Inspiring Innovators

 

Spring Term 2024

Sow, Grow, Farm

Welcome back to the Spring term of year five! I am very excited to start the new year with our wonderful year five class.   Last term, we made great strides in many aspects of our learning and with our learning behaviours so I look forward to seeing how we can develop and build on these steps this term.

The children really impressed me with their love of reading last term with lots of them reading and sharing recommended reads, it was so lovely to see children chatting about books and waiting for others to complete them so that they could take the books home too.

There is lots of research which shows that children who read a lot learn a lot.  Miller (2009) found that time spent reading had a greater impact on achievement than any other school activity.   Therefore, we will continue to develop the love of reading in school and your help with this is vital. We do expect the children to read at home at least three times a week and have this signed weekly in their reading diaries.   I will continue to check and sign reading diaries every Friday.

This term we step into our topic – Sow, Grow, Farm

This project teaches children about the features and characteristics of land use in agricultural regions across the world, including a detailed exploration of significant environmental areas.

Our main book for this term is Varjak Paw by SF Said.   Our second book is:  Toms Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce. 

There are four mini topics which fit into the Sow, Grow, Farm topic, which ensures children develop a breadth of skills and knowledge.

Eat The Seasons: This project teaches children about the meaning and benefits of seasonal eating, including food preparation and cooking techniques.

Human reproduction and ageing: This project teaches children about animal life cycles, including the human life cycle. They explore human growth and development to old age.

Light, Line and Shadows: This project teaches children about the visual qualities of line, light and shadow. They explore the work of Pablo Picasso and Rembrandt and are introduced to a range of shading techniques. They take black and white photographs and use pencil, pen and ink wash to reimagine their photographs in a shaded drawing.

Natures Art: This project teaches children about the genre of land art. They work outdoors to sketch natural forms and explore the sculptural potential of natural materials before working collaboratively to create land art installations.

To help the children deepen their understanding of this topic we hope to be going on a trip to Cannon Hall Farm. 

In PE the children will start off with volleyball and dance.  After half term this will swap to orienteering and gymnastics. Our PE days for this term are Monday and Tuesday. The children will need a full PE kit for both days-plain white T shirt, black bottoms and a red, grey or black hoodie or jumper. 

I have attached the knowledge organisers which go with each of these topics as well as ideas, which the children can do at home for extra homework, to further their learning. When children do any tasks at home please bring these into school to share at the end of each half term – extra dojo rewards will be rewarded for these.

So let’s step into our new topic – Sow, Grow, Farm and learn lots! 

Homework:

Homework will be given weekly. The children will be asked to complete:

·         15 minutes of their reading books at least 3x per week (dairies will be checked and signed every Friday.)

·         Two pieces of written homework given on a Friday (due in on a Wednesday)

·         Spellings to learn weekly.

          Reflex for times tables - please play on this at least three times a week to keep your times tables knowledge fresh and efficient.

In addition to the above additional homework includes:

·         Selection of creative topic work (from the working at home ideas sheet) –to be handed in at the end of each half term. 

If you have any questions about any of this information or other questions not relating to this please do not hesitate to contact me.

Many thanks.

Mrs Lowry

These are the words children are expected to learn by the end of year six:

Spelling word list for Year 5 and Year 6

Topic Documents

Key Instant Recall Facts

Sow, Grow, Farm - Knowledge Organiser

Eat the Seasons - Knowledge Organiser 

Light, Line and Shadows - Knowledge Organiser

Natures Art - Knowledge Organiser

Home learning ideas.