Science – Plants
This half term we are learning about plants. We will be focussing on:
- naming a variety of common, garden and wild plants.
- identifying and naming various deciduous and evergreen trees.
- identifying and describing the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including trees.
Here is a list of some of the vocabulary that will be taught in the coming weeks.
Today, we discussed the difference between a garden and wild plant and identified some plants. We also went on a plant hunt around school and used the iPads to take pictures of the plants we found. We then classified them into garden and/or wild plants.
Challenge: Can your child identify any of these garden and wild plants? Can they classify them into garden and/or wild plants?
Living and Learning – I can take part in democratic decisions
This week, we have been discussing in class what it means to be part of a democratic decision.
The children were given a choice of two songs to sing in collective worship. We had a vote and the song with the most votes was the song we sung. We discussed how sometimes things might not go your way but we have to be respectful to the decision.
Isla “That’s ok because next time we might get to sing the song I chose.”
Today, we had another democratic decision to make. On Friday 27th May we will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee-that’s 70 years as Queen! Each class will learn and perform a dance from each of her reigning decades, which we will share at the party.
The children were given a choice of two songs from the 90s (are chosen decade) and we had a vote. The song we will be performing is 5,6,7,8 by Steps.
This week’s bible story
Jesus calms a storm: Mark 4:35-41
Have a think about what peace means to you. Is it a time without conflict or is it calmness? Today, we’re going to hear a story about Jesus and his disciples who were stuck on the Sea of Galilee in the middle of a storm.
Time for reflection:
Think about the times when it seems like you’re in the middle of a storm; perhaps when there are arguments or when things seem confusing and difficult or when things are frightening. Think of Jesus being there, saying, Peace, be still. Take a moment now to hear those words, and enjoy the peace they bring.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Help us to remember, even when we’re in the middle of a storm and life seems hard, you are always there to help us feel peace.
Amen
This week’s bible story
11 I have told you these things so that you can have the true happiness that I have. I want you to be completely happy. 12 This is what I command you: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15: 11-12
Have a think about an occasion when you have argued with someone and found it difficult to resolve.
Do you know of any conflicts or wars taking place anywhere in the world? Unfortunately, conflicts are continuously occurring as humans try to share the world.
Whether an argument occurs between two people or between nations, the situation is still a conflict. Having conflicts is part of being human. If we did not have differences of opinion, we would never see anything in a new light or change a view that we have wrongly held. However, what is extremely important is the way in which a conflict is handled. If conflicts between large groups of people get out of hand, they can become bigger and bigger until they become wars. The way in which we manage conflict can enable people who have different opinions to work peacefully together for the better.
When we think of peace we often think of:
– freedom from war
– freedom from disputes
– freedom from worry and anxiety
– peace of mind
– quietness, silence, stillness
In the Bible, in Matthew 5.6-8, it says that people who work for peace are happy. In John 15.11-12, Jesus says that we will be happy if we care for others.
Most world religions value the importance of peace.
Reflection:
How could you contribute to peace around the world? Maybe you could try harder to listen when someone has a different opinion to your own. Maybe you could walk away if you feel angry with someone. There are many little things that we can do to contribute to the peace of the world.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the ability to make others feel better.
Help us to share our lives together in peace.
Help us to love and care for those who need us.
Help us to care for our families and friends.
Please help us to play our parts in encouraging peace in the world.
Amen
Living and Learning: I know some basic first aid
Last week, we discussed what to do in an emergency. The children came up with different ideas about who they would get to help them in an emergency situation.
We discussed how we can call 999 to get the help we need.
This week, we explored first aid and attitudes towards first aid and helping others.
First, we discussed what is mean by first aid. We decided it was the first help given to someone who is ill or injured and is in need of help/aid. Next, we read some statements out loud and the children had to decide if they agreed or disagreed and we shared our opinions.
For example
“a. I would know how to help someone in a first aid situation.
b. It’s important to know first aid.
c. People should always get the help they need in a first aid situation. “
Happy Easter
Our week began with a visit from some beautiful farm animals and the children really enjoyed the opportunity to see them up close. The children particularly enjoyed stroking the animals.
Our oracy target this half term has been clarity of pronunciation. The children have been practising reading their poem using a clear voice and voice projection. On Thursday, at the Easter Service all the children did a fantastic job reading their parts of the Easter poem.
Today, during PE we did some Easter yoga. Afterwards, we made an Easter basket and a chocolate crispy cake.
We hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Take care and we look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, 19th April.
Easter egg competition
It was great to see how creative the children had been when decorating the eggs. There were some amazing ideas – it made the judging very difficult! Well done.
This week’s bible story
Jesus is friends with Zacchaeus: Luke 19: 1-10
Have you ever heard the story of Burglar Bill – Bill goes out every night. Getting into houses through open windows and taking things. Until one night, Bill found a baby, and that changed his whole life …
There is a Bible story about a man who stole from other people. He took extra money when he gave them their tax bills and became very rich on all the money that he stole. Zacchaeus was a little man and that small people can’t see in crowds. Read the story of Zacchaeus to find out what happened to him.
Reflection:
Jesus loved everyone when he lived on the earth. It didn’t matter how bad people were, Jesus was always there for those who needed him. This is true for us too – no one is so bad that God doesn’t love them. And the more time we spend with God – praying, thinking about him, finding out about him, the more we want to be like Jesus; kind, helpful and good. Just like Zacchaeus, Burglar Bill changed his ways and tried to be more like Jesus by loving those around him. Even though Burglar Bill and Zacchaeus made the wrong choice, God forgave them and continued loving them.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you that Jesus loved Zacchaeus even when he wasn’t making the right choices. Help us to love all of those around us.
Amen
Science: Microbes
We worked in groups to recap on some previous Science learning.
After, we continued our learning all about microbes.
Non-Uniform Day
Thank you to everyone who donated some money on Friday to wear non-uniform. We raised £121.70! Half of the money raised will be donated to Comic Relief and half will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.