They have focused on developing their characters, using expanded noun phrases, and experimenting with short sentences...

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English

This week, the children have been revising their scary short stories. They have focused on developing their characters, using expanded noun phrases, and experimenting with short sentences to build tension and atmosphere.

Next week, children will begin editing their stories, with a focus on capitalisation, spelling, punctuation, and improving their choice of verbs to make their writing even more engaging.

Maths

We have started our new unit on Multiplication and Division. Children have been multiplying 2-, 3- and 4-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers, as well as 2-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers, using the grid method.

Next week, we will continue this unit and move on to multiplying 2-, 3- and 4-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers using both the grid method and the compact method. Please find this week’s worksheets attached Maths week 4 sheets

It is vital that they continue to practise their times tables whenever they can.

History

In History, children have been learning how unique the Mayan number system is. We discussed how the Maya used dots, lines and shell-shaped symbols to create different number combinations. The class also discovered that the Maya used a base-20 number system, which is very different from the base-10 system we use today. To deepen their understanding, children were challenged to solve simple additions using Mayan numbers, which they found both fun and challenging. Here is a link to make numbers.

STEM

In STEM, children have been exploring forces and mechanisms, experimenting with levers and investigating the effectiveness of pulleys. They enjoyed testing how these simple machines can make lifting and moving objects easier.

RE

In RE, we have been learning about the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, and discussing its importance to Sikh communities.

PSHE

This week’s PSHE discussions focused on the pressures of friendships and family commitments. Children shared ideas about how to manage responsibilities and maintain positive relationships.

Reading

To continue supporting reading skills at home, please use the First News comprehension sheet attached to practise reading and answering questions together.

L1-News-Qs-987 L2-Look-Closer-902

Reading Buddies

This week we also enjoyed a lovely Reading Buddies session. Children from Year 1 visited Year 5, and pairs shared story books and read to each other. It was wonderful to see the older pupils supporting the younger children with their reading while building confidence and friendships across year groups. Here are some pictures from the session!

Fuji and Olympus swimming lesson schedule:
13th Jan, 20th Jan, 27th Jan, 3rd Feb, 10th Feb
Sagarmatha swimming lesson schedule:
26th Feb, 5th Mar, 12th Mar, 19th Mar, 26th Mar
We ask that your child brings a swimming kit consisting of: swimming costume (no bikinis or tankinis, please) or swimming trunks, swimming caps, goggles and a bath-size towel. Please also pack a book for your child to read during any waiting times.

Thank you for your continued support, and we hope you have a lovely weekend.

Year 5 Team