It has been lovely to start enjoying the weather outside in our first week back.
We started the week covering some of the maths we ended on last term: multiplying by a two digit number. We have spent a lot of time on this to help children develop fluency with this essential method, and they have shown great perseverance. In the second half of the week, we moved onto short division, focusing at first on the skills that the children would have covered in year 4. Next week, we will build on this, and consider how to improve the efficiency of our calculations. Sheets can be found here: Maths L3 L4 Division Worksheets As always, strong times tables knowledge is ideal for these types of calculations, so please continue to support us by rehearsing times tables with your child at home.
In English, we began our new topic: picture books about journeys. We explored a variety of high quality texts, considering the language features and authorial skills which make an amazing picture book. Towards the end of the week, children planned who they will write their book for, and started to map out the stages of their story.
We had a double STEM week, finishing off an experiment about friction from last term, before transitioning into our new topic: plant and animal reproduction. We identified the sexual organs of flowering plants and discussed their life cycle. Then, children became Daffodil Dissectors, separating each part of the flower to identify their features. We also planted some pinto beans, which the children will watch growing throughout the term and hopefully take home just before Easter.
We also finished off our History topic by discussing how the Maya declined, counteracting the common misconception that the civilisation collapsed completely. In fact, Maya people are still around today! Children had some really insightful theories about why the Maya population may have declined, and they debated some of these theories with their classmates to decide on the most likely option.
In guided reading, our new book, Floodland, has really captured the children’s imaginations. We began by discussing the effects of sea level rise on the shape and size of the British Isles over time, and used this to contextualise the setting of the book: a world where the east of England is underwater, leaving places like Norwich and Ely as dilapidated islands.
Sagarmatha also began their swimming lessons this week – well done to all children for helping this run smoothly through their good behaviour.
Finally, we began our new art topic by exploring the Great Wave off Kanagawa. Children started with an observational sketch inspired by the work, and later will be experimenting with clay to create a 3D interpretation of it.
Notices:
- A reminder that all children in Fuji and Olympus will have PE on Thursdays this term. Your child must have a PE kit on these days to be able to participate, and their clothing must consider that PE may be held inside or outside depending on weather. Sagarmatha will need swimming kits on Thursdays.
Have a lovely weekend!
Year 5 Team