P7b Weekly Blog

Numeracy and Mathematics

We have been learning about weight and measure this week, firstly using the comparative size of familiar objects to make reasonable estimations, check these using an appropriate measuring device, read scales accurately and record our results in the correct unit. As we extended our knowledge of weight, we linked this learning to rationing during World War II by researching the amount that each person would have been allocated of specific items per week in ounces (oz). Ounces (oz), pounds (lbs) and stones are examples of imperial units of measure which would have been used in this era, which contrasts to the metric system of measurement used more regularly nowadays, e.g. grams (g) and kilograms (kg). Once we found out how much of each item was rationed, we used formulae to convert these amounts using decimal notation from ounces to grams by multiplying by 28.3, and then from grams to kilograms by dividing by 1,000. This allowed us to consolidate our knowledge of place value as we moved the decimal point three places left.

Literacy and English

Now that we have finished reading The Boy In the Striped Pajamas, our group text, we have been studying it in more detail to further extend our comprehension and understanding whilst developing our reading skills and strategies. We began by discussing the most prevalent themes throughout the story, coming up with some excellent suggestions such as the loss of innocence, friendship, relationships and family, division, good vs. evil, abuse of power, leadership, religion, war and conflict. From this we analysed a chosen theme in greater detail by examining where this was explored in the text. This week we accessed the story through an ebook to vary the way in which we interpret information. We were also introduced to the notion of cause and effect; the cause being why a key event occurs in the story and the effect being how this impacts upon characters and triggers other events as a result. This is often referred to as the ‘butterfly effect’. When reading various statements, we distinguished between fact and opinion before providing our own examples of these. Hitler expressed a number of strong opinions during World War II, but there was no evidence to suggest these were true or factual. Finally, we tackled a range of questions based on the text and word processed our responses within our reading group’s Yammer page. This opened up some interesting dialogue between the class to promote further discussion and debate.

Health and Wellbeing

The second workshop of our tobacco education delivered by Michelle from West Lothian’s Drug and Alcohol Service took place on Monday. We further explored the damaging effects that smoking can have on our bodies and were able to witness this first-hand. Through our research, we found that chemicals such as butane are found in cigarettes. Butane is flammable and also found in petrol, and is created as a bi-product of smoking to ensure a cigarette stays lit. ‘Smokey Sue’ was setup in the front playground with a test tube of water to replicate the moisture in our lungs before smoking one cigarette. We were shocked to see that the water was turned yellow as a result, and a build-up of tar could be found on the glass. Michelle also posed us with various ‘tempting situations’ and we were asked to move to the left if we were not tempted to smoke, or to the right if we were tempted to smoke. The idea of peer pressure was mentioned, and the children assessed the impact that risk-taking behaviour such as this could have on their health.

Have a relaxing weekend everyone! P7b, make sure you rest and recuperate before school camp next week! No late nights!

P7b and Mr. Logan

P7b Weekly Blog

Here’s what we’ve been up to in P7b this week…

Literacy and English

Our key focus this week has been our class talks, on an aspect of World War II that particularly interests us. We carefully selected and summarised our personal projects, contributing a number of relevant ideas, information and knowledge when engaging confidently with our audience. Our presentations were clear, expressive, organised and delivered in a logical order with an introduction, main part and conclusion. Cue cards and brief notes were used to prevent us from ‘reading’ our talk and we used signposts to give a basic structure. We are continuing to enhance our communication and ability to engage others through appropriate use of eye contact, body language, emphasis, pace and tone. The props and resources we used were thought-provoking, and we allowed opportunities for the audience to interact during our presentations. There was a marked improvement in our use of higher order questioning which promoted further discussion and interaction at the conclusion of our talks. Mr. Logan was blown away by the standard of our presentations, and was thrilled to see such a vast improvement in our confidence levels.

Numeracy and Mathematics

We have been continuing to investigate the order of operations, using the BODMAS acronym to remind ourselves of this. Having consolidated our learning of the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), we are now applying this learning further when tackling varied expressions and equations. We have introduced how brackets can change the emphasis when carrying out calculations and have demonstrated our understanding of this concept through verbalising our ways of thinking and strategies utilised. Next week we will continue to work on this with Mrs. Doran whilst beginning to study weight and measure with Mr. Logan.

Health and Wellbeing

On Monday we welcomed Michelle into class from West Lothian’s Drug and Alcohol Service. She is their Young People’s Tobacco Prevention Worker and discussed the negative impacts that smoking and tobacco can have on our health. We shared some of our prior knowledge on the subject and were given the opportunity to further develop our understanding of this topic. P7b were shocked by the facts, statistics and information she shared in our first workshop but understand the impact that these substances can have on our health. We have a greater knowledge of the ways that culture, the media and peer groups can influence our own decisions and risk-taking behaviour, and we are learning to manage this. Did you know there are 4,000-5,000 chemicals and toxins in a single cigarette? And, smoking 20 cigarettes per day costs people around £3,000 per year? As a result, we have all pledged to give up one thing we can’t live without for a week and replace it with a healthy alternative. We will report back to Michelle with our progress next Monday. Will the Xboxes, PS4s, sweets and fizzy juice make way for outdoor play, water and fruit? We shall see…

Next Week

  • 28.5.18 – P7 Leavers Trip EE2 forms sent home, return by 1.6.18
  • 28.5.18 – Tobacco Education workshop (2)
  • 29.5.18 – No golf sessions next week, last session to be rearranged
  • 29.5.18 – Parent Council AGM
  • 31.5.18 – Minikickers for P2-3, P7 Sports Leaders required 3.15-4.00pm
  • 1.6.18 – All medication for school camp to be handed to school office

    Wishing you all a relaxing and restful weekend!

P7b and Mr. Logan

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