This half term has certainly been a magical one.
Literacy
It started when a dragon was sighted in Mapplewell Primary School. Luckily, Mr Lunn received a set of instructions on how to catch a dragon.
Unfortunately the instructions were jumbled up so the children had to piece these together considering the structure of instructional writing.
We explored and compared different instructions and realised that we have to listen carefully and make sure that the instructions we give are precise.
We enjoyed giving each other instructions on how to make a jam sandwich. We also enjoyed eating these.
We then looked at bossy (imperative) verbs and we used adverbs of time to sequence events.
Some of us used bullet points to list key ideas.
Others used commas to separate items in a list.
We identified adjectives and used these to describe the dragon and other mythical creatures. We discussed whether some adjectives were relevant and up levelled some to make our writing more exciting.
We then produced our own ideas for writing about how to catch a mythical creature.
Take a look at some of our super instructional writing on how to catch a mythical creature.
We then explored different text hidden around the classroom and discovered that all the text was some form of poetry. We explored and identified some of the features and discussed how it made us feel.
We were able to identify similes and make inference from poetry.
Listen to us reciting poetry.
We applied our skills to write our own dragon poems. Take a look at some of these.
Maths
This term in maths we explored length and height. We measured using standard and non-standard units.
We compared measurements and recorded our results.
We solved problems.
We estimated and measured objects bigger and smaller than a metre.
We then explored odd and even numbers.
We were able to make equal groups by sharing. We know that we require even amounts to make equal groups.
Using equipment helped us to understand the relationship between repeated addition and multiplication.
We used arrays to help visualise the multiplication sentence.
We divided by 2, 5 and 10.
We used equipment and pictorial representations to help.
Some of us used our knowledge of dividing to solve problems.
Thinking of others
We made poppies and remembered the soldiers who died fighting to protect the nation.
Odd sock day marked the start of anti-bullying week. We celebrated what makes us all unique and considered how to spread kindness.
Reindeer Run
We took part in the sponsored fun run to raise money for Barnsley Hospice. We enjoyed our cookies and juice after. Thank you for all your donations.
PSHE
In PSHE we looked at families and friendships. We discussed ways overcome problems and the importance of positive friendships.
Science
In science we have been looking at the weather and seasons. We enjoyed singing the season song.
PE
This term we have been learning ball skills including football.
History (topic)
This terms topic was all about castles. Our hook was a virtual meeting William Groundsbury. We asked lots of questions and found out lots of new information.
We used sources of information to describe different types of castles.
We used our knowledge on the castles features to explain how to defend a castle.
We enjoyed finding out about the different weapons used to defend and attack castles.
We then used role play to act out attacking and defending our castle.
Our final piece of work was to use our knowledge and skills to write an advertisement for the perfect castle.
Religious Education
This term in RE we looked at special places and considered what makes them important. We visited our local church and spoke about places that are special to us.
We discussed what happens at a baptism and looked at some of the symbolism.
We shared our baptism memories with our class.
We looked at other religious symbolism including Christingles and enjoyed making these at home.
We considered what makes a Jewish synagogue special and looked at other religious places of worship.
Our classroom has been magical this Christmas.
We enjoyed creating Christmas cards.
We joined as a community for the Christmas light switch on at the village hall.
Mrs Abbott was over the moon that so many children from Class 4 joined in with the Christmas singing at the light switch on.
We had a special visitor in class.
We loved creating our Christmas baubles.
We were so pleased that the Nativity could go ahead this year. I am sure you agree that it was truly magical and the children did us proud.
We enjoyed our reindeer run for Barnsley Hospice. Thank you to all those who donated.
We had fun warming up and enjoyed our cookies and juice after.
Christmas mystery read
Mrs Abbott was over the moon with how many children took part in the advent reading challenge.
Well done to all the children who took part in the challenge including Snowflake the elf.
Before we wish you a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year, here is a sneaky peak of what we will be learning in January.
Maths
In maths we will continue to build on our addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. Don’t forget to go on Numbots and TTRockstar.
Literacy
We will continue to develop our literacy skills through various contexts.
Science
This term we will be exploring materials.
PE
Next term we will be learning dance.
RE
Next term we will be looking at different beliefs and family traditions in the community.
PSHE
This term we will be looking at how to respond in different situations, distinguishing appropriate and inappropriate physical contact. We will discuss what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe.
Topic
Topic this term is focused on Design Technology. This will include food technology, textiles and looking at resistant materials.