Beech Tree Class Blog 2023-2024
Beech Tree Blog
Weekly Update-27/10/23
Mr Kyriacou (n.kyriacou) on: Beech Tree Blog
Hello everyone,
This week, in maths we have been focusing on using different checking strategies for our column addition and subtraction and we have also been focusing on 2 and 3 mark word problems, identifying the key information within them and the mathematical vocabulary that indicates which operation they need to use and when. These problems involved multiple steps and both operations needed to be used. The children have also been using their checking strategies e.g inverse operation to check that their calculations are correct and spot any errors that they may have made.
In English, our focus has been performance poetry that uses similes. The children have really enjoyed learning about it and practising their use of intonation, volume, pace and use of actions whilst performing different people's poems and then when performing their own at the end of the week. Well done!
In art, we have continued looking at British artists. This week, our focus was on Howard Hodgkin, who is known for his abstract pieces of work. The children were tasked with creating mixed media pieces, that involved the combined use of paint, oil pastels, pencil and glue and create their own abstract pieces of work. The children were then given the option to experiment further later in the week by being given the option to cut their pieces up and then rearrange them to create a new abstract piece. The results were really exciting and the children should be very proud of their pieces of work.
The children have also made some lovely Halloween themed art as well.
Take care,
Mr Kyriacou :)
Weekly Update-20/10/23
Mr Kyriacou (n.kyriacou) on: Beech Tree Blog
Hello everyone,
This week, the children completed the first draft of their recounts. They also spent time revising and editing their pieces of work to make them as good as they can be and finally, they have published them. They have done a great job and should be very proud of them! Well done everyone!
In maths, we have continued our work on addition and subtraction, specifically focusing on using the column method for subtraction, with one or more exchanges. We have also been looking at efficient subtraction strategies and understanding how to change a calculation slightly in order to avoid lots of complex exchanging, whilst the difference between the two numbers remains the same and therefore still ending up with the same answer e.g. 7000-2348 is turned to 6999-2347 which both equal 4652 except the second calculation requires no exchanging.
In science, we have focused on understanding what joints are, what they are for and the different types of joints in our body. The children have been so engaged and the discussions that we've had have been really stimulating.
It was also lovely to meet all of the parents this week :)
Take care,
Mr Kyriacou :)
Weekly Update-12/10/23
Mr Kyriacou (n.kyriacou) on: Beech Tree Blog
Hello everyone,
This week, in Maths, we have been focusing on using the column method for addition and carrying tens, hundreds and thousands. We have also looked at word problems involving addition, identifying the key vocabulary and information presented within the questions and identifying the necessary calculations required to solve the problems.
In our writing, we have started working on our Murton Park recounts. The children have been using everything that has been taught to them over the last few weeks and applying it really well within their pieces of writing. We are aiming to finish the first draft of these pieces at the start of next week, then we shall be editing them and publishing them.
In our history lesson, the focus was on the introduction of Danegeld and how King Ethelred II tried to use it to stop the Vikings from attacking and raiding. We had some fantastic discussions throughout the lesson and it was great to see the children sharing their strong opinions and making great inferences as well. The children were tasked with making a poster all about Danegeld and King Ethelred II. They did a great job and I really enjoyed reading them. Here are a few examples below.
In computing we have continued our Programming unit of work, which focuses on Repetition in Games. This week, the children were tasked with creating their own game, the aim of the game was to use multiple sprites with some form of repetition, to include a background, to include sound and to create an overall game where the aim is to catch your sprites by clicking them as they move around and once you have caught them all, you win the game, The children also added code to bring the sprites back once all of them had disappeared and also included a line of code which allowed them to make the sprites smaller and harder to catch, which would act as the next level and would be harder.
Chess Club has started up again and it's always lovely to see how enthusiastic the children are about it and how keen they are to practise and improve their strategic knowledge of the game.
Take care,
Mr Kyriacou :)