Year 5 - Friday 10th December 2021

Date: 10th Dec 2021 @ 8:42am

 Welcome to this week’s Year 5 class blog

The children have had another busy week, working hard and learning new skills and knowledge.

This week in year 5

In Maths we have introduced mixed numbers and improper fractions and the children have completed 2 papers to show off everything they have learnt this term.  I am very pleased with their focus and hard work with some tricky questions.

In English we have started reading A Christmas Carol.  The children have been thinking about the words used and what they mean, many are not used very much today.  They have written comparative descriptions of characters, used evidence from the text to draw conclusions about the story and they are really keen to find out what happens next.  We are hoping to find a suitable version of the film to watch next week to compare to the book.

In RE, the children continued to discuss the preparations we make in the wait for the coming of Jesus at Christmastime and the hope this brings to people.  We have created an advent calendar of kind deeds we can carry out for the remainder of Advent.

In French, the children read a story about how some aliens saved Christmas after Pere Noel's sleigh broke.  They lent him their space ship to deliver presents so all was well! They then started to write their own version of the story in French - hopefully they will finish them next week and the children will be super proud of their stories! Joyeux Noel et  bonne annee tout le monde!

In PE, the children did both activities this week.  Due to the colder weather we have spilt the time so they are not outside and feeling the cold for too long.  The tag rugby session was very competitive and the children showed off the skills they have learnt this term.  In the hall, we really focused on moving in time with one another.  We started by moving across the hall in small groups, first walking in time together and developing into running, jumping and hopping.  They discussed items we would put in a time capsule and created an 8 count dance for the item.  Next week they will teach the class their small group dances and we will create an ensemble piece.

In Geography the children loved researching different areas of North America.  They looked at where on the map the place was located, where this was in relation to lines of latitude and how this may affect the climate.  They then each made a fact file for their choice, many children asked to take pictures and titles home so they could make more.  They used National Geographic Kids for research.

In Art, the children planned and practised their Christmas cards.  We got very messy!  They used a range of printing resources to see which effect they preferred and made decisions for their cards.  Next week you will see their final pieces, they will be creating layered printing over a number of days to create their cards.

The children completing their Holy Communion next year, have been sent home with their folders and a workbook.  This is to be completed over the Christmas break and returned to school in the first week back.  We will begin our sessions in church in the second week to prepare for the sacrament.

It was lovely to see the children in their festive wear on Friday, we had a jolly day with Christmas Carols, festive lunchtime and Christmas post alongside our regular lessons.

Home Practice all relates to this week's learning - These are the tasks to be completed.

Reading - You all have a Home Reading book for year 5 so reading every night for 15-20 mins is essential. You also have a Reading Journal/Diary that must be completed and signed.

Maths – please ask your child what their times tables target is and help them practise this in order for them to progress.

I’d also encourage you to do a daily count with your child.  This week we are counting up in 9s. Give the children a number to start from and they must continue to count from that number in 9s e.g. 37, 46, 55.  This will help the children learn and remember strategies to help them in maths.  For 9s we add 10 and then take 1 away to help us count on faster.

You can change your reading book on any school day (book bags to be left on Mrs Mulgrew's desk)

 Spellings words ending ‘cial’ and ‘tial’. We will look at these in more detail in school next week, they should be practised at home, ready for the test on Friday.  After a vowel ‘cial’ is most common (special) and after a consonant ‘tial’ (confidential).

Don’t forget the children have a big list of Common Exception words to learn, these can be practised each week to push your child further.

Some children have been told to complete a different number of spellings, please check with your child.

official, special, social, artificial, facial, commercial, crucial, confidential, potential, initial, essential, partial, attached, available, average

Sumdog challenges

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILDREN TO COMPLETE THE SUMDOG CHALLENGES, MANY CHILDREN ARE STILL NOT ACCESSING SUMDOG.

Please encourage your child to complete the Maths and Spelling Training.  As you know, we set weekly challenges that are linked to the learning that takes place in school.  As an extra feature, the maths and spelling training sections will provide a tailored challenge for your child to practise skills, facts and words they find difficult.  Once the diagnostic challenges have been completed Sumdog will set challenges to aid improvement and development in the appropriate areas for your child.  Once you have completed the class challenges, please use this feature for extra challenge in both maths and spelling.  Many children have still not completed the diagnostic section.

Times tables have been set to reflect class targets

Maths the children have been set activities relating to fractions. 

Spellings words ending ‘cial’ and ‘tial’.

Only one more week to go and the children are still working hard.