Lostock Gralam C of E Primary School
Our blogs
Owls Blog 28.11.22, by Miss Dalby
Date: 24th Nov 2022 @ 3:59pm
Owls Blog Post: 28th November 2022
Friday Superstar: Finn
Top table: Annabelle and Kayden
This week we have…
This Week's Theme: This week we have been exploring space, we have been collecting moon dust, wishing on stars and have met a very shy but fun alien called Zip! The children have love learning about astronauts such as Neil Armstrong and Chris Hadfield who videoed himself singing in zero gravity!
Literacy: This week we have been reading ‘Star in the Jar’, a lovely story about a brother and sister who find a star in the park and help it to find its way home. The stars create a lovely thank you message in the sky and we thought we would write a message back!
Numeracy: We have been looking at the number 7 this week, finding the number around our class room and seeing how we can make 7 using different groups. We have been making inverse operations, looking at how we can split a large group into 2 smaller groups and recombine them to make a large group again.
Next week we will…
Next week we will be reading ‘The Jolly Postman’ and we will be learning about the job of a Postman, what kind of things they might deliver to people all over the world with the home area becoming our very own post office! Next week is the start of December which can mean only one thing, Christmas has begun and our classroom will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland!
We will be writing letters to Father Christmas and sending them to the North Pole! In phonics we will be changing our groups so please keep on reading diaries for more updates.
Next week’s Events
On Monday 28th we will be attending our whole school Christingle Service in St Johns Church. Please remember to purchase tickets for the School Play for Thursday 1st 10am and 1pm or Friday 2nd at 1pm.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend!
From,
Miss Dalby, Mrs Hoskins and Mrs Rathbone
Skylarks WB 28.11.22, by Miss Beattie
Date: 24th Nov 2022 @ 8:09am
Hello everyone and welcome back to Skylarks weekly blog! ?
Another super week in Skylarks Class. The highlight of our week was definitely visiting the Lion Salt Works on Tuesday. The children represented our school so beautifully and engaged with all of the different activities with such enthusiasm.
Next week (W.B. 28.11.22)
In our English lessons next week, we will finish reading our book ‘The Lost Happy Endings’ by Carol Ann Duffy. We will continue to focus on the different characters we have come across in the story and how we can convey their character through action and speech. We will also create a journey map to summarise the main events in the story which will help us to plan and write our own traditional tale over the coming weeks.
In our shared reading lessons, we will continue to read ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Neil Gaiman. We will be focusing on language and will evaluate the author’s language choice, including the use of figurative language.
In maths we will be recapping prime numbers, square numbers and cube numbers, before moving on to learn how to multiply and divide by 10, 100 and 1000. We will also continue to consolidate our understanding of the four operations through daily 4 a day activities.
In our topic lesson, we will be learning about the Anderton Boat Lift and how it impacted the salt industry in Northwich. We will also think about the negative impact that the salt industry had on the local people and infrastructure.
In RE we will be reflecting on our learning from this half term. We will be recapping the titles which are given to Jesus and Christmas Time and deciding why they are helpful in describing Jesus’ role on Earth.
Our PE days for Autumn Term 2 will continue to be a Thursday (Cricket) and Friday with Mr Ault so your child should come to school in their PE kit on these days. Please remember PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/blue.
Homework
In year 5 the children will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers in the back of the homework book.
If your child is finding the homework tricky, please do let Mr Beswick or myself know so that we can offer them support in school.
The children should complete pages 16 and 17 of their maths book to be returned by Friday 2nd December 2022. This homework is looking at square and cube numbers.
Please also encourage your child to read for 20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings/times tables. The following websites are both great for times tables practice:
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 2nd December will be the next 10 words in the Y5/6 statutory word list:
Competition, conscience, conscious, controversy, convenience, correspond, criticise, curiosity, definite, desperate
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact ?
Miss Beattie x
Starlings WB 28th November, by Mrs Esling
Date: 23rd Nov 2022 @ 6:58pm
It is that time again! What another busy week we have had in Starlings class.
Friday Superstar: Grayson
Top Table: Corey and Gracie Mae
Diary Dates
Monday 12th December - Non uniform day in exchange for items for the school fair. Starlings class have been asked to donate pre-loved books for any age.
Tuesday 13th December is our whole school trip to watch the panto at the Grange School
Tuesday 13th December from 2.30pm-5pm, Christmas Fair.
Please note that school closes on 16th December at 1pm
Writing
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Nibbles has eaten through Jack and the beanstalk and he has bit the giant on his bottom!
Now we have found out that Nibbles is going on holiday but what should he take with him. This will provide us with a fantastic opportinity to practie our -s and -es suffixes on nouns.
Maths
In maths we will be exploring subtraction and challenging ourselves with missing box equations.
Reading
Please spend 10 – 20 minutes reading each day. This can be a combination of Read Write Inc and bedtime story books. Please remember the importance of your child listening to YOU read during this time too.
Read Write Inc
Our RWI lessons start promptly at 9am. If you are able to drop your child off as near to 8.45 as possible it would be very beneficial.
The children will continue to bring home a Read Write Inc book, a book bag book and a bedtime story each week. This provides them with a variety of familiar, new and challenging texts to read. Bedtime storybooks are to be enjoyed with an adult. Reading TO the children ensures that they experience the magic of a story coming to life and have a purpose and love of reading.
Please check your child’s diary to find out which group they are in, which sounds they have learnt that week and which books they have in their book bag. Each time they move to a new group they will receive a RWI book mark. On this book mark are the ‘red’ words that are practised in that group. These words inform our spelling quizzes and regular practise supports fluency and confidence in writing.
On the class page I have uploaded three new files named Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3. These contain the QR codes for all the sounds. Each video is about ten minutes long and can be viewed by your child independently. Please check your child's bookbag on a Friday to see which new sounds they have learnt that week and use the videos to support their learning.
SPELLINGS
The quiz for the spellings will be on WEDNESDAY 30th November. The spellings are:
baby he paint be what
PE
Our PE days are Wednesdays and Fridays. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered.
Snack
Children in KS1 receive free fruit. Children do not have to bring a snack from home but if you wish to do so we ask that it is a healthy option and just one item, please. Please also rembember we are a NUT FREE SCHOOL. Please can you also make sure that your child only has water in their water bottle. Juice, howver, is fine at lunchtimes if your child brings a packed lunch.
Birthdays
We love celebrating the children's birthdays and hearing about all the exciting things they are doing. We appreciate that it is not always possible to invite the whole class and we would ask therefore that in these instances that invites are given out before or after school. Thank you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via a note in your child’s diary or through the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606 668270
Many thanks Mrs Esling and Mrs Westland
Swallows Wk Beg 21st November 2022, by Mrs Rice
Date: 21st Nov 2022 @ 4:52pm
Hi Everyone
What a fantastic trip we had to the Liverpool Maritime Museum on Wednesday. I hope that you have enjoyed looking at our photgraphs on Twitter. The children were fabulous, we were really proud of them. Seeing them working together on the Albert Docks to describe their location using the four points of the compass was great.They showed friendship and kindness to each other. The children all looked super in their own clothes for Children in Need day on Friday, thank you for your kind donations to this wonderful charity.
Our spellings this week focus on adding the suffix 'y'.
spotty, runny, s;oppy, funny, muddy, nutty, boggy, yummy
Skylarks WB 21.11.22, by Miss Beattie
Date: 17th Nov 2022 @ 9:29pm
Hello everyone and welcome back to Skylarks weekly blog! ?
What a great week we have had in Skylarks Class. We have been busy working on our dance and singing for our Christmas Production and we can’t wait for you to see it.
Next week (W.B. 21.11.22)
Reminders:
- Tuesday 22nd November – Skylarks Class trip to Lion Salt Works. Children must wear full school uniform, including a waterproof coat. They will need to bring their lunch in a named plastic bag that we can dispose of after we have eaten (no lunch boxes please).
- Wednesday 23rd November – Film night in school
In our English lessons next week, we will continue to delve deeper into our book ‘The Lost Happy Endings’ by Carol Ann Duffy. We will be focussing on the different characters we have come across in the story and how they fit into the traditional character roles often found in fairytale stories.
In our shared reading lessons, we will continue to read ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Neil Gaiman. We will be focusing on language and will evaluate the author’s language choice, including the use of figurative language.
In maths we will be learning about prime numbers, square numbers and cube numbers. We will also continue to consolidate our understanding of the four operations through daily 4 a day activities.
In science we will use our learning the Lion Salt Works to help us explain the process of separating salt from a water solution using the process of evaporation.
In our topic lesson, we will reflect on our learning from our trip to the Lion Salt Works. We will discuss what new knowledge we acquired, as well as what we would like to find out next.
Our PE days for Autumn Term 2 will continue to be a Thursday (Cricket) and Friday with Mr Ault so your child should come to school in their PE kit on these days. Please remember PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/blue.
Homework
In year 5 the children will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers in the back of the homework book.
If your child is finding the homework tricky, please do let Mr Beswick or myself know so that we can offer them support in school.
The children should complete page 18 of their maths book to be returned by Friday 25th November 2022. This homework is looking at multiples.
Please also encourage your child to read for 20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings/times tables. The following websites are both great for times tables practice:
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 25th November will continue to focus on words containing the -able suffix:
adaptable, predictable, knowledgeable, beatable, comfortable, reasonable, available, fashionable, miserable, believable
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact ?
Miss Beattie x
Toucans W.B. 21.11.22, by Mr Corkill
Date: 17th Nov 2022 @ 6:50pm
Welcome Back to Toucans’ Weekly Blog ?
Toucans have been really enthusiastic about researching an endangered animal this week in our English lessons which demonstrates their passion for conservation and protection of these vulnerable animal species.
Praise: Mason J
Top Table: Brooke and Amelia
Next Week (W.B. 21.11.22)
Reminders:
- PE will continue to take place on both a Monday and a Friday each week, so please send your child into school wearing their PE kit on these days. PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/navy.
- On Monday (21st November), school photos will be taken.
- On Wednesday (23rd November), we have our fundraising film night after school until 5pm.
Curriculum:
In English, we will continue planning and writing our endangered animal leaflets containing elements of information, explanation, and persuasion. We will bring together all our learning so far to incorporate a range of writing features, such as modal verbs, adverbs, and use of parenthesis to incorporate extra information. In our shared reading lesson, we will explore the poem El Alamein by John Jarmain and focus on drawing inferences and making comparisons.
In maths, we will continue with our 4-a-day arithmetic questions each morning to further practice our four operations. We will look at dividing a fraction by an integer, look at fractions of amounts, and finding the whole when given a fractional amount.
In science, we will conduct a series of circuit investigations to explore what the effect is when adding extra batteries, components, and extending the length of wires.
In our history/geography lesson, we will begin to learn about WW2. We shall explore a timeline of key events in early WW2 and use our atlas and map skills to understand which countries were involved in this conflict.
In RE, the children will discuss the world that a range of Christian communities are trying to build from the research we have conducted over the last few lessons.
The children will continue to be rehearsing for the upcoming Christmas production of Matilda each Thursday and Friday afternoon.
The children will continue to have a weekly German lesson with Mrs Judge on a Tuesday afternoon.
Homework:
Children in Year 6 will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers provided in the back of their homework book. If your child is finding the homework challenging, I will ensure that supervision is provided one lunchtime each week where your child can ask any questions or receive the support they need to complete the homework.
Children should complete pages 22 and 23 of their maths homework book this week and return it to school by Thursday 24th November. The homework this week focuses on multiplying and dividing fractions to consolidate the classwork we have completed this week.
Please also encourage your child to read for 15-20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings and times tables. Children need to record their reading in their homework diaries/planners. This really will help them with their reading speed and stamina.
The following website is great for times tables practice:https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 25th November will focus on words containing ei and ie and will be: achieve, deceived, mischievous, niece, perceive, pieces, protein, received, relieved, shriek.
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact!
Mr Corkill ?
Robins WB 21.11.22, by Mrs Whittingham
Date: 17th Nov 2022 @ 5:38pm
In Writing this week we have looked at improving our sentences using conjunctions and we have been writing dialogue between the characters in Winter's Child by Angela McAllister. In our reading lessons based on the book Ice Palace by Robert Swindells, we have been focusing on making predictions, using a dictionary to find the meaning of new words and what the text tells us about the main character. You will also notice that this is our reading target for the next few weeks and you will see the sticker label in your child's diary. As you read with them at home ask them Who is the main character? What sort of a person are they? How do we know this? etc. Please remember to read with your child for 10 - 15mins daily and record in diary if possible.
Next Wednesday we have our Film Night and we are also busy making preparations for our KS2 Production in December.
Our spellings next week will focus on the suffix -ly. We will focus on 8 spellings as this has worked well this week. I have also told the children that they can just focus on learning the first the first 5 if they need to. Well done to everyone who used the new spelling format in diaries and wrote out each word once in their beautiful, joined up handwriting.
Spelling Quiz on Friday 25th November - suddenly, carefully, finally, gently, simply, merrily, humbly, horribly
Remember to make learning spellings fun. Maybe write out words in coloured pen, underline the key sounds, draw around the word with images, draw around the shape of the word, write on pavement in chalk, trace words in sand etc.
Here is an online spelling game that your child will enjoy to revise Year 2 spellings and they can also have a go at some of the Year 3 spellings!
https://ictgames.com/littleBirdSpelling/
The children will have times tables homework based on x5 or on x4 based on their needs this week. Please return by Wednesday 23rd November. The children are also beginning to do times tables quizes on a Friday and we will start with x2.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Continue to use this game to revise and learn times tables.
In class the children have also been using this multiples game to help learn their time tables.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/times-tables/coconut-multiples
The children have really enjoyed using this train game to revise their addition and subtraction skills. It is lovely to see them challenge themselves as they move through the levels. Continue to just focus on the addition and subtraction carraiges.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/mental-maths-train
Next week in Maths, we will continue to focus on our arithmetic skills in the mornings. We start our first activity at 8.45 so if you could have your child in school for as close to this time as possible it allows them time to complete their morning arithmetic activity before we begin our Writing lesson at 9 sharp. Thanks for your support with this. We will also be working on adding and subtracting using a numberline and exploring patterns and connections.
Remember our PE days will remain as Monday and Wednesday for this term.
In Computing we will continue to use the Keynote app to prepare presentations on the Stone Age.
Our DT work for this term will focus on the Sustainability of Food. Next week we will be exploring how it is best to use local ingredients that are in season when cooking.
In RE we have begun our new Christianity topic on the Creation story and how Christians take care of the world.
In ART we will be using a variety of skills to create some textured cave paintings using mixed media.
The children will continue to have Ukulele lessons on a Thursday afternoon
Please feel free to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with,
Mrs Whittingham, Mrs O'Marah & Mrs Taylor
Goldfinches WB 21.11.22, by Mrs Evans
Date: 17th Nov 2022 @ 4:17pm
Welcome to Goldfinches’ Weekly Blog
A very active week this week with super enthusiasm from all.
Friday Superstar: Charley
Top Table: Archie and Elliot
This week we have:
… travelled back in time to learn all about the Ancient Greeks with Penelope and Andros. The day was packed full with hands on learning experiences from handling artefacts to find clues about life, weapons to find out about battles and the army, making our own clay coins, learning a dance and using drama to explore myths and facts. Wonderful listening, enthusiasm and contributions from everybody. Enjoyed dance with Donna which was successful in learning our part of the dance for Matilda.
Next week we will:
Monday: School photographs
Wednesday: Film night
Friday: Christmas light switch on 4.30pm (Choir)
Writing: look at plural and singular nouns and the rules for spelling them. We will meet a new character from Leon and the Place Between and develop our diary writing skills using a rich vocabulary.
Reading: We will continue to follow Suzy on her strange and unusual journey and pick up interesting vocabulary and make inferences about the characters and settings.
Reading homework: Please comment in your child’s diary when they have read aloud to you and sign when they have read independently to themselves. Please support your child to read for 10-20 minutes daily. In year 4 it is fine to have a mixture of your child reading aloud to you and them reading quietly to themselves.
Spelling: Our spelling focus this week will continue with words with the prefix ‘ey’ ‘ei’ eigh’
Spellings to learn for our test on Friday 25th November: drey, whey, survey, convey, eighth, eighteen, weight, neigh, neighbour, sleigh
We have used rainbow writing to help us practice this week. Have a go at home!
Maths: We will continue to practise using the formal column method to subtract and exchange and then apply our addition and subtraction methods to solving problems.
Maths Homework:
Have a go at the online game Tommy’s Trek. You can select the times table you want to practice and easy, medium or hard levels. We are recapping our 8x table at the moment so make sure you challenge yourself with the 8s as well as any others you want to get faster at. https://mathsframe.co.uk/en/resources/resource/318/Tommys-Trek-Times-Tables
Dance: We will be working on our Matilda dance with Donna again this week.
PE: Our PE day is Friday morning. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered. As the grass might be wet first thing, please send your child with spare school shoes and socks to change in to after.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606668270
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Evans, Mrs Judge and Miss Wilkinson.
Starlings WB 14.11.22, by Mrs Esling
Date: 10th Nov 2022 @ 9:17pm
It is that time again! What another busy week we have had in Starlings class.
Friday Superstar: Katie
Top Table: Heidi and Jayden H
Diary Dates
18th November Children in need – non uniform day and Whole school flu immunization
21st November School photographs
23rd November Film night for children - fundraising event £3 per child
Tuesday 13th December from 2.30pm-5pm, Christmas Fair
Writing
Nibbles has eathen through Goldilocks and the three bears! Goldilocks was shocked and upset that she had been blamed. I wonder which fairy story Nibbels will eat through next?
This week the children have enjoyed retelling the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. Next week we will be discussing how Little Red is going to feel when she is also the victim of Nibbles and his antics!! we will also be exploring the plural noun suffixes of -s and -es.
Maths
In maths we will be continuing our theme of addition but will explore it further using missing number equations which will support our understanding of inverse operations.
Reading
Please spend 10 – 20 minutes reading each day. This can be a combination of Read Write Inc and bedtime story books. Please remember the importance of your child listening to YOU read during this time too.
Read Write Inc
Our RWI lessons start promptly at 9am. If you are able to drop your child off as near to 8.45 as possible it would be very beneficial.
The children will continue to bring home a Read Write Inc book, a book bag book and a bedtime story each week. This provides them with a variety of familiar, new and challenging texts to read. Bedtime storybooks are to be enjoyed with an adult. Reading TO the children ensures that they experience the magic of a story coming to life and have a purpose and love of reading.
Please check your child’s diary to find out which group they are in, which sounds they have learnt that week and which books they have in their book bag. Each time they move to a new group they will receive a RWI book mark. On this book mark are the ‘red’ words that are practised in that group. These words inform our spelling quizzes and regular practise supports fluency and confidence in writing.
On the class page I have uploaded three new files named Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3. These contain the QR codes for all the sounds. Each video is about ten minutes long and can be viewed by your child independently. Please check your child's bookbag on a Friday to see which new sounds they have learnt that week and use the videos to support their learning.
SPELLINGS
The quiz for the spellings will be on WEDNESDAY 16th November. The spellings are:
is she was they were
PE
Our PE days are Wednesdays and Fridays. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered.
Snack
Children in KS1 receive free fruit. Children do not have to bring a snack from home but if you wish to do so we ask that it is a healthy option and just one item, please. Please also rembember we are a NUT FREE SCHOOL. Please can you also make sure that your child only has water in their water bottle. Juice, howver, is fine at lunchtimes if your child brings a packed lunch.
Birthdays
We love celebrating the children's birthdays and hearing about all the exciting things they are doing. We appreciate that it is not always possible to invite the whole class and we would ask therefore that in these instances that invites are given out before or after school. Thank you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via a note in your child’s diary or through the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606 668270
Many thanks Mrs Esling and Mrs Westland
Robins WB 14.11.22, by Mrs Whittingham
Date: 10th Nov 2022 @ 5:17pm
Super diary writing in Robins this week as we have explored the winter outdoor activities that Tom did in Winter's Child by Angela McAllister. In our reading lessons based on the book Ice Palace by Robert Swindells, we have been focusing on what the text tells us about the main character. You will also notice that this is our reading target for the next few weeks and you will see the sticker label in your child's diary. As you read with them at home ask them Who is the main character? What sort of a person are they? How do we know this? etc.
Lots to look forward to this term with Non-uniform day for Children in Need on the 18th November, Film Night on the 23rd November and of course our KS2 Production in December.
Our spellings next week will focus on the suffix -ous. I have decided to set just 8 spellings as the children have been finding the spellings difficult. I have also told them to work on just the first 5 if they need to. I have changed the design of the spelling sheet in the diary too so the children just need to write out each word once in their beautiful, joined up handwriting.
Spelling Quiz on Friday 18th November - dangerous, mountainous, famous, jealous, enormous, tremendous, hazardous, fabulous.
Remember to make learning spellings fun. Maybe write out words in coloured pen, underline the key sounds, draw around the word with images, draw around the shape of the word, write on pavement in chalk, trace words in sand etc.
Here is an online spelling game that your child will enjoy to revise Year 2 spellings and they can also have a go at some of the Year 3 spellings!
https://ictgames.com/littleBirdSpelling/
The children will have times tables homework based on x5 or on x4 based on their needs this week. Please return by Wednesday 16th November.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Continue to use this game to revise and learn times tables.
In class the children have also been using this multiples game to help learn their time tables.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/times-tables/coconut-multiples
The children have really enjoyed using this train game to revise their addition and subtraction skills. It is lovely to see them challenge themselves as they move through the levels. Continue to just focus on the addition and subtraction carraiges.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/mental-maths-train
Next week in Maths, we will be focusing on our arithmetic skills in the mornings. We start our first activity at 8.45 so if you could have your child in school for as close to this time as possible it allows them time to complete their morning arithmetic activity before we begin our Writing lesson at 9 sharp.Thanks for your support with this.
Remember our PE days will remain as Monday and Wednesday for this term.
In Computing we will continue to use the Keynote app to prepare presentations on the Stone Age.
We have also begun our DT work for this term which will focus on the Sustainability of Food.
In RE we will continue to work on our new Christianity topic on Discipleship and will be thinking about the birth of Jesus.
In ART we will be using a variety of skills to create some textured cave paintings.
The children have begun their Ukulele lessons on a Thursday afternoon
Please feel free to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with,
Mrs Whittingham, Mrs O'Marah & Mrs Taylor
Goldfinches WB 14.11.22, by Mrs Evans
Date: 10th Nov 2022 @ 4:50pm
Welcome to Goldfinches’ Weekly Blog
Well done for working hard to settle back in to routine everyone!
Friday Superstar: Bella
Top Table: Hattie and Molly
This week we have:
…been superstar problem solvers in maths, enjoyed finding out about our teeth and also what it was like to live in Greece 2500 years ago! We have loved beginning to learn the songs for Matilda and have impressed Mrs Evans with our use of ambitious vocabulary in our writing.
Thurs 17th November- Greek workshop in school.
Matilda: Tickets are available to book for our KS2 Christmas performance. Goldfinches class will be dancing as Children from the play. Shirts and ties are kindly being provided by Donna North and they will just need their school skirt/trousers and shoes for the performances.
Next week we will:
Writing: Explore further into our book ‘Leon and the Place Between’ and develop our use of ambitious verbs, adverbs and adjectives in our descriptive writing.
Reading: We have loved reading our new book ‘The Train to Impossible Places’ and are keen find out more about Suzy and the strange world she is about to enter.
Reading homework: Please comment in your child’s diary when they have read aloud to you and sign when they have read independently to themselves. Please support your child to read for 10-20 minutes daily. In year 4 it is fine to have a mixture of your child reading aloud to you and them reading quietly to themselves.
Spelling: Our spelling focus this week is words with the spelling patterns eigh, ey, ei
Spellings to learn for our test on Friday 18th November: grey, prey, obey, they, eight, eighty, freight, rein, vein, veil
We have used the strategy of colouring the vowel patterns in different colours.
Maths: We will continue our unit on addition using the formal column method with exchanging. We will work on recalling the 8x table facts.
Maths Homework:
There is an 8x table game in book bags- match the card to the answer as quickly as you can. Turn over the cards and play matching pairs. 1 person hold the answer card and say the matching fact e.g. hold 32 and say- “I am 4 times 8 or 8 times 4”
Have a go at the online game ‘Maths Chase’ to practise the division facts for the 4x table https://www.mathschase.com/games/division-4/
For the 8x table, use these online challenges to practise https://www.timestables.co.uk/8-times-table.html
Music: This half term is Goldfinches’ turn to have weekly Ukulele lessons on Thursday afternoons.
PE: Our PE day is Friday morning. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered. As the grass might be wet first thing, please send your child with spare school shoes and socks to change in to after.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606668270
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Evans, Mrs Judge and Miss Wilkinson.
Toucans W.B. 14.11.22, by Mr Corkill
Date: 10th Nov 2022 @ 3:41pm
Welcome Back to Toucans’ Weekly Blog ?
Toucans have really impressed me this week with their magnificent mathematics skills whilst they have been solving problems involving adding and subtracting fractions. Well done, everyone!
Praise: Amelia
Top Table: Finley and Abi
Next Week (W.B. 14.11.22)
Reminders:
- PE will continue to take place on both a Monday and a Friday each week, so please send your child into school wearing their PE kit on these days. PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/navy.
- Next Friday (18th November) the children can come to school wearing their own clothes for a donation to Children in Need. As this is one of our PE days, please ensure that clothing is suitable for exercising in with Mr Ault.
Curriculum:
In English, we will be investigating a model report on an endangered animal to understand the writing features and sections of text involved. We will also be looking at researching our own endangered animal to gather facts and information that will later be used for our final writing pieces.
In maths, we will continue with our 4-a-day arithmetic questions each morning to further practice our four operations. We will look at multi-step problems involving fractions before moving onto multiplying fractions by an integer or another fraction.
In our history/geography lesson, we will investigate how WW1 came to an end and create a newspaper front page outlining the reasons why and how this conflict ended. We will also discuss the significance of WW1 and its lasting impact.
In RE, the children will continue to research a local, national, and global Christian community and examine the similarities and differences between these communities.
In PSHE / RSE, the children will be discussing the factors of a healthy relationship and marriage.
The children will continue to be rehearsing for the upcoming Christmas production of Matilda each Thursday and Friday afternoon.
The children will continue to have a weekly German lesson with Mrs Judge on a Tuesday afternoon.
Homework:
Children in Year 6 will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers provided in the back of their homework book. If your child is finding the homework challenging, I will ensure that supervision is provided one lunchtime each week where your child can ask any questions or receive the support they need to complete the homework.
Children should complete pages 20 and 21 of their maths homework book this week and return it to school by Thursday 17th November. The homework this week focuses on adding and subtracting fractions to consolidate the classwork we have completed this week.
Please also encourage your child to read for 15-20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings and times tables. Children need to record their reading in their homework diaries/planners. This really will help them with their reading speed and stamina.
The following website is great for times tables practice: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 18th November will focus on words containing silent letters and will be: autumn, climbed, column, doubting, guessed, guidance, knight, knowledgeable, rustled, whistle.
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact!
Mr Corkill ?
Skylarks WB 14.11.22, by Miss Beattie
Date: 10th Nov 2022 @ 10:22am
Hello everyone and welcome back to Skylarks weekly blog! ?
We have had another super week in Skylarks Class. The children have particularly enjoyed our topic work on the Lion Salt Works ahead of our trip next week.
Next week (W.B. 14.11.22)
Reminders:
- Tuesday 22nd November – Skylarks Class trip to Lion Salt Works. Children must wear full school uniform, including a waterproof coat. They will need to bring their lunch in a named plastic bag that we can dispose of after we have eaten (no lunch boxes please). The total balance is due by tomorrow (Friday 11th November 2022).
In our English lessons next week, we continue to delve deeper into our new book ‘The Lost Happy Endings’ by Carol Ann Duffy. We will continue to focus on selecting appropriate vocabulary and using dialogue to convey characters and atmosphere,
In our shared reading lessons, we will continue to read ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Neil Gaiman. We will be focusing on language and will evaluate the author’s language choice, including the use of figurative language. We will also be identifying the common themes in traditional tales.
In maths we will be learning about multiples and factors. We will also continue to consolidate our understanding of the four operations through daily 4 a day activities.
In science we will learn that some changes are reversible and some are irreversible, resulting in the formation of a new material. The children will watch demonstrations to show these two different types of changes.
In RE we will continue our topic on ‘Incarnation’. We will explore a passage from the book of John, identifying and explaining the names given to Jesus in it.
In our topic lessons, we will continue to learn more about our local area, including the Lion Salt Works and the Anderton Boat Lift.
Our PE days for Autumn Term 2 will continue to be a Thursday (Cricket) and Friday with Mr Ault so your child should come to school in their PE kit on these days. Please remember PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/blue.
Homework
In year 5 the children will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers in the back of the homework book.
If your child is finding the homework tricky, please do let Mr Beswick or myself know so that we can offer them support in school.
The children should complete page 13 of their maths book to be returned by Friday 18th November 2022. This homework is looking at written methods of addition and subtraction.
Please also encourage your child to read for 20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings/times tables. The following websites are both great for times tables practice:
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 18th November will be words containing the -able suffix:
Understandable, breakable, suitable, enjoyable, noticeable, changeable, adorable, reliable, enviable, bearable
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact ?
Miss Beattie x
Swallows Wk beg 11th November 2022, by Mrs Rice
Date: 3rd Nov 2022 @ 10:25pm
Hi Everyone
We have had a great first week back together in Swallows class :) The children have enjoyed getting to know the songs for our Christmas play and are sounding great. Please let me know if you have any questions about the children's costumes.
A little message from School Councl:
Next week we will be starting a beautiful new book in our Writing lessons, The Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark by Jill Tomlinson. This book will be the stimulus for our non chronological report writing.
In Maths, we will be comparing 2 digit numbers using the < > and = symbols. We will be ordering numbers and counting in 2's, 5's, 10's and 3's.
Our spellings this week focus on the 'or' sound spelt 'a' when beofre 'l' and 'll':
tall, wall, small, also, almost, always, altogether, already
On Friday 11th November, we will be visiting the cenotaph in our church grounds to commemorate Remembrance Day. The children will explore the significance of the poppy and reflect upon the sacrifices the soldiers gave for us.
Thank you for your continued support with reading, spellings at times tables at home. Please come and see me or Mrs Southern if you have any questions or queries.
Many thanks
Mrs Rice and Mrs Southern
Owls WC 7.11.22, by Miss Dalby
Date: 3rd Nov 2022 @ 8:16pm
Welcome back Owls!
Friday Superstar: Damon
Top table: Skyler and Fern
This week we have…
This Week's Theme: We have been looking at special events at this time in the year and created beautiful art work for Bonfire Night and creating Diwali lamps.
Literacy: We have been looking at the story of 'Pumpkin Soup', we have discussed what will happen next in the story and the clues that help us. We have been investigating inside of a pumpkin, what it looks, feels and smells like! We started the week by making pumpkin soup, the children had fun cutting, mixing and of course eating the soup!
Numeracy: We have been looking at the number 4 this week, finding 4 around our class room and seeing how we can make 4 using different groups. We have been finding the total amount by thinking about how we can count accurately an object at a time. We have been measuring water in big and small containers during our busy time, finding that we can hold more water in a big jug!
Next week we will…
Next week we will be continuing to look at special events of this time of year, with remembrance day we will be creating our own poppies to add to our own planter in the outside area. We will be choosing our literacy for this week, the children will be exploring sentence structure; who, what, where. In Phonics, we will be working in our groups and exploring our intial sounds - please look in the children's reading diary for more information on your child's progress. In Numeracy, we will be looking at the number 5! We will be starting to explore number bonds to 5, which 2 smaller groups can be used to make 5 altogether.
We will be using the forest school on Thursday 10th Nov so please make sure your child has waterproof coats/clothing and wellies.
PE will resume as normal on Monday and Wednesday for Owls Class.
We hope you have a fantastic weekend!
From,
Miss Dalby, Mrs Hoskins and Mrs Rathbone
Robins week beginning 7th November, by Mrs Whittingham
Date: 3rd Nov 2022 @ 5:47pm
Robins have had a very busy week back in school this week after the half-term break. We have begun our new writing unit based on the beautiful book Winter's Child by Angela McAllister and our reading unit based on the book Ice Palace by Robert Swindells.
Lots to look forward to this term with Worship for Year 3/4 in Church on Monday 7th November, Non-uniform day for Children in Need on the 18th November, Film Night on the 23rd November and of course our KS2 Production in December.
You will have noticed in the homework diary we have a sticker which will provide your child with a weekly reading target for when they read both in school and at home. Please look out for these targets and discuss with your child. Remember reading at home is a daily homework activity. Aim for 10 - 15 mins every night. You might find your child likes to read by themselves which is fine but also ask them to read a page or 2 to you to ensure they can read their chosen book with fluency and expression and ask them about their reading target.
Our spellings next week will coninue to work on prefixes.
Spelling Quiz on Friday 11th November - impatient, impossible, impolite, immortal, immature, imperfect, incapable, incomplete, invisisble, incorrect
Remember to make learning spellings fun. Maybe write out words in coloured pen, underline the key sounds, draw around the word with images, draw around the shape of the word, write on pavement in chalk, trace words in sand etc.
Here is an online spelling game that your child will enjoy to revise Year 2 spellings and they can also have a go at some of the Year 3 spellings!
https://ictgames.com/littleBirdSpelling/
The children will have times tables homework based on x2/x5/x10 or on x4 based on their needs this week. Please return by Wednesday 9th November.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Continue to use this game to revise and learn times tables.
In class the children have also been using this multiples game to help learn their time tables.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/times-tables/coconut-multiples
The children have really enjoyed using this train game to revise their addition and subtraction skills. It is lovely to see them challenge themselves as they move through the levels. Continue to just focus on the addition and subtraction carraiges.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/mental-maths-train
Our focus this week in Maths has been adding and subtracting 1s, 10, and 100s. Next week we will be exploring Addition and Subtraction patterns. adding and subtracting across 10 and 100.
Remember our PE days will remain as Monday and Wednesday for this term.
In Computing we will continue to use the Keynote app to prepare presentations on the Stone Age.
We have also begun our DT work for this term which will focus on the Sustainability of Food.
In RE we will satrt our new Christianity topic on Discipleship and will be thinking about the birth of Jesus.
In ART we will be finding out more about Georges Seurat and will be exploring colour mixing.
The children have begun their Ukulele lessons on a Thursday afternoon
Please feel free to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with,
Mrs Whittingham, Mrs O'Marah & Mrs Taylor
Goldfinches WB 7.11.22, by Mrs Evans
Date: 3rd Nov 2022 @ 4:26pm
Welcome to Goldfinches’ Weekly Blog
Welcome back everybody- we hope you had a wonderful half term!
Friday Superstar: Nathan
Top Table: Alex and Jacob C
This week we have:
…entered the circus and used our senses to predict and write setting descriptions about our new book ‘Leon and the Place Between’. We have sorted foods into their food groups and designed a balanced meal in science to launch our new topic of teeth, digestion and healthy food choices. It was lovely to see how engaged Goldfinches were in their first Ukulele lesson- they really impressed the teacher!
Book Trade – Message from our new School Councillors
We will be holding a book trade on the first Friday back after half-term (Friday 4thNovember) straight after school. Please bring your book in on book trade day to swap your unwanted books for a new one to enjoy. Recommended for adults too. Thank you from, school council.
Next week we will:
Writing: Develop our descriptive writing skills as we ‘Step into the magic’
Reading: We have begun our new book ‘The Train to Impossible Places’ and will find out more about Suzy and the strange world she lives in.
Reading homework: Please comment in your child’s diary when they have read aloud to you and sign when they have read independently to themselves. Please support your child to read for 10-20 minutes daily. In year 4 it is fine to have a mixture of your child reading aloud to you and them reading quietly to themselves.
Spelling: Our spelling focus this week is words with the prefix ‘inter’
Spellings to learn for our test on Friday 11th November: international, intercity, interact, interrelated, internet, interlock, intermediate, intergalactic
We have used spelling doodles to help us practice and there is a blank doodle in your child’s bag to use at home.
Maths: We will begin our unit on addition using the formal column method. We will rehearse our division by 4 facts out of order and build up our recall of the 8x table facts.
Maths Homework:
Have a go at the online game ‘Maths Chase’ to practise you’re the division facts for the 4x table https://www.mathschase.com/games/division-4/
For those of you who have moved onto your 8x table, use coconut multiples to practise. https://www.topmarks.co.uk/times-tables/coconut-multiples
Music: This half term is Goldfinches’ turn to have weekly Ukulele lessons on Thursday afternoons.
PE: Our PE day is Friday morning. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered. As the grass might be wet first thing, please send your child with spare school shoes and socks to change in to after.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606668270
Have a lovely weekend,
Mrs Evans, Mrs Judge and Miss Wilkinson.
Toucans W.B. 07.11.22, by Mr Corkill
Date: 3rd Nov 2022 @ 3:35pm
Welcome Back to Toucans’ Weekly Blog ?
Toucans have had a great first week back in school. They all really enjoyed our trip to Safety Central on Tuesday, where they managed to score an impressive 97% on the ‘end of the day’ quiz. Fantastic work, everyone!
Praise: Isabel
Top Table: Jake and Zach
Next Week (W.B. 07.11.22)
Reminders:
- PE will continue to take place on both a Monday and a Friday each week, so please send your child into school wearing their PE kit on these days. PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/navy.
- Christmas production rehearsals have begun, so please ensure your child is regularly reading their scripts and learning their lines.
Curriculum:
In English, we will continue to explore our new model text, ‘Can We Save The Tiger?’, and focus upon adding parenthesis using dashes, studying hybrid text type features, and writing a short report on kakapos. In our shared reading lesson, we will be comparing and contrasting two poems on blackouts during times of conflict.
In maths, we will continue with our 4-a-day arithmetic questions each morning to further practice our four operations. We will continue to focus on fractions with a particular emphasis on adding and subtracting fractions.
In science, we will continue with our new unit of electricity. We shall be looking at the effect of voltage on the components of a circuit through building a range of circuits and increasing the voltage within each.
In our history/geography lesson, we will complete a lesson focusing on remembrance day. We shall use ‘A Street Near You’ to research a local WW1 soldier to create a fact file and explore the significance of remembering those who fought for our country.
In RE, the children will begin to research a local, national and global Christian community and examine the similarities and differences between these communities.
The children will continue to have a weekly German lesson with Mrs Judge on a Tuesday afternoon.
Homework:
Children in Year 6 will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers provided in the back of their homework book. If your child is finding the homework challenging, I will ensure that supervision is provided one lunchtime each week where your child can ask any questions or receive the support they need to complete the homework.
Children should complete pages 18 and 19 of their maths homework book this week and return it to school by Thursday 10th November. The homework this week focuses on simplifying and ordering fractions to consolidate the classwork we have completed this week.
Please also encourage your child to read for 15-20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings and times tables. Children need to record their reading in their homework diaries/planners. This really will help them with their reading speed and stamina. The following website is great for times tables practice: https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 11th November will focus on words containing the ‘sh’ sound spelt si or ssi and will be: admission, comprehension, discussion, explosion, impression, permission, profession, revision, tension, vision.
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact!
Mr Corkill ?
Skylarks WB 7.11.22, by Miss Beattie
Date: 3rd Nov 2022 @ 12:44pm
Hello everyone and welcome back to Skylarks weekly blog! ?
We have had a super first week back after half term and I am very impressed with the hard-working attitude that Skylarks’ Class have shown.
Next week (W.B. 7.11.22)
Reminders:
- Tuesday 22nd November – Skylarks Class trip to Lion Salt Works. Children must wear full school uniform, including a waterproof coat. They will need to bring their lunch in a named plastic bag that we can dispose of after we have eaten (no lunch boxes please). The total balance is due by Friday 11th November 2022.
In our English lessons next week, we continue to delve deeper into our new book ‘The Lost Happy Endings’ by Carol Ann Duffy. We will be looking at how the author uses different techniques to create a tense atmosphere and will be applying this learning in our own setting and character descriptions. We will also recap how to correctly punctuate direct speech.
In our shared reading lessons, we will explore our new book ‘Hansel and Gretel’ by Neil Gaiman. We will be focusing on language and will evaluate the author’s language choice, including the use of figurative language.
In maths we will be looking at multi-step problems involving written methods of addition and subtraction. We will also continue to consolidate our knowledge of the four operations through daily 4-a-day activities.
In science the children will work collaboratively to plan and carry out their own scientific enquiry around dissolving, recognising and controlling variables to ensure their test is fair.
In RE we begin our new topic on ‘Incarnation’. We will be thinking about the titles given to people today, as well as the many titles given to Jesus in the bible.
In our topic lessons, we will continue to learn more about our local area, including the Lion Salt Works and the Anderton Boat Lift.
Our PE days for Autumn Term 2 will continue to be a Thursday (Cricket) and Friday with Mr Ault so your child should come to school in their PE kit on these days. Please remember PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/blue.
Homework
In year 5 the children will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers in the back of the homework book.
If your child is finding the homework tricky, please do let Mr Beswick or myself know so that we can offer them support in school.
The children should complete page 12 of their maths book to be returned by Friday 11th November 2022. This homework is looking at written methods of addition and subtraction.
Please also encourage your child to read for 20 minutes each evening and practice their spellings/times tables. The following websites are both great for times tables practice:
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Our spellings for the quiz on Friday 11th November will be the next 10 words from the Y5/6 Statutory spelling list:
Available, average, awkward, bargain, bruise, category, cemetery, committee, communicate, community
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact ?
Miss Beattie x
Starlings WB 7th November 2022, by Mrs Esling
Date: 29th Oct 2022 @ 4:41pm
It is that time again! What another busy week we have had in Starlings class.
On Friday 11th November, we will be visiting the cenotaph in our church grounds to commemorate Remembrance Day. The children will explore the significance of the poppy and reflect upon the sacrifices the soldiers gave for us.
Friday Superstar: Teddy H
Top Table: Teddy G and Evelyn
Diary Dates
18th November Children in need – non uniform day and Whole school flu immunization
21st November School photographs
23rd November Film night for children - fundraising event £3 per child
Writing
In our writing lessons we have found out that the culprit is Nibbles the book eating monster! We have rewritten the mising labels he damaged and we have also been designing traps to catch him. This week sees him visiting Goldilocks and the three bears. What mischief will he cause there?
Maths
In maths,we will be exploring addition and looking at how two parts can be added together to form an equations.
Reading
Please spend 10 – 20 minutes reading each day. This can be a combination of Read Write Inc and bedtime story books. Please remember the importance of your child listening to YOU read during this time too.
Read Write Inc
Our RWI lessons start promptly at 9am. If you are able to drop your child off as near to 8.45 as possible it would be very beneficial.
The children will continue to bring home a Read Write Inc book, a book bag book and a bedtime story each week. This provides them with a variety of familiar, new and challenging texts to read. Bedtime storybooks are to be enjoyed with an adult. Reading TO the children ensures that they experience the magic of a story coming to life and have a purpose and love of reading.
Please check your child’s diary to find out which group they are in, which sounds they have learnt that week and which books they have in their book bag. Each time they move to a new group they will receive a RWI book mark. On this book mark are the ‘red’ words that are practised in that group. These words inform our spelling quizzes and regular practise supports fluency and confidence in writing.
On the class page I have uploaded three new files named Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3. These contain the QR codes for all the sounds. Each video is about ten minutes long and can be viewed by your child independently. Please check your child's bookbag on a Friday to see which new sounds they have learnt that week and use the videos to support their learning.
SPELLINGS
The quiz for the spellings will be on WEDNESDAY 16th November. The spellings are:
is she was they were
PE
Our PE days are Wednesdays and Fridays. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered.
Snack
Children in KS1 receive free fruit. Children do not have to bring a snack from home but if you wish to do so we ask that it is a healthy option and just one item, please. Please also rembember we are a NUT FREE SCHOOL. Please can you also make sure taht your child only has water in their water bottle. Juice, howver, is fine at lunchtimes if your child brings a packed lunch.
Birthdays
We love celebrating the children's birthdays and hearing about all the exciting things they are doing. We appreciate that it is not always possible to invite the whole class and we would ask therefore that in these instances that invites are given out before or after school. Thank you.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via a note in your child’s diary or through the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606 668270
Many thanks Mrs Esling and Mrs Westland
Starlings WB 31st October 2022, by Mrs Esling
Date: 27th Oct 2022 @ 2:35pm
It was so lovely to see parents this week and share how well everyone has settled into Year 1 and how they are working so well together. The children have worked incredibly hard thishalf term and truly deserve a restful break. It was also especially lovely to see so many of you at your Harvest Festival. The children worked so hard with their singing and really enjoyed performing in church.
Friday Superstar: Alba
Top Table: James K and Jayden B
Diary Dates
18th November Children in need – non uniform day and Whole school flu immunization
21st November School photographs
23rd November Film night for children - fundraising event
Writing
In our writing lessons we will be finding out who it is who has been nibbling items in our classroom. Will we be able to catch the culprit?
Maths
In maths,we will be exploring what is one more and what is one less than a given number. We will also be looking at how we can partition numbers using the bar method in addition to the ‘cherry’ diagram we have used previously.
Reading
Please spend 10 – 20 minutes reading each day. This can be a combination of Read Write Inc and bedtime story books. Please remember the importance of your child listening to YOU read during this time too.
Read Write Inc
Our RWI lessons start promptly at 9am. If you are able to drop your child off as near to 8.45 as possible it would be very beneficial.
The children will continue to bring home a Read Write Inc book, a book bag book and a bedtime story each week. This provides them with a variety of familiar, new and challenging texts to read. Bedtime storybooks are to be enjoyed with an adult. Reading TO the children ensures that they experience the magic of a story coming to life and have a purpose and love of reading.
Please check your child’s diary to find out which group they are in, which sounds they have learnt that week and which books they have in their book bag. Each time they move to a new group they will receive a RWI book mark. On this book mark are the ‘red’ words that are practised in that group. These words inform our spelling quizzes and regular practise supports fluency and confidence in writing.
On the class page I have uploaded three new files named Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3. These contain the QR codes for all the sounds. Each video is about ten minutes long and can be viewed by your child independently. Please check your child's bookbag on a Friday to see which new sounds they have learnt that week and use the videos to support their learning.
SPELLINGS
After chatting to many of you at parents evening I have decided to quiz the children in smaller groups. For this reason, the quiz will now take place on WEDNESDAY to ensure we are able to feedback how your child has done before the weekend. There is no spelling quiz for the week beginning the 31st October. New spellings will be put in your childs diary WB 31.10.22.
PE
Our PE days are Wednesdays and Fridays. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered.
Snack
Children in KS1 receive free fruit. Children do not have to bring a snack from home but if you wish to do so we ask that it is a healthy option and just one item, please. Please also rembember we are a NUT FREE SCHOOL.
Birthdays
We love celebrating the children's birthdays and hearing about all the exciting things they are doing. We appreciate that it is not always possible to invite the whole class and we would ask therefore that in these instances that invites are given out before or after school. Thank you.
Book Trade – Message from our new School Councillors:
We will be holding a book trade on the first Friday back after half-term (Friday 5th November) straight after school. In the half-term holiday, we suggest you sort through your books to find any you don’t want anymore. Please bring them in on book trade day to swap your unwanted books for new ones to enjoy. Recommended for adults too. Thank you from, school council.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via a note in your child’s diary or through the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606 668270
Many thanks Mrs Esling and Mrs Westland
Robins Week beg. 31.10.22, by Mrs Whittingham
Date: 21st Oct 2022 @ 12:29pm
It was so lovely to see parents this week and share how well everyone has settled into Year 3 and how they are working so well together. The children have worked incredibly hard this term and are looking forward to a well deserved break. Next half term will be very exciting with our Amazing Light workshop on Friday 4th November, Worship for Year 3/4 in Church on Monday 7th November, Non-uniform day for Children in Need on the 18th November, Film Night on the 23rd November and of course our KS2 Production in December.
In English we have finished our writing based on the book the Seal Surfer this week with lots of writing in the role of Tom. The children have written a series of letters to Grandad from Tom. After half term we will base our writing on the beautiful book Winter's Child by Angela McAllister.
Thank you to everyone who has been reading at home this week and recording it in the homework diaries. Aim for 10 - 15 mins every night. You might find your child likes to read by themselves which is fine but also ask them to read a page or 2 to you to ensure they can read their chosen book with fluency and expression.
It was great to see the children remember more of their phonics sounds in their writing this week. Thank you for your support with their spelling homework. We will now move on to looking at our spellings for Year 3. You will notice that they had these spellings early on in September but I felt they were too difficut at the time for most of the children so we will be doing some work on them again the first week back after the half term.
Spelling Quiz on Friday 4th November - incomplete, invisible, incapable, independent, dishonest, disagree, disappear, dislike, disapprove, incorrect.
Remember to make learning spellings fun. Maybe write out words in coloured pen, underline the key sounds, draw around the word with images, draw around the shape of the word, write on pavement in chalk, trace words in sand etc.
Here is an online spelling game that your child will enjoy to revise Year 2 spellings and they can also have a go at some of the Year 3 spellings!
https://ictgames.com/littleBirdSpelling/
The children have worked hard this week on their 4 times tables. We have looked at patterns on the 100 square and made connections with other times tables that they know. Your child will get a x4 activity on Friday but they will also have the option of taking home a x2/5/10 activity if this matches their needs better. Homework can be completed over the weekend or next week and returned by next Wednesday 2nd November.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Continue to use this game to revise and learn times tables.
In class the children have also been using this multiples game to help learn their time tables.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/times-tables/coconut-multiples
The children have really enjoyed using this train game to revise their addition skills. It is lovely to see them challenge themselves as they move through the levels. Continue to just focus on the addition and subtraction carraige.
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/mental-maths-train
After half term our focus in Maths will be Addition and Subtraction.
Remember our PE days will remain as Monday and Wednesday for this term.
In Computing we will continue to use the Keynote app to prepare presentations on the Stone Age.
We have also begun our DT work for this term which will focus on the Sustainability of Food.
The children will have Ukulele lessons on a Thursday afternoon starting after half term until Christmas.
Please feel free to get in touch if there is anything we can help you with,
Mrs Whittingham, Mrs O'Marah & Mrs Taylor
Toucans W.B. 31.10.22, by Mr Corkill
Date: 20th Oct 2022 @ 8:09pm
Welcome Back to Toucans’ Weekly Blog ?
Toucans have really impressed me this week with their mature, caring, and conscientious attitude to their first set of assessments in Year 6. We have also begun to think about our Christmas production (more details to follow) and held auditions to cast parts this week. It was lovely to meet so many of you this week to discuss how your child is settling into life in Year 6. We have also written letters in role as WW1 soldiers discussing life in the trenches with amazing writing results. Well done to all the children for working so hard this half term, and I wish you all a very happy and relaxing half term break.
Praise: Ryan
Top Table: William and Grace
Next Week (W.B. 31.10.22)
Reminders:
- Our trip to Safety Central will take place on Tuesday 1st November. Please make sure that your child brings with them a packed lunch, snack, and drink in a disposable bag labelled with their name. Children need to wear their school uniform on the day.
- PE will take place on both a Monday and a Friday each week, so please send your child into school wearing their PE kit on these days. PE kits should either be school kits or plain black/navy.
- Book Trade – Message from our new school councillors. We will be holding a book trade on the first Friday back after half-term (Friday 5th November) straight after school. In the half-term holiday, we suggest you sort through your books to find any you don’t want anymore. Please bring them in on book trade day to swap your unwanted books for new ones to enjoy. Recommended for adults too. Thank you from, School Council.
Curriculum:
In English, we begin to study our new focus text for this half term. ‘Can We Save The Tigers?’ will be our model text as we explore how to write to inform, explain and persuade. The children will begin to develop these skills to later write a short report on an endangered animal.
In maths, our focus will turn to fractions. We will begin at looking at equivalent fractions, before comparing and ordering fractions. We will continue to work on our arithmetic skills through our daily 4-a-day questions each morning.
In science, we will begin our new unit of study on electricity. The children will revise some of their previous learning from Year 4 before looking at how different circuit components are represented using circuit symbols.
In our history/geography lesson, we will continue to look at World War One. This week, we will explore how propaganda was used to change the role of different people and influence people’s opinions.
In art, we will begin to focus on using our drawing skills to sketch a conflict-themed image focusing upon light and shadows.
In RE, we will start a new unit which looks at the Christian community. In this week’s lesson, the children will discuss what it means to be part of a community and how Christians show their community spirit in different ways.
Homework:
Children in Year 6 will be set a weekly maths homework that they should complete and mark at home using the answers provided in the back of their homework book. If your child is finding the homework challenging, I will ensure that supervision is provided one lunchtime each week where your child can ask any questions or receive the support they need to complete the homework.
There will be no formal homework (CGP maths or spellings) set over the half term break. Please encourage your child to do some reading and times table / arithmetic practice when possible. Homework and spellings will recommence the first week back following half term.
Please remember that if you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in contact!
Mr Corkill ?
Owls 31.10.22, by Miss Dalby
Date: 20th Oct 2022 @ 8:04pm
~ OWLS WEEKLY BLOG ~
Friday Superstar: Olive
Top table: Finley and Ava
This week we have…
This Week's Theme: One of our themes for this week has been Halloween, we have been creating pumpkin potions and Halloween decorations. The children have been really excited to get active with cosmic yoga and dances so I have shared the link for the videos on our Class Dojo page, if you try it out at home share your pictures with us!
Literature: As being kind has been our writing theme for this week, we have been exploring different kind acts in Literature. We have read ‘the Smartest Giant in Town’ and ‘Rainbow Fish’ and discussed how being kind helps us and everybody around us to be happy and feel loved. We have been creating thank you cards to show our appreciated for the people around us and their kindness.
Numeracy: This week we have been exploring repeating patterns using printing and colouring to create beautiful winter scarfs. Our number of the week, 3 has been all around us! We have loved hearing from the children where they have spotted 3 whilst they have walked to school in the morning or in the evening at home.
Homework: this week we have been learning about special friends, the children have learnt that two letters together make one sound. So this week we have been practising:
x , sh, th. ch
There will also be a short matching maths game for you to try over the break. Please can both homework be returned on Monday 31st October 2022.
AOB:
Book Trade – Message from our new School Councillors:
We will be holding a book trade on the first Friday back after half-term (Friday 5th November) straight after school. In the half-term holiday, we suggest you sort through your books to find any you don’t want anymore. Please bring them in on book trade day to swap your unwanted books for new ones to enjoy. Recommended for adults too. Thank you from, school council.
Have a relaxing and fun break!
From,
Miss Dalby, Mrs Hoskins and Mrs Rathbone
Goldfinches WB 31.10.22, by Mrs Evans
Date: 20th Oct 2022 @ 7:47pm
Welcome to Goldfinches’ Weekly Blog
Happy half term everybody!
Friday Superstar: Freddie
Top Table: Chloe and Harriet W
This week we have:
…enjoyed doing our best writing yet in Year 4 with our own stories inspired by Gorilla! We discovered what modern day Greece is like in Geography and we learned to create our own Avatar to promote online safety in computing. In Maths we have been amazing at estimating and placing numbers on different number lines.
Book Trade – Message from our new School Councillors
We will be holding a book trade on the first Friday back after half-term (Friday 5thNovember) straight after school. In the half-term holiday, we suggest you sort through your books to find any you don’t want anymore. Please bring them in on book trade day to swap your unwanted books for new ones to enjoy. Recommended for adults too. Thank you from, school council.
After half term we will:
Writing: Launch our magical new Pathways to writing book. Watch this space…
Reading: We will finish reading and discussing stories from ‘A World Full of Animal Stories’ and understand how using inference (the facts from the text + our knowledge of the world) can help us understand what we are reading.
Reading homework: Please comment in your child’s diary when they have read aloud to you and sign when they have read independently to themselves. Please support your child to read for 10-20 minutes daily. In year 4 it is fine to have a mixture of your child reading aloud to you and them reading quietly to themselves.
Spelling: Our spelling focus this week is words from the Y3/4 Statutory word list/
Spellings to learn for our test on Friday5th November: accident, accidental, accidentally, address, answer, appear, arrive, believe, bicycle, breath
We have used different colours to underline the tricky parts to help us practice.
Maths: We will practise recalling the division facts for the 4x table and use the 4x table to help us learn the 8x table. We will focus on rounding numbers to the nearest 10, 100 and 1000 in our place value lessons.
Maths Homework:
Have a go at the online game ‘Hit the button’ to practise your 4x table and increase your speed with the 4x and division by 4 facts. If you are really fast, try the 8x table. https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button
Play 4x table dominoes (print outs in bags. Cut out the dominoes and match the answers with the questions)
Music: This half term is Goldfinches’ turn to have weekly Ukulele lessons on Thursday afternoons.
Science: We will begin our new topic learning all about teeth, digestion and the effects of a healthy and unhealthy diet.
PE: Our PE day is Friday morning. Please come to school wearing appropriate PE kit- White t-shirt, black/blue plain hoodie and tracksuit bottoms or shorts, hair tied back and earrings removed or covered. As the grass might be wet first thing, please send your child with spare school shoes and socks to change in to after.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via the office if you would like to discuss anything about your child. admin@lostockgralam.cheshire.sch.uk 01606668270
Have a lovely half term,
Mrs Evans, Mrs Judge and Miss Wilkinson.