DT - Junk Modelling

We have been working in groups to make emergency service vehicles, linked with our learning around Bonfire Night. The children used a book for reference then they thought about which materials to use for a purpose, which adhesives would be best suited to put it together, all while practicing their cutting skills. 

Great British Adventure Topic 

In Forest School we had a treasure hunt where we followed some clues, finding den building materials along the way. We marked what we had found on maps of the school grounds and finally found some treasure in Forest School! Once there, we made dens, bonfires, bird feeders and made leaf rubbings of the different leaves we found. 

British Habitats

After reading 'Percy the park keeper, After the storm' we went up to Forest School to make the different habitats for the woodland animals. The children worked in groups, thinking about where their animal would live (under the trees, or high up in the branches) and make their habitat using natural materials. They then took it in turns to explain to the class what they had made and why. 

We sorted animals into nocturnal and diurnal. We talked about how the animals who were nocturnal were mostly lived in the woodland. 

Armistice Day 

We have made poppies and learnt about the significance of them as we remembered all the lives of those who fought for our country. The children wore the poppies while taking part in the 2 minute silence, watching CBeebies 'Poppies'.

Computing 

We have been learning how to code using the Beebots. The children had to direct the Beebots to the different woodland animals across the map. 

Art

This half term, the artist we are looking is Martin Ridley, who paints British woodland animals. The children started off discussing which of his painting they liked and why. Then, they practiced their pencil shading skills, before learning how to draw the animals in a step-by-step guide. 

We have been looking at shading in the style of Martin Ridley. We found how pressing with different levels of pressure made the shade darker or lighter. 

Snow 

When the snow came, we went up to Tennyson Field and looked at the woodland footprints in the snow and then enjoyed playing in the snow. We used our gross motor skills to roll a snowman. 

Maths

We have been practicing accurate counting and number recognition through play. 

Repeating Patterns

We have been copying, continuing and creating repeating patterns using a range of different resources. The children started using two variables and moved on to three. 

2D Shapes

We have been recognising, naming and describing the properties of 2D shapes. The children have been able to make pictures with shapes, play, 'Guess the shape', go on shape hunts and make their own shapes using paper, all while exploring how many sides and corners each shape has. 

Space (Understanding the World)

After reading the story 'Whatever Next' the children decided to make their own rocket using a big cardboard box like the bear. They have also had great fun making shadows and reading by torchlight in our star lit den. 

Drawing Club

After reading the story, 'Whatever Next' the children made up their own versions of the story in Drawing Club including their own; characters, setting, picnics and planets/moons. Their imagination amazes us everyday!

The Christmas Story

The children have learnt the story about the birth of Jesus and enjoyed acting it out in the small world and on stage for our 'Wriggly Nativity' performance.