This term promises to be a busy term for Primary 7. The class will continue to complete their Leadership work alongside Columba 1400 and develop the school garden as we move into spring.

Literacy

Initially we will focus on Scots poetry, with a particular focus on planning and hosting a Burns Breakfast. The children will learn a number of Scots poems, including Tam O’shanter which they will perform as part of the Scots Poetry Competition.

Reading

We are continuing to read Wonder by RJ Palacio. Using the 6 reading strategies allows the children to dig deeper and show their understanding. The main theme of Wonder is kindness and friendship.

Later in the term the children will be reading The Eleventh Orphan by the Scottish author Joan Lingard.

Media Study

As part of our work on literacy the children will interpret the film Zootropolis, by looking at character, camera angles, colour, setting, sound and themes .

Zootropolis looks at different areas of discrimination, prejudice and stereotypes. The children will analyse the different themes and discuss how the roles of different characters move the story forward.  The children will write a critical analysis to demonstrate their understanding.

Writing

Discursive Writing

Information Texts – Leaflets etc

Numeracy 

Data handling – The children will learn to interpret data using the terms mean, mode, median and range. We will also look at the reliability of graphs.

Algebra – Children will build on their understanding and be able to simplify algebraic equations.

Fractions, Percentages and Decimals – Use understanding of fractions, decimals and percentages to solve a number of word problems.

Measurement

Health and Wellbeing

Using the language of The Emotion Works, the children will be able to interpret different emotions and expand their vocabulary, allowing them to be more explicit when describing how they feel. The children will also look at how different influences can impact on their emotions.

IDL

Initially, as part of our Scottish Fortnight we will be researching the life and work of Robert Burns.

We will then be learning more about the Scottish Parliament, the children will discuss the difference between a democracy and dictatorship and learn about the different roles with the Scottish Parliament. As part of this topic the class will be split into 4 political parties, creating their own manifestos and policies. The topic will conclude with a mock election.

The children will continue their work with Miss Barrett on Rights, Respecting Schools, this will compliment our work on the Scottish Parliament.

It has been lovely to welcome my class back to Primary 7, and everyone seems excited to begin what is shaping up to be a very busy year!

Literacy – Reading

This term the children will continue to develop their reading skills, focusing on our six reading strategies. The children will be encouraged to work independently, sharing their learning with their partner on completion of their tasks. This will help to develop a deeper understanding of the text.

Writing

In term one we will focus on functional writing, in the form of letters, explanation texts and persuasive writing. We will be paying particularly close attention to our tools for writing, improving punctuation and using more complex sentence structures.

This term we will also focus on handwriting, paying close attention to the formation of letters.

Personal Talk

This term I will be asking the children to prepare a speech on an influential scientist. I will send home more information closer to the time.

Numeracy

Initially, we will be revising Place Value, and the 4 operations, developing mental strategies to help solve a variety of problems. Before moving onto Data Handling. The children will use a mixture of digital, concrete and written methods during numeracy lessons to reinforce their learning.

IDL

Our main topic this session will be the Human Body, focussing on the respiratory, circulatory and digestive systems. This is a science based topic their will be a mixture of written work and fun experiments.

We will also continue our work on John Muir, working towards the Explorer Award. Our hope is to re-establish the school Eco Garden. This is a large undertaking as initially we have to clear and prepare the ground before any planting can begin.

Health and Wellbeing

Alongside our work on the human body the children will be looking at how we can prevent causing harm to our bodies, ie through substance misuse and leading a healthy lifestyle.

As part of our work on emotional health, we will be focusing on self esteem and image, paying particular attention to the effects of social media and peer pressure.