Deans Primary School Blog

Well it has been a shorter week this week in P3/4.

Numeracy

In numeracy  this week we have continued to explore different strategies to use in subtraction. Last week the circles were introduced to the inverse rule of addition and subtraction within numbers up to 100. This week they continued to use this strategy to check their answers to an addition problem. They were able to achieve this by reversing the process and using a subtraction sum to see if their answer was correct in the addition sum. The triangles and rectangles were introduced to this strategy this week. They were challenged to use the inverse rule working with numbers up to 20. The children were able to use their knowledge of number facts of numbers within 20 to successfully use this strategy. The children were given an extra challenge, they were asked to try using this strategies

Topic

P3/4 and P3 continued working on ‘Oor Wee Tour of Scotland’ topic. The children worked collaboratively in their groups to create  a dramatatised advert to encourage tourism in Glasgow. The children were to use their acting skilss to show what Glasgow has to offer and why people should visit. The children were also tasked with writing their own script of facts about Glasgow today and Glasgow in the past.

The children were given the opportunity lead their own learning by working in their groups and sharing ideas with one one another. This really helped the children to solidify their idea for an advert and how they would present. The children then were given the chance to do a practice run, this allowed feedback from their peers with a clear picture of any next steps needed to tighten up their advert for when they come to recording it.

Literacy 

We used our dictionary skills to locate this weeks spelling words. the children were asked to find the definition of the word and write them next to their spelling words. The children enjoy using this strategy. Next the children will be asked to use a thesaurus to find words of a similar meaning. This will help them expand their vocabulary and attain an understanding of when and how to use different words.

A shorter update than normal because of the holiday weekend.

Literacy

The children are continuing to enjoy writing independently. During smart start they are using a word mat and the tricky word wall to create interesting sentences. Vrishti, Oliver and Louie were very proud of the work they produced.

Over the past weeks we have been working very hard to write sentences that include the who and what they are doing (some extending their work to include where the sentence takes place) This week we tried to add some descriptive phrases to make our writing more interesting. The children came up with some great describing words (they had a picture of a teddy bear) such as missing eye, chewed ear, fluffy fur, big smile and much loved. Some examples below.

Numeracy

We are continuing with subtraction in a very hands on way using the children themselves,  leaves and cubes.

We are also now doing 5 mental maths questions a day, the children are really enjoying this challenge.

Have a lovely weekend.

With the countdown to the Deans Primary Spring Fair on now (6 weeks on Friday!) P6/7 have started preparing resources for their Easter Craft packs  and creating products to sell. We also looked at ways of advertising.

One of our new products  to sell at the Fair, is a jar of chocolate micro eggs (mini eggs but smaller!) with a bunny or chick on top. These will sell at £1.00.

Someone who previously supported our Forky craft sales, heard about this new product and ordered 20!! Our first bulk order was completed on Thursday afternoon -hooray!

As part of our whole school Health and Wellbeing  programme  “JIGSAW” , our theme for this block of time is “Dreams and Goals”.

P3/4 were given the challenge of designing their Dream Garden including each child creating a building/ area of their own choosing eg a games area, tree house, outside cafe etc.

Continuing the challenge this week, the class were asked to do a tour- appointing a spokesperson and writer – but were given only written instructions and only 10 minutes to discuss and prepare! This was a difficult and sometimes frustrating task, and afterwards we discussed how we deal with frustrations as part of developing our skills in collaborating and team work. Mrs Stewart went on the tours with the class and agreed that the designs were very creative and that it would be amazing if we could make the designs into real gardens!

The JIGSAW programme suggests a “SOLVE IT!” approach and we were able to incorporate this new learning in our Writing task on Thursday. The challenge then was to write about an Adventure in the Dream Garden! The groups had to again work closely, sharing ideas and creating a collaborative piece of writing.

We have since created a display of our new vocabulary alongside our finished Dream Gardens!                                          

It has been another exciting week in Primary one. Firstly our class won the weekly peg challenge. Pegs can be awarded by any member of staff (except their own teacher) for a number of reasons, it can be for excellent work, displaying our school values or for completing a challenge. It is the first time this year we have won and our reward is an extra playtime if the weather ever improves.

This week we welcomed 2 new members into our Deans family. We have 2 beautiful baby guinea pigs! More are due any day from our other pregnant mummy guinea pig.

Health and Wellbeing

This week we have been focusing on our “Dreams and Goals” We are going to create a display explaining what they are and how we hope to achieve them.

Some of their goals included learning to swim, being a better friend, developing good listening skills etc. I will keep you updated as we think a little more about how we can achieve these goals.

Literacy

We are continuing to develop our independent writing skills. Most children are now using our tricky word wall and alphabet strips. We tried hard to write instruction about how to build a snowman and to write more detailed sentences describing who, what they were doing and where.

Numeracy

This week we have begun looking at subtraction. It has been introduced in a very practical and active way. We shall continue to focus on this skill and I am hopeful that the children will make the connection between addition and subtraction quickly.

I hope you all enjoy the long weekend and I look forward to seeing the children on Wednesday 19th.