All posts by Miss McDowall

P7M – Figurative Language Carousels

This morning, you are going to work in groups to research different types of figurative language which can be used to make your writing more interesting.

We will be looking at similes, metaphors, alliteration, onomatopoeia, personification, idioms and hyperboles. You will have a short time at each station to research and create different examples of the given figurative language. You must first check your group has an understanding and then read the examples provided. You should then use the weblinks to research other examples and use these to create your own to record on the sheet. Please read the previous group’s work to check you are not repeating their ideas.

Similes

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/simile-examples-for-kids.html

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-similes.html

Metaphors

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/metaphor-examples-for-kids.html

http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/figurative-language/figurative-language-examples/metaphor-examples/

Personification

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-personification-for-kids.html

http://www.ereadingworksheets.com/figurative-language/figurative-language-examples/personification-examples/

Alliteration

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/alliteration-examples-for-kids.html

https://kidskonnect.com/language/alliteration-examples/

Onomatopoeia

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-onomatopoeia-for-kids.html

https://kidskonnect.com/language/onomatopoeia-examples/

Idioms – Write the idiom and what it actually means

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/idioms-for-kids.html

http://english.idioms.in/kids/

http://dinolingo.com/blog/2012/03/09/definition-of-the-meaning-of-the-most-common-100-idioms-and-phrases-in-english/#.WKtl_8tvjIU

Hyperbole

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-hyperbole-for-kids.html

http://www.hyperbolelist.com/

P7 – Drama: Session 1

This afternoon we had our first session with Euan from G.A.M.T.A. You started with a warm-up, both your body and your voices. Euan is going to create a show based on WW2 so he split you into groups to brainstorm what you facts you already know. You then prepared a presentation to share your knowledge with your peers. Some of the facts were true but some of them will need a little bit of research to clarify their origin!

Euan then gave your group a scenario to act out. Can you tell from the photos who is doing what? You finished by letting Euan hear a couple of the WW2 songs you have been learning. Overall, a great start to our drama sessions!

P7M Homework – Monday 20th February

Remember to complete each task to the best of your ability. Please let me know if you are struggling with any task or need advice, as soon as possible. Try not to get stressed or upset about homework – it really isn’t worth it! Ask your parent/carer to write a note if you are unable to  attempt any task. Thank you, Miss McDowall.

Language

  • Reading – Please read your book for:
    • Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue & Green – Monday 27th Feb
    • Purple – Monday 27th Feb OR 6th March (depending on the book)
  • Personal Reading Challenge – Throughout the year, please read extra texts on top of the class novels. Record what you have read and complete the tasks on the Personal Reading Challenge sheet.
  • Spelling – Unit/List 11 – Please complete Unit/List 11 in your Spelling Homework jotter for Friday 3rd March. Please practise your spelling words on Spelling City (not compulsory).

Maths

Topic

  • Please complete the WW2 Personal Research Task for Tuesday 14th March. Click here for the task and success criteria. If you would like a paper copy, please ask.
  • Please listen and practise the WW2 Songs we learnt in class. Click here for the Blog post.

Other

  • We are looking for one adult helper for Tuesday 7th March from 11.15-12.00 visit to the library. If you are able to help out, please write a note in your child’s diary or post a comment on the Blog. Thank you in advance.
  • P.E. – Monday 11.15am – You must bring a full change of P.E. kit(t-shirt, shorts/tracksuit bottoms and indoor trainers). We have drama all afternoon so you may keep your P.E. kit on for the rest of the day but change into your outdoor shoes at lunchtime.
  • Please return your completed Young Scot Card form A.S.A.P. Click here for more information.

P7M Maths Homework – Data Handling – Red Chilli Challenge

red-chilli-free

Write the date and an appropriate title. Please answer the questions showing all working and answer in a sentence to show you have read, understood and fully answered the question. This should be completed by Friday 25th February. If you need help or a paper copy, please ask A.S.A.P.

  1. graph10

a) What type of chart is this?

b) 200 people were surveyed. What fraction of people ate vegetables? *Remember to simplify!

c) How many people ate ice cream?

d) How many more people ate meat than bread?

  1. This graph shows how far children jumped at a Sports Day.

graph11

a) What type of chart is this?

b) What is missing from the chart?

c) Tara said “I only needed to jump 80cm more to beat the furthest distance.” Is she correct? Explain your answer.

d) What was the mean distance jumped?

  1. A hot liquid is left to cool in a science experiment. This graph shows how the temperature of the liquid changes as it cools.

graph12

a) What type of graph is this?

b) How many minute does it take for the temperature to reach        40°C?

c) How many minutes is the temperature of the liquid above 60°C?

d) What happened after 47 minutes? Why do you think this happened?

 

 

 

P7M Maths Homework – Data Handling – Green Chilli Challenge

green-chilli-free

Write the date and an appropriate title. Please answer the questions showing all working and answer in a sentence to show you have read, understood and fully answered the question. This should be completed by Friday 25th February. If you need help or a paper copy, please ask A.S.A.P.

  1. Some children collect cans for recycling. Here is a chart of how many cans they collect in the first week.graph5

a) What type of chart is this?

b) What information is missing from the chart?

b) How many more cans did the best collector get than the least collector?

c) The children’s target was 100. How many more do they need to collect to reach their target?

  1. graph6

a) What type of chart is this?

b) Who is a girl aged 9?

c) How many children are not aged 9?

d) Copy and complete this table.

graph7

  1.  graph8

a) What is type of chart is this?

b) 120 people were surveyed. How many people drove to school?

c) What fraction of people walked to school?

d) How many people got the bus to school?

P7M Maths Homework – Data Handling – Yellow Chilli Challenge

yellow-chilli-free

Write the date and an appropriate title. Please answer the questions showing all working and answer in a sentence to show you have read, understood and fully answered the question. This should be completed by Friday 25th February. If you need help or a paper copy, please ask A.S.A.P.

  1. Here is a table showing the number of children at five schools.graph1

a) What type of chart is this?

b) How many more pupils does Farm Road have compared to Maddox?

c) All of the schools are visiting the local zoo on the same day. How many children will be there?

d) If the zoo charges £7 per ticket, how much money will they make on ticket sales?

  1. graph2

a) What type of chart is this?

b) How many ice lollies were sold on the two busiest days?

c) Which day sold the least amount of lollies? Why do you think this day was so quiet for sales?

  1. graph4

a) What type of chart is this?

b) 80 people were surveyed. How many people chose ICT as their favourite subject?

c) What fraction of people chose Games as their favourite subject?

d) What percentage % of people chose Maths as their favourite subject?

e) How many people chose Literacy as their favourite subject?

P7 – Mean, Median, Mode and Range

This morning you learnt about other ways to use data. You are now able to work out the mean (average), mode (most frequent), median (middle value) and range of data. Andrew shared a rhyme his sister, Aimee taught him to help remember the rules (see video below).

Click on the image below from Sparklebox to remind you how to work out each method.

mean-median

Please visit the websites below to  try out your new knowledge:

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Flash.aspx?b=maths/modemedianmean

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Flash.aspx?a=activity22

http://interactivesites.weebly.com/mean-median-and-mode.html

P7 – WW2 Show & Rookie Rockstars

Dear Parent/Carer,

WW2 Show – Tuesday, 21st March 6.30-7.30pm

The pupils will be working with members of G.A.M.T.A. to create a performance based on World War Two. We will be showcasing this event on Tuesday 21st March from 6.30-7.30pm. All pupils will be involved. Tickets are free of charge and will be limited to two per family in the first instance and then will be on a first come first serve basis. We look forward to welcoming you to this event.

Rookie Rockstars – Tuesday, 2nd May and Wednesday, 3rd May 6.15-7.30pm

This year, as part of being a Nurture Pathfinder School we have introduced Bounce Back. To consolidate this, we have organised a whole school visit from Rookie Rockstars, a Music and Anti-Bullying Charity. Rookie Rockstars will work with the pupils the week beginning Monday 24th April, to teach them songs and record a CD. The theme of the songs promotes self-esteem and values. The following week we have organised two events to showcase the songs at Ingliston Country Club, Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd May, 6.15-7.30pm.

The Eagles and Ospreys will perform on Tuesday 2nd May then the Falcons and Hawks on Wednesday 3rd May. As we expect a high turnout for this event we will be limited to sell two tickets per family in the first instance and then will be on a first come first serve basis. The cost of the tickets will cover the expenses of Rookie Rockstars. CDs of the songs will be available to pre-order and other merchandise will be available at the events. £1 from every CD sold will help to raise money for the school funds.

Ingliston Country Club have very kindly agreed to host this event free of charge as they would like to promote community spirit. Palomino’s restaurant will be open before and after the event but they expect to be busy, so please book at least two weeks in advance and leave plenty of time for service. They will also be opening ‘On the Hoof ‘at 5.00pm offering hot snacks, filled rolls, cakes, pastries, teas & coffees etc. This is an indoor facility and has a seating area with tables, although the arena is quite cold so dress appropriately. More information about the events will be provided nearer the time.

We are very excited about this whole school event as Rookie Rockstars has an amazing reputation. Please visit their website for more information: https://rookierockstars.org.uk/  We are looking forward to watching the pupils perform and hope to have a great turnout for both events.

Many thanks,

Miss Karen McDowall, Principal Teacher

Rookie Rockstars – Tuesday, 2nd May and Wednesday, 3rd May 6.15-7.30pm

Dear Parent/Carer,

This year, as part of being a Nurture Pathfinder School we have introduced Bounce Back. To consolidate this, we have organised a whole school visit from Rookie Rockstars, a Music and Anti-Bullying Charity. Rookie Rockstars will work with the pupils the week beginning Monday 24th April, to teach them songs and record a CD. The theme of the songs promotes self-esteem and values. The following week we have organised two events to showcase the songs at Ingliston Country Club, Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd May, 6.15-7.30pm.

The Eagles and Ospreys will perform on Tuesday 2nd May then the Falcons and Hawks on Wednesday 3rd May. As we expect a high turnout for this event we will be limited to sell two tickets per family in the first instance and then will be on a first come first serve basis. The cost of the tickets will cover the expenses of Rookie Rockstars. CDs of the songs will be available to pre-order and other merchandise will be available at the events. £1 from every CD sold will help to raise money for the school funds.

Ingliston Country Club have very kindly agreed to host this event free of charge as they would like to promote community spirit. Palomino’s restaurant will be open before and after the event but they expect to be busy, so please book at least two weeks in advance and leave plenty of time for service. They will also be opening ‘On the Hoof ‘at 5.00pm offering hot snacks, filled rolls, cakes, pastries, teas & coffees etc. This is an indoor facility and has a seating area with tables, although the arena is quite cold so dress appropriately. More information about the events will be provided nearer the time.

We are very excited about this whole school event as Rookie Rockstars has an amazing reputation. Please visit their website for more information: https://rookierockstars.org.uk/  We are looking forward to watching the pupils perform and hope to have a great turnout for both events.

Many thanks,

Miss Karen McDowall, Principal Teacher

P6-7 Jewellery Making Masterclass

This afternoon we started our new Masterclass. P6-7 pupils suggested what activities could be done for Expressive Arts and a popular choice was jewellery making.

Learning Outcomes:

I have the opportunity to choose and explore an extended range of media and technologies to create images and objects, comparing and combining them for specific tasks. EXA 2-02a

I can develop and communicate my ideas, demonstrating imagination and presenting at least one possible solution to a design problem. EXA 2-06a

Design Considerations

  • Who are you designing this for? Who is the client?
  • The design should use a limited amount of colour, no more than four and be related to your theme.
  • The design should be easily worn

Are there any other design issues that you should consider as part of your brief?

P7M Homework – Wednesday 15th February

Remember to complete each task to the best of your ability. Please let me know if you are struggling with any task or need advice, as soon as possible. Try not to get stressed or upset about homework – it really isn’t worth it! Ask your parent/carer to write a note if you are unable to  attempt any task. Thank you, Miss McDowall.

Language

  • Reading – Please read your book:
    • Red & Orange – Wednesday 15th Feb
    • Yellow – Wednesday 15th Feb
    • Blue, Purple & Green – Monday 20th Feb
  • Personal Reading Challenge – Throughout the year, please read extra texts on top of the class novels. Record what you have read and complete the tasks on the Personal Reading Challenge sheet.
  • Spelling – Unit/List 10 – Please complete Unit/List 10 in your Spelling Homework jotter for Friday 17th February. Please practise your spelling words on Spelling City (not compulsory).

Maths

Topic

  • Please complete the WW2 Personal Research Task for Tuesday 14th March. Click here for the task and success criteria. If you would like a paper copy, please ask.
  • Please listen and practise the WW2 Songs we learnt in class. Click here for the Blog post.

Other

  • We are looking for two adult helpers for Tuesday 7th March from 11.15-12.00 visit to the library. If you are able to help out, please write a note in your child’s diary or post a comment on the Blog. Thank you in advance.
  • P5 Fundraising morning – If you want to buy any cakes from P5 to help them raise money for their fish, please bring in some money on Thursday 16th. Click here for more information.
  • P.E. – Thursday 9am – You may wear a full P.E. Kit to school (t-shirt, shorts/tracksuit bottoms and indoor trainers). You must also bring a full change of uniform (red polo shirt or white shirt and tie, grey or navy skirt or trousers, black school shoes and navy blue/red school sweater).
  • Please return your completed Young Scot Card form A.S.A.P. Click here for more information.
  • Holiday – Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th

P5-7 Creative Construction Masterclass 2

Your challenge for this afternoon was to work with others to create the tallest tower you can from a maximum of 50 pieces of construction material.

Success Criteria

The model must:

  • Be able to stand on it’s own (not leaning against anything or being held up)
  • Use a maximum of 50 pieces (can be mixed materials)
  • Be creative (think outside of the box)

Who built the tallest tower? Did they only use 50 pieces of material? Did it stand on it’s own? Who learnt lessons from their first designs?

 

P7M Library Visit – Tuesday 7th March

Unfortunately we were unable to visit the library this morning as we only had one adult helper. We hope to visit the library on Tuesday 7th March, 11.15-12pm and are looking for another two adult helpers to accompany us.

These visits to the library should encourage enjoyment of reading and allow the pupils to choose their own books from a wider selection. They also help to keep the library alive!

Please write a note in your child’s Homework Diary or post a comment on the Blog if you are able to help. Thank you in advance and thank you to our core volunteers.

P7M – P.E. Kits

Please remember that P.E. is part of the curriculum and you must come to school prepared for the two one hour sessions.

  • You must remove all jewellery or cellotape over newly pierced ears and cover any Smart watch or ‘fitbit’ with a sweatband.
  • You must bring a change of:
    • trainers (for indoor use)
    • t-shirt
    • shorts/tracksuit bottoms/leggings
    • hoodie (if going outside or you think you’ll be cold)
  • Your P.E. kit should be kept in a bag and either hung on your peg or put on the lunch trolley in the cloakroom (not kept in your school bag). This will avoid any delays when getting changed.
  • Monday P.E. 11.15-12.15:
    • Boys take their kits from the cloakroom after interval and get changed in the Boy’s Toilets. Once changed, put your bag of clothes in the Gathering Room.
    • Girls take their kit from the cloakroom and get changed in the classroom. Leave all clothes in the classroom.
    • Any bottles of water should be stored on the stage.
  • Once changed, please meet in the Gym Hall – sit on the bench.
  • Please move quietly in a single-file line through the corridors, to avoid distracting your peers.

If you forget a change of trainers, t-shirt or bottoms you will be marked as ‘No P.E. kit’ and not allowed to take part.

Thank you,

Miss McDowall

P7M Homework – Monday 6th February

Remember to complete each task to the best of your ability. Please let me know if you are struggling with any task or need advice, as soon as possible. Try not to get stressed or upset about homework – it really isn’t worth it! Ask your parent/carer to write a note if you are unable to  attempt any task. Thank you, Miss McDowall.

Language

  • Please read your book:
    • Red & Orange – Wednesday 15th Feb
    • Yellow – Wednesday 15th Feb
    • Blue, Purple & Green – Monday 20th Feb
  • Personal Reading Challenge – Throughout the year, please read extra texts on top of the class novels. Record what you have read and complete the tasks on the Personal Reading Challenge sheet.
  • Spelling – Unit/List 10 – Please complete Unit/List 10 in your Spelling Homework jotter for Friday 17th February. Please practise your spelling words on Spelling City (not compulsory).

Maths

Topic

  • Please complete the WW2 Personal Research Task for Tuesday 14th March. Click here for the task and success criteria. If you would like a paper copy, please ask.

Other

  • We are looking for one adult helper for Tuesday 7th Feb from 11.15-12.00 visit to the library. If you are able to help out, please write a note in your child’s diary. Thank you in advance.
  • P.E. Monday 11.15am and Thursday 9am – You must bring a full change of clothes (t-shirt, shorts/tracksuit bottoms and indoor shoes).
  • Please return your completed Young Scot Card form A.S.A.P. Click here for more information.
  • Holiday – Friday 10th, Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th

P7 WW2 – Personal Research Project

As part of our World War Two topic, you have a long-term Personal Project to complete (just like the one you created for our Japan topic). This time the theme will be linked to WW2.

 Please read the task sheet below very carefully as it has all of the required criteria to succeed and some “helpful hints” to follow. When considering your chosen area to research, please ensure you pick a subject that you are able to research in depth.

The completion date for your Personal Project is Tuesday 14th March . This means you have 5 weeks to work on your project which is quite a long time. Please ensure you use this time wisely and do not leave everything to the final week! We will be checking on your progress on a regular basis. If you need a paper copy of the task sheet, just ask!

ww2-project

 

P7 Maths Revision

As we work our way through the Maths learning outcomes we often need to rely on not only the 72 Learn Its but a knowledge and understanding of many other facts and concepts we have covered. Please feel free to revise and test yourself on these Maths topics by visiting the websites below.

https://uk.ixl.com/standards/scotland/maths/second-level

http://www.mathsmadeeasy.co.uk/ks2mathspastpapers.htm  (English SATS papers but Maths is Maths!)

http://www.mathsrevision.com/  Click on Level 2. This is a great website made by teachers and used at Park Mains.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/secondlevel/mathematics/ Read, Play and Quiz for each Maths topic.

 

P7 Visit to Scotland Street – WW2 Classroom

This afternoon, both P7 classes took a trip back in time to a 1939 classroom with Miss James. They had to change into a traditional uniform then they were lined up in a strict fashion before being instructed to their seats.

They had to recite their 2-5 times tables and then individually had to answer a question which was very nerve racking! They used a slate and chalk to answer five mental arithmetic questions (which even involved questions about shillings)!

Next they had a spelling test with the words: ration, siren, shelter, evacuation and coupon. After that, came the messy part when they had to use a fountain pen and ink. They copied the words from the chalkboard using cursive handwriting and used blotting paper to soak up the excess ink. Finally they wrote a label with their name, address, school and date of birth in case they had to be evacuated.

During the lesson, the pupils had to sit with their spines against the back of the chair, feet flat on the floor and ‘faces forward’. Miss James was a force to be reckoned with, without even using her belt! When Miss James came out of character, she explained that this was how pupils would have been taught and felt in 1939. Schools and teaching methods have changed so much since then. Tell someone at home what you enjoyed about the school experience and something you appreciate about how your school experience is today.

Creative Construction Masterclass

This afternoon in the Creative Construction Masterclass we had to  build a new creature.  What wild imaginations you all have!

Learning Outcomes:

Through discovery and imagination, I can develop and use problem-solving strategies to construct models. TCH 2-14a

Having evaluated my work, I can adapt and improve, where appropriate, through trial and error or by using feedback. TCH 2-14b

You must work with others to create an imaginary being.

Success Criteria

The model must:

  • Have a ‘head’ (of some description)
  • Have some kind of limbs
  • Be creative (think outside of the box)

 

P7 – WW2 Home Team Challenge

Supermarine Spitfire by rematuche - a classic


For your Home Team Challenge you are required to research and choose an appropriate form of WW2 aircraft used by the Royal Air Force. In your groups you should ensure you have read the task sheet clearly for the required criteria BEFORE beginning your research. 
Please use the links below to help with your research. You have ONE HOUR to gather together the required information.
WW2 Aircrafts

A History of WW2 Planes

 Happy researching!

Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers

Sainsbury’s Active Kids is back and we need your help to collect lots of vouchers. So ask your family and friends to pick up vouchers when they shop at Sainsbury’s and donate them to us. Then we can exchange them for great sports and cooking equipment and exciting experiences for the kids. Find out more about Active Kids at https://activekids.sainsburys.co.uk/

Please send in your vouchers with your child or take them to the school office. Thank you.