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Month: January 2023
P1/2 Update January 2023
In Numeracy P2 are using all addition and subtraction to 20 facts to solve problems. Then we are going to work with numbers to 100. P1 are building on addition to 10 facts and will learn their first strategies for adding quickly. (i.e. if you add 1 to any number, you get the number after; adding zero doesn’t change numbers; always start from the larger number, check for doubles).
We are also learning about time in Maths and have been thinking about the seasons. P1 have been practising their days of the week, and P2 months of the year. Families could really help with this by talking about what activities they will do on different days, which months birthdays are in etc. P.1 will be learning to tell the time on the hour, and P2 will cover half past the hour and durations of time.
In Literacy P1 have finally got to the end of their single letter sounds and will be revising all of them along with their letter formation. We will begin to learn sounds made of 2 letters, read cvc words and recognise some high frequency words. P2 are learning about verbs in Grammar and will be finding out about past, present and future. They also began working on improving their comprehension, answering different types of questions about their reading books.
In French we have been enjoying a number of games to help us learn colours and we will be continuing to use these. In our Art lessons we are looking at different works from Aberdeen Art Gallery, starting with ‘Afterglow’, a lovely winter painting by Joseph Farquharson, painted in the forest of Birse on the Finzean estate. If you are in Aberdeen, pop into the Art Gallery to see it.
We started a mini topic about Scotland where we were learning about the world around us, Robert Burns, Scottish food and listening to Scots language. This will lead us into our next topic where we will investigate where our food comes from, including talking about seasons, local food, sources and healthy diet. If any parents would like to come and to the class on any of the topics, they would be most welcome!
P2/3 Term 3 Newsletter
In numeracy this term we will be focusing on subtraction. The children will be carrying out either 2-digit, 3-digit or 4-digit subtraction sums, using the correct mathematical vocabulary. We will be learning different strategies to support us i.e., using concrete materials, counting back on a number line/number square whilst also building our mental agility skills through active learning activities. To support the children with their learning you can write out sums for them to answer, ask them sums to work out in their head or they can play interactive games on a device such as – https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/subtraction-grids. In mathematics this term we will be learning money. Our addition and subtraction skills will help us with our learning in money.
In literacy, we will be developing our writing skills through developing our ability to use a variety of openers, connectives and extending our vocabulary that we can use in our writing. We will also be improving our punctuation skills, understanding where and when you can use a comma, exclamation mark and question mark. Our topic this term is Julia Donaldson stories therefore we will use these to explore ‘Wow’ words which we can use in our own writing.
In Health and Wellbeing, we will be discussing our growing bodies and what the correct names for parts of our bodies are. We will also be discussing that my body belongs to me and learning the importance of personal space. In p.e. we will be participating in Scottish Country Dancing and then we will be learning gymnastics and how we can link actions and skills to create movement patterns and sequences.
P6/7 Term 3
Over the next few weeks, P6/7 will be focusing on Scots Language as the children learn their poems. We will be practising our performance skills with Ms Casasola.
In writing this term, we will be learning about the structure of a story and will be exploring the link between setting, plot and atmosphere by writing our own imaginative stories. To finish off our Scottish Parliament topic, we will be creating our own manifestos and will be learning about persuasive language.
We will be starting a new class novel linked to our next topic, World War 2. We will continue to develop our comprehension skills, as well as our expression and pace when reading aloud.
In Maths, we are starting with Time this term. We will be revising reading analogue and digital clocks and AM/PM conversion. The children will go on to learn how to research and read timetables. We will learn how to calculate time intervals using the counting on method (see below).
We will then go on to learn about Fractions, Decimals and Percentages. We will be doing lots of practical and outdoor activities to consolidate the children’s learning.
In Health and Wellbeing, P6/7 are starting the term by focusing on Food and Health. We will be learning about diets in different cultures, and food intolerances/allergies, as well as how to prepare food safely.
In a few weeks, we will move on to our new topic: World War 2. If parents/carers have any suggestions on what you would like us to learn about, please do get in touch – we would love to have your input into our planning!
Primary 4-5 Curriculum News – January 2023
In numeracy this term, Primary 4-5 have been practicing their multiplication and are next moving on to division with Miss Riley. This has and will involve lots of practice of times tables and the children are working really hard on this. The children will be learning about money will Miss Davie. This involves identifying coins and notes, using combinations of coins and notes to give change and demonstrating awareness of the use of digital technologies to pay for goods. The children will then be moving on to fractions, decimals and percentages.
In literacy, Primary 4-5 will be doing reflective reading with Miss Davie using Robert Burns’ poem – To A Louse. They will continue to answer questions and carry out higher order thinking tasks on their reading books with Miss Riley weekly. The class are learning their Burns Poems and we will continue to watch Newsround most days and discuss relevant stories. The children are working on responding respectfully to their peers in these situations. For writing this term, Primary 4-5 will be researching and using their notes to create non-fiction texts. Later in the term, we will be moving on to writing newspaper reports and identifying the features of these.
In health and wellbeing, the class are working on ‘me and my relationships’. This identifies the children’s important people in their lives and how to make and keep connections with these people. We are then moving on to ‘valuing difference’ which celebrates that everyone is different and brings in elements of gender, race etc. Then we will cover ‘keeping safe’ which has elements of drugs, alcohol, internet safety and road safety.
Our topic this term is Ancient Egypt, and the children are very excited to get stuck into this. We would like to learn about gods and goddesses, important figures, jobs, hierarchy, mummification and tombs, architecture and I’m sure more learning will crop up as we go! We are also going to learn a class assembly / show based on Ancient Egypt later in the term which we will invite you in to see – more information to follow!
Fettercairn Nursery News – January 2023
‘Gung Hei Fat Choi’
This week the children have been learning about the customs and traditions around the Chinese New Year.
On Monday, we watched some video clips of two children preparing and celebrating the New Year. The children have had the opportunity to make Chinese Lanterns, Fans and do some Chinese writing.
On Tuesday, at Gym the children took part in a Dragon Dance, which they were extremely excited about. They made the Dragon’s head and had great fun being under a long piece of material, which was the Dragon’s body.
On Wednesday, the children helped to make a Chinese Stir fry for our snack, practising their chopping skills. We also set up a Chinese restaurant. Staff have been supporting the children to take on different roles (Chef/Waiter/Customer). The most ordered dish was chicken and rice at an awfully expensive price of £50!!
Next week, we are going to be learning about Rabbie Burns. We would like to invite parents to stay at drop off time on Wednesday 25th to listen to Scottish Poetry recited by P6/7 and two Scots Songs, performed by the Nursery Children. There will also be Coffee/Tea and homemade shortbread made by the children. We look forward to seeing you then.
On Friday, the children will be taking home a Sheet to record Birds that they see in their Garden. This is part of the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch held over the weekend of the 27th of January. We would like if you could spare 1 hour at the weekend counting and recording the birds that land in you garden. If you live in a flat, you could do this at the local park. Please return the Bird Sheet on Monday 30th January, where the children will collate the data into a graph. You can then also go onto the RSPB website and send them the vital bird data. Big Garden Birdwatch | The RSPB
It is free, fun and a lovely activity to do with your child. There are also other activities to support your child’s learning on the website. Happy Birdwatching 😊
Reminders
All parents need to sign up online to register for starting p1 or returning to nursery in August.
Primary 1 Registration
w/c 16 to 20th January
https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/applyForSchoolPlace
Nursery Registration
w/c 23/01/23 to 03/02/23
http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/schools/information/early-learning-and-childcare-information/
This week staff have been meeting parents to talk about their children’s learning and update their child’s care plan. If you still have not managed to arrange a meeting, please see staff at drop off or pick up to make an appointment.
Children’s Observation Update
Staff are recording children’s observations they are being printed out and kept in Keyworker Folders in the Nursery. We are looking into ways of sharing you child’s observations and will let you know in due course. Meanwhile, the Nursery Floor book will be available for parents to look at every Tuesday and Thursday. The Floor book shows all the learning experiences and activities that the children have been doing in Nursery. We would love to have your feedback in the Floor book. We will have post it notes out for you to write any comments.
Parent Visit
Next week, Evie’s Mum, who is a Doctor, will be coming into talk to the children. If you would like to come in to do an activity with the children, please catch Mrs Keal or Mrs Rae at the gate.
We have an open-door policy at Fettercairn Nursery. If you have any concerns and would like to discuss something in private, we can arrange a private meeting. See Mrs Keal or Mrs Rae.
That just leaves me to say have a lovely week and we look forward to seeing you next Wednesday for our Scottish Parent Session in Nursery on Wednesday 25th January at 9.15 a.m.
