USEFUL LINKS

Top Marks:  https://www.topmarks.co.uk/

This is useful for times table practice and other arithmetic work.

Twinkl: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/

Twinkl produces lots of wonderful resources closely linked to the curriculum. 
It is offering free log ins for parents.

https://www.spag.com

Swan class children should have brought home their individual log in.  There are several online quizzes that have been selected based on our current learning.

Spelling Shed: https://play.edshed.com

Swan class should have brought home their individual log ins for Spelling Shed. There are lots of games to support spelling practice linked to their age group.

Swan Class

English

We are going to be focusing on one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, the children will be familiarising themselves with the language and the importance of performance when studying a play text. Across the term we will be writing a range of genres including closing statements; missing scenes; letters and diary entries.

In our work on grammar, we will revise different word classes, going into each in more depth than in earlier year groups. The children will also be practising writing complex sentences and adding interest to their work by starting sentences in different ways. Spelling lessons in Year 6 allow the children to consolidate the spelling patterns they have already learnt and to deepen their understanding of spelling rules.

Maths

We will start off the term by consolidating our number work from the Autumn Term, making sure that the children’s knowledge of the four operations is secure. We will then move on to focus more on measurement and shape in preparation for the reasoning papers of the SATS. Throughout the term we will be gathering mastery in various areas, ensuring that the children are becoming more and more confident in explaining their methods and being able to understand why the answer is what it is.

To build up accuracy and speed, the children need to be able to recall addition and subtraction facts quickly and develop an instant recall of all their times tables. Times tables need to be practised in order, out of order and with corresponding division facts. As an example, when learning the 7 times table, children should be able to chant the table in order and answer questions such as “What is 8 x 7? 3 x 7? How many 7s in 42?” It is absolutely critical under the new national curriculum that children are fluent with basic number skills so please encourage your child to practise daily; there are links to useful websites on our class page. The children will be taking part in a Times Table Challenge every week.

Science

Our topic for the next term is (see topic web). 

R.E.

Our themed question this term is “What matters most to Christians and humanists?” We will mainly be comparing Christianity and Humanists, although not exclusively. The children are encouraged to share their views and think deeply about the themed question.

Design and Technology and Art

We will link our Design and Technology work with our topics this term. In Art we will study different artists from the time period and create our own interpretations.

P.E.

Please remind your child that they need their (named) P.E. kits in school all week. They have cross country on Tuesday, games with Onside Coaching on Thursday and dance, yoga or gymnastics on Wednesday. After cross country, they need to make sure they have clean P.E. shoes for Wednesdays and Thursdays so that they do not bring mud into the hall!

Home Learning

Year 6 is a time for the children to start preparing for secondary school and so they are likely to have more home learning than they have been used to! Topic Home Learning should be brought in on a Monday morning. If a child forgets their work, without a note from home, they are expected to miss a playtime but, of course, if they are struggling with any aspect, they can

always ask for help. However, this should be done in the week rather than the day work is due in, please. Maths and Grammar homework will be given out and due in on a Friday morning. Home Learning includes the following aspects:

1. Topic- based home learning. Children will have a selection of activities to choose from as in previous years.

2. Maths – a series of maths questions which will usually relate to the work we are doing in maths lessons that week.

3. Spelling. In addition to their Read Write Inc. log books, the children will be tested on their knowledge of the year 5 & 6 common exception words throughout the week. They have been given these spellings to take home so please do encourage them to practise.

4. Grammar. Children will sometimes bring home an activity to consolidate their learning.

5. Children should be reading every day. Please encourage them to read a wide range of authors and to discuss their reading with you.

Timetable

Mrs Fletcher and Onside Coaching will take the class on Thursday afternoons.

Other Information

Please take a look at our class page for links to useful websites and, if you’re looking for inspiration for reading books for your child, don’t forget to login to the Lovereading4schools website where you’ll find some recommended texts:

http://www.lovereading4schools.co.uk/viewschool/7550/favourite

Finally, if you have any concerns do let me know. You can make an appointment to see me via the school office.

With best wishes for an exciting and successful term!

Miss Baghdadi

Have you seen the Kids’ Zone? Play games and visit some cool websites. You can vote for your favourites.