Topic Review – Art Open Classroom
We loved welcoming parents to our topic review where we looked at the work we have done so far this half-term in art. Having reviewed the art we have already created using white pencil on black paper and by using different pens on tracing paper, we trialled a new process using carbon paper.
We will soon be combining all the different processes to make a collage.
Living and learning – online safety
As a class, we reflected on what we could do if we were presented with a search result that was not appropriate, we received a pop-up advert/message or received an unkind/inappropriate message when we were playing on an online game. The children had lots of ideas which they were keen to share with each other.
The 3 most popular tips were:
- tell a trusted adult
- close it
- block them
Help at home: If you are keen to learn more about how to keep children safe online, take a look at the advice provided by the NSPCC: NSPCC safe online
Science – Does the temperature of water affect the time it takes for ice to melt in it?
In our chemistry unit of learning, we are learning about states of matter.
We have created gestures to help us remember our key vocabulary of solid, liquid and gas. Now that we can confidently identify and describe these states of matter, we are considering how materials can change states.
Today we planned an experiment to answer the question:
Does the temperature of the water affect the time it takes for ice to melt in it?
We had to consider the variables in the experiment including which ones would change and which ones we would keep the same to answer our enquiry. We also had to practise some key skills including measuring accurately, reading a thermometer and measuring time using a stopwatch.
We recorded our results and came to the conclusion that “The colder the water the more time it takes for ice to melt.”
Maths – column addition
In maths we have been practising adding two 4 digit numbers when an exchange is required. We started by understanding the structure of the maths by using base 10 and then place value counters to represent the maths but we are now all working in the abstract using just digits.
Across school, we all set our column addition out in the same way with the exchange underneath the sum. We also cross out the exchange when we have added it (see example below).
We use stem sentences to help us think about the procedure we are undertaking.
The instructions we have written (and follow) as a class are below. We have them on our working wall to refer to if we get stuck.
Help at home: Challenge your child to teach you how we add two 4 digit numbers using the instructions above.
Art – Architecture
This half-term we are focusing on architecture in our Art learning.
Although we will be looking at a variety of structures, the two architects we will use as inspiration for our work are Sir Christopher Wren (who designed St Paul’s Cathedral) and Zaha Hadid (who designed the Heydar Aliyev Centre). We will create a collage using a variety of techniques. Watch this space to see our creations!
Living and learning: I know how to STOP bullying.
At St James Primary, we define bullying as:
‘Where you hurt someone, physically or emotionally,
Several Times On Purpose.
If we do experience bullying, we all should:
Start
Telling
Other
People
As part of our anti-bullying week, Years 3 and 4 took part in an online workshop on bullying and how to agree and disagree respectfully.
During this session, we came up with an acrostic poem to help us remain respectful in tricky situations, so that bullying never occurs. We used the word ‘respect’ to help us.
Remember to listen to others.
Everyone’s ideas matter.
Show support to each other.
Play fair.
Everyone is different.
Calm down and communicate.
Talk to a trusted adult.
Community Week – the History of Wetherby
Following a visit from the Mayor of Wetherby this morning, the children have been learning about how people chose to live in Wetherby during the Bronze Age. The location next to the River Wharfe was a significant advantage and Wetherby became even more significant when a bridge was built to cross the river.
Important places, events and people are commemorated around our market town with blue plaques. We have enjoyed researching the blue plaques and made our own.
Help at home: Learn more about the history of our wonderful market town by following the blue plaque trail. Further information can be found here: https://www.wetherbycivicsociety.org.uk/blueplaquetrail/
Community Week – healthy friendships
As part of Community Week, we have been thinking about healthy friendships.
We considered the story of Beegu who finds herself lost and without friends. We shared some ideas of what we could do to signal to Beegu that she belonged at our school.
If you would like to listen to the story of Beegu and learn how to draw Beegu, you can watch the video from Puffin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-8oLcy1Eow
We also had a very mature debate about the vital characteristics of a healthy friendship. We all respectfully listened to the opinions of our classmates and enjoyed debating some of the characteristics which are less clear such as whether you should always feel happy in a healthy friendship.
With such considered opinions it is no surprise that there are so many healthy friendships in our class community to enjoy and celebrate!
Community Week – Stereotypes
As part of Community Week, we took part in a very exciting workshop led by Diversity Role Models (https://www.diversityrolemodels.org/) During the workshop we thought about where stereotypes come from and what harm they can do.
We challenged harmful stereotypes and thought about how we could turn these on their head.
Help at home: Lots of us were very passionate about standing up against stereotypes. If you would like more examples to discuss with your child you can find a video from the BBC here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/young-reporter/articles/zkttm39
Community Week – British Values
As part of our Community Week, we learnt about the importance of British Values. We updated our Living and Learning board with an acronym to help us to remember the values (see above.)
Help at home: Discuss with your child what the British Values look like in your family community. Do children have individual liberty to make some choices? Do you have rules that you follow as a family? Do you make some decisions by voting? Do you show mutual respect and tolerance to each other?