Beech Class Curriculum for autumn term 2019
Dear Parents
Welcome to the Autumn term!
I am pleased to say the children have settled quickly into Beech class and are already working hard. I have planned some exciting learning this term which I hope the children will enjoy.
TOPIC
Our topic learning this term will be focussed around a local study of Appleshaw Village. Learning will include aspects of science, history and geography which I have linked to the learning objectives in English to give the children purposeful writing opportunities. In science the children will investigate the properties and uses of everyday materials and link their knowledge to real life. Through local field work the children will have the opportunity to look at materials used in buildings in Appleshaw village and compare the materials used in old and new buildings. We will be finding out how the village has changed over time and hearing memories from long term residents. I would be very pleased to hear from anyone who has local knowledge who could help us with this. I would also like the children to think about what happens to materials after we have used them and the global problem of plastic pollution. Alongside all of this will be the discrete teaching of Maths, phonics/spelling, PE, Computing, RE and Music which will be planned and taught by myself or a specialist colleague.
HOME LEARNING
There are several ways you can support your children to practise what they have learnt in class.
READING
Children can change their home reading books every day. Hearing your child read regularly and discussing what they have read is invaluable, please leave a short comment or just sign their home reading records when you do so.
MATHLETICS
Using mathletics is a great way to consolidate children’s number knowledge and everyone should aim for 1000 points a week for which they will receive a sticker.
SPEEDY TABLES
We have weekly tables tests, where children have 5 minutes to answer as many questions as possible – hence ‘speedy tables’. Children work on one table at a time beginning with the 2x tables, the aim each week is to beat their own score. When they have got them all right they get a sticker and move onto the next table. Speedy tables happens on a Friday and all the children really enjoy it. Please support your children in practising their tables, here are some links for some fun table songs and games.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sxzxqtnGjA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yf3xgE8wMc
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/supermovers/ks1-maths-the-2-times-table-with-bridget-the-lioness/zrrx92p
SPELLINGS
The children will bring spellings home to practise, these will either be the common exception words or words that follow the spelling rules I have taught in class. We do not test these weekly but will periodically check progress. They can also use the ’spellzone’ program on the computer which is a fun way to support spelling. I will introduce the children to this program in class and they will then bring their login details home.
CONTACT
Before registration it is very busy with preparations for lessons and supervision of the children so I would appreciate any communication to be done through the school office, who will, of course, arrange supervision for the children should the matter be urgent. Otherwise, I am usually available at the end of each day for a quick informal chat or if a more formal discussion is needed then please make an appointment through the school office.
Thank you for your support.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs Preece