Weekly Blog, Homework & Spellings ~ 7.2.22

Blog & Homework for week commencing 7th of February
 
Hello everyone,
I hope this blog finds you all safe and well. The highlight of our school week had to be modrocking. The children had a fantastic time on Friday afternoon building up their Viking Ships with strips of modroc    (sheets of clay). The class all made plasticine Viking Ship mould earlier in the week which were then cling-filmed. This gave the children a mould to work around on Friday. We modrocked by dipping strips of the clay into tepid water, placing each strip on to our ship (layering and overlapping as we went along) and then smoothing the clay by rubbing each strip. We had to build up around 3/4 layers to achieve a strong ship. This week, we will remove the moulds, insert a hole in the bottom of our ships so we can attach a mast and then finish of with a little more modroc. Photos will be arriving soon!
 
CELEBRATIONS
Our Star of the Week certificate goes to Kamil Jankowski for creating a well - shaped Viking ship mould and carefully building up a strong ship with modroc. Enjoy the rest of the process Kamil!
 
 
PE
This week brings the first of our swimming lessons which is very exciting! We have had a class chat about the afternoon - walking to the pool and what is entailed when we get there. Children should bring a bag with their costume and towel. They can bring goggles, hat and a brush if they wish. We all begin in the learner pool on the first session so the instructor can assess exactly where the children are at.
 
PE will continue on a Friday morning so please send your child in a PE kit as usual on this day.
 
In line with our Covid-19 Risk Assessment, we are asking children to come into school in their outdoor PE kit on the day of their PE lesson. Children should wear black joggers or leggings or as the weather gets warmer, children may wish to wear their purple shorts, their white PE t-shirt, purple school jumper and trainers. Please make sure that your child also has a named water bottle in school. 
 

Safer Internet Day will be celebrated on the 8th February this year. The theme is ‘All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online.’ In other words, it’s all about how children are helping to shape the online games and interactive entertainment spaces they are a part of, as well as how they can keep safe while using them.

 
 
 
Homework Overview
 
Busy Things - Please go to 'Busy Things', 'Willow Class' ( the icon with the wand) and then into 'Assignments' for instructions on this week's homework. This week is a 'Number System Quiz' to see what you remember about Place Value. Please complete this by Monday the 14th of February.
 
Spellings ~ Go to Spelling Frame for this week's spellings. Complete at least 2 games and a test. Spellings will be tested on a Monday morning. Some spelling lists will be repeated where scores need improved and lists from previous year groups will be set where there is a need.
 
Times Tables Rockstars ~ Jump on to TTRS to build up fluency on your times tables.
 
 
Reading ~ Please take time to read your Guided Reading Books. Record what you have read in your record and please bring these books back into school each day. Bug Club is still active should you wish to use it.
 
 
 TOP TIPS FOR HOMEWORK...
~ Little and often...and not last minute! Give yourself enough time to complete homework tasks. Why not get as much done through the week so you can have the weekend off : )
~ Be comfortable...make sure you work in a comfortable space, perhaps with a drink and snack.
~ Have little screen breaks to keep your eyes healthy and happy!
 
If for any reason, on any week, you have any issues with homework, please just let me know. Children have been sent home with all passwords they will need for now. Please keep them all in a safe place.
 
 
I think that's all for now. If you have any queries or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on:
 
michelle.smith@swansfield.northumberland.sch.uk
 
 
Take care everyone,
 
Mrs Smith