Category Archives: Information for Parents

Nursery Term 2 Learning Letter

Dear Parent/Carer,

Welcome to Term 2 in Mid Calder Nursery. We had a busy first term, getting to know each other and making new friends. The children created their own pizza shop, ‘Pizza World’. They managed the shop, took orders, made menus and even cooked their own pizzas. We hope you all enjoyed them!  We enjoyed our Autumn walk to Calder Wood. It was exciting to watch the children learn in the local environment and fantastic for the staff to observe the knowledge the children shared about their surrounding area. This term the children are continuing to show an interest in the building of our new nursery. We will build on this topic and plan our learning from the ideas of the children.

Nursery Staff

Nursery Learning Letter

Tabletastic in P5B

We are learning to recall our times tables quickly and accurately. 

  • I can recite and recall the multiples and table facts of all tables
  • I can use a range of strategies to help me work out a fact if I cannot instantly remember it

This term, Primary 5B have been recapping our times tables facts. We have explored a variety of key vocabulary linked to multiplication including groups of, lots of, times and multiplied by. We have used our bodies to create human arrays and groups to represent a range of multiplication facts.

We also create arrays using materials we found outside, as well as using chalk to create different pictorial and numerical representations of our table facts. We have been practicing our times tables through our Maths Facts of the Day.

Stations:

Teaching station- We have been learning about the links between different tables e.g. the 4 times table is just double the 2 times table, and that 6 x 4 is the same as 4 x 6. We have also been exploring the link between multiplication and division.

ICT station- Sumdog Multiplication Challenge

Game group- playing Multiplication Bingo and a variety of games to develop our quick recall.

Supporting at home:

Security in the recall of multiplication and division facts is vital for future learning in maths. Here are a few ways you can support your child’s recall of the table facts at home:

Tables puzzle– Ask your child to write out one of the times-tables in order, without the answers, and then cut out each question to create a puzzle. On the back of each question, e.g. 4 × 8, they write the answer, e.g. 32. You can then use the puzzle cards to test their knowledge of the answers to table facts or of the question that produces a particular answer.

Quick Fire Questions- At any spare moment throughout the day, ask your child a mixture of times tables questions with a focus on the times tables that they do not feel confident with.

Sumdog– an additional challenge named ‘TIMES TABLES CHALLENGE’ has been added that specifically focuses on table facts. 15 minutes on Sumdog every day would be an excellent and fun way to learn times tables.

PSA Update

A massive thank you to all the children who came along to the PSA Halloween Parties, and to all the parent helpers who, without your help, these events just wouldn’t be possible. The parties made almost £400 which brings the playground fund to £5,674.31! Great news and well done everyone.

 

Free Rugby Club at Parkhead Primary School

Rugby Club on Fridays at Parkhead Primary School:
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Livingston Rugby Club Coach Lee Anne Steel will be running a rugby club for both girls and boys in P5-7 for all abilities. The club will run from 12.30-13.30 and will take place every Friday until 2nd December. Best of all, the club is free!
If you would like any more information please contact hayley.smith2@westlothian.gov.uk or leeanne1808@sky.com

Swimming Lessons at West Calder High School

Swimming lessons on Fridays at West Calder High School:
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Active Schools & Swim IT are running a swimming club for all pupils in P1-P7 every Friday at the West Calder High School Pool. The swimming lessons are aimed at non swimmers but all ages and abilities are welcome.
P1-P3: 13.00-13.45
P4-P7: 13.45-14.30
The lessons are on every Friday until 2nd December, and each lesson costs £2.
If you would like to book a place for your child please contact Fiona on fiona@swim-it.co.uk. Spaces are limited so please get in touch soon.