Welcome to Maple Class.
The children have settled in really well, bringing with them an eagerness to learn, explore, and have fun. We’ve already covered so much in just this first half-term; the energy and enthusiasm has been fantastic to see. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds!
Literacy
This half-term in Literacy, the children have been sharpening their storytelling skills by focusing on how to write suspenseful narratives. They’ve learned techniques to build tension, keep readers on the edge of their seats, and create cliff-hangers that leave you wanting more! In addition, the children have been writing explanation texts linked to our topic of Ancient Egypt. They’ve been investigating fascinating questions such as: Why did the Egyptians build the pyramids? How were they constructed without modern technology? What tools and techniques did they use? The children completed fantastic research and produced wonderfully informative pieces of writing!
Maths
In Maths, the children have been working hard on place value and addition & subtraction. We’ve been focusing on strengthening their understanding of numbers and improving accuracy in their calculations. The children have embraced the challenge of larger numbers and tricky calculations and it’s wonderful to see their confidence growing. They’ve also been practising problem-solving, applying these skills to real-life situations, which has made their learning even more engaging and practical.
Topic: Journey to Ancient Egypt
Our topic this term has been an exciting deep dive into the world of Ancient Egypt. The children have loved learning about Egyptian gods and goddesses, researching their roles and powers. A highlight has been the hands-on activity of making papyrus paper – just like the Egyptians did! They’ve also been learning how to write their names using hieroglyphics, which they found really interesting and enjoyable. To bring a modern twist to our studies, we explored the work of contemporary Egyptian artist Alaa Awad, whose murals celebrate Egyptian history and culture. This has sparked some amazing conversations and creative artwork in class.
Science: Exploring the Wonders of Space
French: Bonjour Paris
French lessons have been full of excitement as the children wrote letters to their new pen pals in Paris! This has been a wonderful opportunity for them to practice their French skills in a real-life context. They worked hard to introduce themselves, share their interests, and ask questions. The anticipation is building as we wait to hear back from our Parisian friends. This pen pal project has been a fantastic way to connect language learning with cultural exchange, and we’re all excited to see where these new friendships lead.
My Happymind
In our Happy Minds sessions, the children have been learning all about the amazing power of their brains! With the help of Team H-A-P, they’ve explored how the brain works, how it helps us manage emotions, and how we can keep it healthy. From understanding the importance of sleep and nutrition to practising mindfulness techniques, the children have learned valuable skills to support their mental well-being. It’s been wonderful to see them taking an active interest in how they can look after both their physical and emotional health.