This half-term in Turtles, continuing with our theme of Local Memories, Broadening
Horizons, we have another exciting and varied few weeks ahead. In English, we’ll be
inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer, using it to spark our creativity as we write
invention texts and explore poetry. Along the way, we’ll be developing our sentence
structure, using expanded noun phrases, conjunctions and a wider range of
punctuation, while continuing to build confidence in handwriting and presentation.

We follow the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, which gives children a flying start in learning to read and write.  Children are assessed regularly and grouped to meet their needs. We teach children the initial sounds, moving into reading 'special friends' such as ng and oo.  Then children are taught to decode and blend to develop their reading skills.  Reading is the key to opening the door to learning.

In Maths, we’ll be focusing on multiplication and division, including counting in 2s, 5s,
10s (and 3s for Year 2), making equal groups, exploring arrays and learning key
times tables. We’ll also begin measuring length and height using standard units, and
develop our understanding of statistics through tally charts, pictograms and simple
data handling.

Our History learning centres around the story of the Titanic, comparing life and travel in the past with today. Much of our learning will link with this theme through cross curricular learning. 

In Science, we’ll be learning about animals and their habitats, thinking carefully
about how living things survive, what they need to stay healthy and how food chains
work. Our learning in History and Geography continues with the story of the Titanic,
alongside exploring hot and cold places around the world — comparing climates,
habitats and ways of life, and linking our knowledge across subjects.

In RE, we’ll be learning about the Easter story and what it means to Christians, and in Music we’ll be working towards an Easter performance at Burnham Market Church with local musicians,  something very special to look forward to.

This term in PSHE, Turtles will be learning about relationships, with a focus on what makes a good friend and how to show kindness, respect and care towards others. Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, the children will explore the qualities of healthy friendships, including sharing, listening, cooperation and understanding feelings. They will also learn how to express their own feelings clearly and how to seek help from a trusted adult if something is worrying them.

Our creative work will include printing in Art, where we’ll experiment with patterns,
textures and different materials, and Design and Technology, where we’ll complete
our Titanic sliders and explore cooking by preparing dishes linked to different
climates and healthy eating. In RE, we’ll be discussing different beliefs about God
and how these shape people’s views and actions, while in Music we’ll explore how
music tells stories, including the work of Sibelius, and develop our performance
skills.

We will be learning to perform actions to music and respond to musical signals and themes using movement. We will be exploring and creating rhythm patterns and learning how to use these to create a composition, writing down our compositions.

This term in computing, Turtles will be developing their word processing skills. The children will learn how to type simple sentences using the keyboard accurately, use the space bar and enter key correctly, and edit their work. They will also explore how to change font size, style and colour, as well as how to save and retrieve their work. These skills will help them build confidence in presenting their ideas clearly and effectively using a computer.

We link a range of learning to our woodland sessions.  The children really enjoy their time in the woods (both learning and wild play time for exploring and following their own interests).  This is a fundamental opportunity for children to develop teamwork skills and build resilience through problem-solving.  It also teaches children about having respect for our environment.

Our woodland session is on a Tuesday afternoon. Please could children wear clothing suitable for the weather, as we are likely to be outside even if it is raining.  They will also need different shoes or wellies to wear in the woods.

Alongside all of this, we’ll continue building confidence, teamwork and resilience
through PE, as well as working towards exciting opportunities such as performances,
art exhibitions and, hopefully, a local train trip. It’s set to be another busy, creative
and inspiring half-term.

Class Dojo is our main form of communication with parents. If you have not yet signed up for Class Dojo and would like to, please do not hesitate to come and see us.  We are more than happy to help if you are having difficulty in accessing this.  It's a great space where you can view photos, videos and information about all the amazing things that are happening in our classroom and around the school. It gives you the chance to see what your children have been learning in school each week, giving you the opportunity to talk to them at home about what they have been doing.

A home learning menu will be posted on Class Dojo at the beginning of each half term.  These activities are suggestions linked to the Discovery Learning focus for the half term, but you are free to explore other home learning opportunities with your child.

Please ensure your child’s clothing and belongings are clearly labelled.