Independent learning

The children have been developing a wide range of skills through independent learning opportunities in class. Here is a selection of photographs of what they have been doing this week

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This week we have introduced the letter sounds f and g as well as the ‘tricky’ words me and is.

Tricky words are words which we cannot sound out phonetically so we need to learn them by heart. We would like the children to learn to write these words from memory as well as being able to recognise and read them by sight. Use the” Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check” strategy ( this should be self explanatory, but if you have any questions about this approach, please ask)

Our writing/storytelling prompt this week was the windy weather.

Numeracy and Maths

Along with the SEAL core numeracy skills, we have been learning about ‘number bonds of 10’ These are the pairs of numbers which total 10. There are 11 facts to learn and memorise. The aim is that the children will have instant recall of these facts. We have also discussed the term ‘switcher’ A switcher is the same number fact in the opposite order. e.g. the switcher for 3 + 7 is 7 + 3.

Please help your child to learn these number facts with instant recall. You can use questions such as

• What goes with 2 to make 10 ?
• What is the partner number for 6 to make 10 ?
• Tell me a pair of numbers which add up to 10

You make wish to let your child play this game to reinforce their learning. ( adult choose the number bonds button, then select the ‘make 10’ option.

Our Core numeracy skills this week were

• writing the numerals 6 – 10 ( and beyond) correctly
• counting backwards from 10 (or 20 for some pupils).
• naming the next number in an isolated short backwards number sequence. ie. I say, 10, 9, 8 (they say 7)
• establishing a collection (give me 9 counters/raisins/etc)
• counting a collecting with accurate 1-1 correspondence
• recognising numerals
• sequencing a short selection of numerals ( e.g. 5,6,7,8)
• making instant finger patterns (show me 6 fingers without counting them)
• recognising dice patterns and clapping the amount of dots on the dice

Our challenge numeracy skills were.

• adding two collections with the second one screened ( e.g. here are 8 counters, there are 5 more hiding under this pot, how many altogether?)
• sequencing numerals within the range 0-100
• naming the number after a given number (0-30)
• counting backwards from 30, starting and stopping at different points
• investigating which equal groups can be made from a given number ( e.g. can I make 2 equal groups/3 equal groups/4 equal groups/5 equal groups from 12 counters? What about if I have 16 counters, or 18 etc)

Looking ahead to next week.

As part of our RHSP programme in school, we would like to celebrate the breadth of languages and cultures represented within our class community. We have loved hearing from a few children and would love to hear more. Remember, we are equally happy to hear them talk about Scotland, not just other countires. For example – they may wish to draw or print a flag from a country that is represented in their home; teach the class how to say a phrase in a language that is spoken at home; bring/wear an item of traditional dress or souvenir; or simply talk to the class with no ‘props’

If your child would like to bring or share something, please send it in to school any day over the next week and we will use these to enhance our discussions.

There is no obligation to share anything, only if your child would like to do so.

Other areas of the curriculum

• Some children have shared about their family’s heritage
• We have started work on our Nativity
• We found out facts about gorillas
• In music we sang songs and played games designed to develop skills of keeping a steady beat. We also explored using our voices in different ways.
• In PE we have been focusing on agility , and also developing our skills using an overarm throw.

This week’s homework and other information

• learn to read and write this week’s tricky words.
• write the numerals 6-10using correct number formation ( refer to this video if you wish
• use the blue letter cards to practice building and blending words

A reminder to please name all items of clothing and shoes, and to check names on items brought home in case your child accidentally acquires a jumper belonging to someone else.