Friday Celebrations in Year 4/5

15th January 2021N Giles

Good afternoon Year 4/5,

Wow! What an amazing week we have all had with our home learning. It has been so wonderful to see you engaged with your learning at home (and for some of you, at school); logging on to Google Meets when you can, and submitting work for me to mark. I have been absolutely blown away with your Superhero Stories; you have investigated 2D shapes and their angles (I really loved your Superhero angles pictures); we have entered Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses into an Ancient Egyptian Gods have Got Talent competition(!);  completed reading comprehensions and so much more!

My star of the week this week is Keira. She submitted an amazing Superhero story, which was clearly structured; used ambitious vocabulary and accurate punctuation throughout. Well done!

Can I also say a massive ‘Thank You’ to all the adults behind the scenes, who have made this all possible. Your support really is invaluable.

Here are some of the activities we have done week:

Enjoy the weekend,

Mrs Giles-Brewster

Struggling to find a book to read?

12th January 2021N Giles

In order to support your child’s reading at home, we have created Key Stage Log-ins on the Oxford Owl website for your child to access at home. This will give them access to a range of reading books, materials and resources that are suitable for their reading level / stage.

Please ensure that your child is reading the appropriate stage book – your child’s teacher will be able to give you this information if your child is unsure of their stage. Texts are also available for our younger readers, who will be able to access Read Write Inc books to support their phonics learning.

Visit www.oxfordowl.co.uk and click the ‘login’ button. To access your Key Stage log in, use the details showing below:

EYFS: Class name: dspseyfs Password: dspseyfs

KS1: Class name: dspsks1 Password: dspsks1

KS2: Class name: dspsks2 Password: dspsks2

If your child does read a text from here, just let us know. This way we can keep a record of what they are accessing, and can provide any further suggestions if necessary.

More guidance can be found in the attached file if needed.

Download (PDF, 259KB)

Remote Learning – week starting 11.01.21

11th January 2021N Giles

Hi everyone,

Please find attached our remote learning for this week. If you have any queries or questions, just send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Could all pupils also log on to Lexia or Reading Plus for a minimum of 3 x 30 minutes sessions, as well as TT Rockstars for a minimum of 3 x 20 minute sessions.

Download (PDF, 216KB)

Many thanks for your continued support,

Mrs Giles-Brewster

Friday Celebrations – Week 1

9th January 2021N Giles

Well, what a week! We have had a super start to our home learning and it has been so fantastic to see so many of you logging on to our Google Meets. I am so impressed with how positive you have all been and how many of you have been completing and sending in work. I am also really impressed with so many of you have been logging on to Lexia and Reading Plus – keep it up!

The two super stars this week, who have gone above and beyond with their work submitted to me, are Ryan and Joseph!

Keep up the amazing work everyone! Here is a quick snapshot of some of our home learning for this week:

Download (PDF, 35KB)

Download (PDF, 55KB)

Keira's quadrilaterals poster

Mentioned in Despatches – Year 5/6 & KS2 Bubble (The Rainbows) – Week 1

9th January 2021N Noble

To be mentioned in despatches describes a member of the armed forces whose name appears in an official report written by a superior officer and sent to the high command, in which their gallant or meritorious action in the face of the enemy is described.

Download (PDF, 72KB)

Special mentions also go to the resilience of Leon, Ryan and Katelyn in endeavouring to join Google Meets and to mathematician / artist Jack…

Year 4/5 Remote Learning 06.01.21 – 08.01.21

6th January 2021N Giles

Good morning Year 4/5,

Ah! This is not the start of 2021 anyone wanted, but in true Dunn Street fashion, we will soldier on! We have some super topics to study this half term and I, for one, cannot wait to get stuck in!

Our Google Meet sessions will start on Thursday, and will be at the same time every day (from 11 to 12). Please make sure you have emailed parental consent if your child is to access these lessons, agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Google Meet User Agreement. I look forward to seeing you all, even if it is virtually!

English

This week we would like you to plan and write a story including a superhero and villain of your creation. To help you with planning this story, I have uploaded a story mountain sheet planning sheet,, or you could have a go at creating your own. Your story plan should consider:

1. The opening to your story and how you will set the scene
2. Build up: A problem that occurs and what it is
3. Problem: They way your superhero finds out about the problem
4. Resolution: How your superhero overcomes the problem
5. Ending: What happened as a result of your superhero’s actions

Think carefully about your planning as it will help when you draft your story. Remember, the plan is not the completed piece of work! While you are planning, see if you can make a list of some ambitious vocabulary, phrases and sentence openers you could include in your future writing.

Lesson 1: Plan your story using the story mountain (or use the headings shown above)

Lesson 2: Make a list of ambitious vocabulary, phrases or sentence openers which you will be able to use

Lesson 3: Draft your story using your planning. Remember to read it through carefully to check for any spelling mistakes/basic errors.

Don’t forget to send me a photo or email of your work!

Challenge task: You could also create a comic strip of your story and share it with me!

Download (PDF, 366KB)

Maths

We are going to be investigating 2D shapes this week, in particular identifying different types of quadrilaterals and triangles.

Lesson 1: Revising our knowledge of 2D shapes and understanding key terms 

How well do you know these mathematical terms? Using kiddle (a child-friendly search engine), can you research these key mathematical terms? You will need to be confident with this vocabulary, as it will help you with Lessons 2 and 3.

Polygon; horizontal; vertical; angles; parallel; perpendicular; angle; internal; regular; irregular; vertices; acute; obtuse; symmetry

You may want to use a Maths dictionary for kids to help: (http://www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com/qr/a.html)

Lesson 2: Quadrilaterals

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zcdq8hv

Access the BBC Bitesize to find out all about quadrilaterals. Watch the video (it’s fairly short) and jot down any key vocabulary you may not be sure about. You may be able to tick off words you learn throughout the rest of the lesson.

Look carefully at the different properties of these 2D shapes. Your task today is to create a poster about quadrilaterals. You should draw the different quadrilaterals and record some (or all!) of their properties.

Challenge: Have a go at the quiz. How well did you do?

Lesson 3: Triangles

Before you start, go on a triangle hunt around the house. How many different triangles can you find? By the end of the lesson you will be able to classify these triangles into Equilateral, Scalene, Right-Angled and Isosceles!

Classifying triangles: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z348cmn

Access the BBC Bitesize link. Watch the video and look at the different examples given. Can you work out how an isosceles triangle is different to an equilateral? Can a scalene triangle also have a right-angle?

Look at the 2 examples given. What properties are you confident in identifying?

Have a go at the two activities shown (a sorting activity and a quick quiz). How confident are you feeling? Now, can you label the different triangles you found at the start of the lesson? Are they: scalene, isosceles, right-angled or equilateral?

PSHE:

Linked to our writing on superheroes, can you create your own superhero? You could create one by drawing, painting or making a collage of a famous superhero of your choice. You could even get creative and make a 3D model or sculpture of your favourite superhero. You may also want to watch a superhero movie and write a review sharing your opinions! Send any designs through to me at ngiles@dunnstreet.s-tyneside.sch.uk (I would love to see them!)

Science: Super humans!

If we were in school, we would be learning all about Animals, including Humans (because we are pretty super!). Thinking about our bodies, can you make a list of everything which makes us super? Think about how our bodies work (our brain; our nervous system; how we can move/run/jog etc; how we can think and feel) and think about how our bodies are different to other animals. If you are stuck for ideas, you could research examples of super humans (found here: https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/showcase/human-body)

If you want to do some extra research, check out some of these episodes from Operation Ouch! One I found particularly fascinating is all about our brain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUCcsMmZVec

History: Ancient Egyptians

We are going to continue investigating whether or not the Ancient Egyptians were ahead of the time! Today, we are going to be finding out all about the pyramids, and complete a short reading comprehension.

Task 1: Jot down any information or knowledge you already have about pyramids, e.g. What were they used for? Where were they found?

Task 2: Watch this short video and answer these quick questions (don’t worry about the Bermuda Triangle!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MZoXLp4d5E

Q.1. How were the huge blocks transported to the main building sites?

Q.2. Why were sledges no good to transport the stones?

Q.3. How were the stones moved to the top of the pyramids?

Read the information sheet and answer the questions, in full sentences.

Download (PDF, 11KB)

Now, go back to our initial question: Do you think the Ancient Egyptians were ahead of their time?

I hope these activities will keep you busy! We will be learning about similar topics in our Google Meets, so we can all move forward at the same time.

 

 

Remote Learning

5th January 2021lbridges

Good morning,

Due to the timing of the announcement of school closures last night, remote learning will start from tomorrow, Wednesday 6th January.  This is to enable teachers to adapt existing planning to ensure a high quality remote learning experience for all children.  As previously, weekly plans will be posted both on the website and on Google Classroom with the specific information for each lesson posted daily in the classroom.  For today, we would encourage the children to read for pleasure, access Times Table Rockstars,Lexia, Reading Plus and pursue their own interests while they process the change in their routine.

Thank you for your on-going support.

Dunn Street Primary School

A Christmas Story (or five!) from Year 4/5…

18th December 2020N Giles

For our DT project this half term, we collaborated with other members of the class in order to make our own 3D Pop-Up Christmas Books! We investigated lots of different folds and planned our story carefully. We were all responsible for a different page in our team’s storybook. We loved this topic! So much so, we would like to share with your our Christmas stories! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Stay safe, and have a wonderful Christmas.

 

Info regarding Year 4 Pupils’ Multiplication Tables Check – June 2021

28th November 2020N Giles

Click here for more information about assessment.

Dear Parents and Carers,

In June, all Year 4 pupils will be taking part in a multiplication tables check (MTC). This check is statutory and will be completed by all Year 4 pupils throughout England. The MTC lasts for no more that 5 minutes, and will be completed within a 3 week period in the Summer term. Please see below for more information. If you have any questions regarding the check, please contact the school at info@dunnstreet.s-tyneside.sch.uk or give us a ring and we will get back to you.

What is the Year 4 multiplication tables check?

 

In June 2020, the new Year 4 multiplication tables check will become statutory. Your child will need to take a short online test to make sure their times tables knowledge is at the expected level.

What is the check?

The multiplication tables check is an online test for pupils in Year 4. Pupils are asked to answer 25 questions on times tables from two to 12. They are given six seconds per question, with three seconds rest between each question, so the test should last less than five minutes.

Questions about the six, seven, eight, nine, and 12 times tables are likely to come up most often, as these are the hardest for most children to learn. It’s a good idea to focus on these tricky times tables with your child at home.

First and foremost, the check is about finding out which children are struggling with their times tables so that they can get extra support. It is not a judgement on what your child can do, but a way for us to know how our teaching is going and to adjust our focus if needed.

“Leaving primary school with a fundamental grasp of basic numeracy is as important as leaving being able to read. And just as the phonics check has helped more children learn to read, this will ensure more pupils know their times tables.”

Nick Gibb, schools minister

When is the check going to happen?

In June 2020, every school would have been required by law to take part in the check, but these were cancelled due to school closures. The testing for this academic year, which will be for Year 4 pupils only, will be from Monday 8th June for a testing window of 3 weeks.

What is school doing to help your child prepare?

In school we are focusing on quick recall using a series of methods. Pupils are able to count in multiples using rote learning (e.g. 8 times tables: 8, 16, 24, 32….); they are encouraged to make links between other times tables (e.g. 5 x 4 and 4 x 5 have the same answer); Speed Grids are used to help set individual targets; Superhero Maths tests are used frequently, which help the pupils progress in an structured and gradual manner; and finally TT Rockstars, an online resource where pupils can challenge themselves or their fellow pupils.

How can you help your child prepare?

Little and often! The best way to keep the test stress-free is to work some times tables practice into your daily routine well in advance. With regular practice, your child will get used to tackling these kind of questions with confidence.

If your child is feeling nervous in the approach to the check, don’t panic. Here are five top tips for helping your child learn their times tables, which will get them up to speed:

1. Use times table wall charts

Wall charts show all the answers for a particular times table. You could download a free times table wall charts [PDF] and stick them up somewhere they’ll be seen often. For instance, you could put them over the sink so that your child will see them when they’re brushing their teeth. You’ll be amazed how quickly they learn when they see these number facts every day!

2. Learn the tricks for difficult times tables

There are clever tricks for remembering several of the times tables. For instance, watch Andrew Jeffrey’s method for tackling the seven times table below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TWuOvN-4jk&feature=emb_logo

For more ideas, download this free times tables booklet [PDF], which is full of tips and hints for overcoming some of the harder times tables.

3. Play times tables games

Games and challenges are a great way to support learning, and a few minutes a day will make all the difference. Why not play snap with some times tables flashcards, matching the sums to the answers as fast as you can? Or you could surprise your child by asking times tables questions at random times during the day and seeing how quickly they can respond (this works particularly well as a competition between siblings or friends).

Using games keeps practice short and sweet, and makes the process much less of a chore for you and your child. Some fun activities and suggestions can be found here

4. Make it real

If your child can’t see any point in learning their times tables, try showing them how this knowledge is useful in everyday life. Instead of just rote learning their times tables, try to create opportunities for your child to use multiplication in problem solving.

For example, ask them to scale up a recipe or calculate whether they have enough money to buy more of their favourite things (such as sweets or football cards). This will help your child see the value of their learning.

5. Practise on the computer

Help your child become comfortable reading and answering questions on a screen. All pupils have a log on to TTRockstars (which can be viewed online or via the free app). TTRockstars helps pupils to learn their tables in a fun and engaging way. Another super game is Hit the Button, where pupils can focus on specific times tables which they are working on in school. A further website which will help pupils to become familiar with the overall format of the check is the Multiplication Tables Check website (link below):

Hit The Button

TTRockstars

Times Tables Testing format

Our Class Debate: Stealing is Never Justified!

5th November 2020N Giles

To conclude our work on the text ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ by Roald Dahl, we held a debate arguing for and against Stealing. We looked closely at the character Mr Fox and considered his actions (how he stole to provide for his family); motivations and the consequences of his stealing for both himself and other characters within the story. We had some excellent points to support our views, and were able to provide examples from the text to strengthen our arguments. In the end, our class vote was very decisive! 9 pupils voted that Stealing is Never Justified; whilst 16 voted that it is justified in certain circumstances! A super end to an absolutely ‘fantastic’ book!