Month: December 2018

For topic today, we’ve learnt about yet another way of classifying species. We now know that vertebrates are creatures with spines and invertebrates are creatures without spines.

We watched a clip on classification and the five categories of vertebrates. Ask your child if they can remember what they are. Check the link to see if they were right: https://youtu.be/mRidGna-V4E

After that, we played vertebrate and invertebrate dominoes in groups which was lots of fun.

As part of our habitats topic, we learnt about why scientists classify living things and how they do it. We talked about different characteristics scientists could use in classification and came up with loads of great examples. We could use these in classification keys to help us categorise living things.

We watched a video to help us understand more about classification keys. We then used a classification key to organise minibeasts. Here are some photos of us hard at work.

Next we created our own classification keys for a swan, frog and crab.

We’re experts in classification keys, ask us to explain it to you!

Mrs Boyle and P4B

Dear Parent/Carer,

I hope you find the following information useful.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Learning focus this term:

Through our Habitats topic we will be learning about/to:

• Investigate and research different habitats
• Observe how different animals and plants are suited to their environments
• How we can help our environment
• Food chains and understand the importance of how animals and plants depend on each other for food.
• Compare generations of families of human, plants and animals to understand how characteristics are inherited.

Core Literacy:

This term we will be:

• Developing our summarising skills
• Taking notes to create new texts
• Looking at figurative language and why it is used by authors
• Using the three sharings approach (puzzles, likes/dislikes, connections) to discuss our class novel
• In writing trying to increase our vocabulary using more ambitious words
• Learning to use speech marks correctly
• Looking at features of persuasive writing

Children will continue to be given books and weekly reading homework. Please ensure your child completes this at home and remember to sign their reading diary. Encourage your child to read widely for enjoyment at home and use the three sharings approach to discuss what they have read.

Core Numeracy:

This term we will be:

• Continuing to develop mental strategies for addition and subtraction
• Looking at written algorithms for addition and subtraction
• Using counting strategies to multiply, using the 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 times tables
• Working with Mr Swan on number talks strategies for mental maths

We encourage your child to use Sumdog at home to practise their maths skills. Children should all have a copy of their usernames and passwords.

Health and Wellbeing

This term we will be:

• Participating in the Rookie Rockstars programme, which focuses on health and wellbeing as well as expressive arts and technologies. The programme will involve active learning and working collaboratively, looking at anti-bullying and promoting self-esteem, confidence and positive friendships.