Mrs Matthew's Class 2023 - 2024

English

In English this term, we will be exploring the book 'Varjak Paw'. Varjak is a Mesopotamian Blue cat, an exotic and ancient breed descended from the legendary adventurer and hunter, Jalal. As Varjak listens to his grandfather recount the mesmerizing tales of Jalal, the fabled ancestor begins to visit him in his dreams, inspiring the young kitten with his tales of bravery and daring.

This week we are creating a setting description of a city from the point of view of Varjak Paw. 

Maths

Each day, our Maths lessons begin with a focus on improving our fluency in arithmetic and times tables knowledge.  

We are focussing on learning how to tell the time. Please feel free to send your child into school with a watch (not a smart watch) to help them. 

Science

Our area of Science we will be exploring this half term will be Animals including Humans. We will begin by exploring different skeletons and exploring which animal they belong to.

History

This half term we will be learning about Romans and how they influenced our history. This week will begin to explore what life was like during Roman times. 

Music

We will be learning 'Hushabye Mountain' and beginning to apply our knowledge of glockenspiels to our singing. 

Computing

We will be exploring desktop publishing.

PSHE

This half term we will be learning about our 'Being our Best'

French

Our focus in French this half term will be 'Foods'. 

PE

Our focus in PE will be Athletics and Rounders.

RE

We will be exploring where morals come from.

Art:

We will be using natural materials to make art.

General Information:

PE:

PE will be on Monday and Friday afternoons this half term. If there are any changes these will be uploaded to the website and announced on Seesaw.  Please ensure children come to school in their PE kit on these days. As the weather is fluctuating, children should wear the appropriate PE kit.  A reminder that our PE kit consists of a coloured t-shirt along with the school logo, shorts and black trainers; if it is cold, joggers are allowed. 

Snacks:

As always, can we please remind parents that if you wish to provide a break time snack for your child it should be something healthy such as fruit and something appropriate in size. There is always fruit available if your child forgets their snack. The children can bring in their own water bottle daily which must only have water (not juice) in. 

Reading:

Please read with your child daily as this will have an impact on all areas of their learning.  It is expected that children read at least 4 times a week. Please feel free to record their reading in their planner. We would like you to sign your child's diary at the end of the week so that you and we know that this is happening. Reading diaries will be signed weekly when your child has their Guided Reading Session.

Reading so often, every day, both at home and at school, should enable your child to take a book quiz within two weeks - sometimes perhaps three. We will continue to encourage the children to ensure that they can take the appropriate number of quizzes. If your children would like to quiz on their book, please use the Accelerated Reader Webpage link at the bottom of the page. 

Seesaw:

Seesaw is an excellent resource that many of you are familiar with already. Please ensure you are signed up as soon as possible as I will be sharing pictures of the children, information about the school day and any announcements. It is also the best way to contact me if you wish to discuss any matters relating to any aspect of school life.  I aim to reply within 48 hours. If you have any questions regarding Seesaw, please speak to me at the end of the school day. 

Homework:

This will be sent home weekly on a Friday and is now expected to be completed by the following Thursday. It can be found outlined on our Brain Builder (clicking on the pencil below). It will consist of spellings and times tables to focus on; Maths, which will be set online using MyMaths; and Grammar skills which can be completed in the book sent home . Please ensure your child returns their Grammar books to school for marking on Fridays. Please find links to MyMaths, Spelling Shed, Times Table Rockstar and Accelerated Reader at the top of the page.