January 14th, 2022

Beech Class have been getting into the swing of things.  We have talked about expectations throughout the week, and I’m pleased to say we have some amazing role models. 
In Maths the Y2s have challenged themselves to see the relationship between repeated addition and multiplication.  They have learnt about the commutative law of multiplication: 2x3=6 and 3x2=6 by looking at arrays, and have created their own pictures to show equal groups.  Today Miss Barton practised ‘doubles’ with the Y2s by playing the ‘Double or Halve’ game.
Next week, we will revisit the 2, 5 and 10 times tables and look for them in arrays (think of a tray of ice cubes, or a box of eggs).  The children will also encounter multiplication word problems.  If you fancy an extra challenge in the week, why not practise counting in 3s and 4s …... and beyond!  The website ‘Topmarks’ offers free online Maths games for Key Stage 1, and you might find some useful times tables games here.
Y1s have used knowledge of bonds to 10 to add numbers to 20.  So, if we know that 3+5=8, then we also know that 13+7=20 and 3+17=20.  This is a tricky step for some, so any extra practice at home would be great.  The odd verbal question in context is always best.  You could also say ‘I have one ten and six ones.  What number is it?’ etc. - a fun game while walking to the park or in the car.
In History we had ‘the big reveal’ with the announcement that our significant woman in history is Mary Anning, the famous fossil hunter in the early 1800s.  I can highly recommend the picture book, ‘Stone Girl Bone Girl’ by Laurence Anholt, which is a story of her life presented in a beautiful way.  All of the children loved hearing this story in Guided Reading this week.
Next week in Science, we will continue with Sound and think about how sound gets to our ears.  The children will ponder over what a sound wave looks like, and they will order quiet and loud sounds.  We will look at measurements in decibels.  Why not take this opportunity to make a paper cup telephone at home?
In my Read, Write, Inc group I can see improvements in spelling and handwriting, which is so encouraging.  The children are really thinking about sounds in words and doing ‘Fred talk’ (sounding out) when spelling unfamiliar words.
So now the moment you have all been waiting for...... When can your child bring in something for ‘Show and Tell’?  As a result of our days being extremely busy, I have decided that children can bring in an item to show on a Tuesday.  We will hold this session from 3pm to about 3:15 as a way of celebrating the interests of the children away from the classroom.  Please can the item be related to our learning at school, so as to make the most of the learning opportunity.
I promised you details of how you can support your child at home during next week.  If you have made it this far, then you will have read my suggestions already and a list would be repetition.  I hope this has been helpful.
Many thanks for your continued support.
 
Audra Fitzgerald