This week in Maple class, we began with a calming yoga session, where the children practised the Sun Sequence and learned new positions and postures through fun games. They enjoyed the Rainstick game and finished the session with a soothing Ladybird relaxation, helping everyone feel peaceful and ready for the day.
In English, we read How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and revisited the key features of an instructional text. The children were totally engaged and, inspired by the story, wrote fantastic instructional texts from the imaginative perspective of the Grinch, explaining his mischievous plan to “steal Christmas.” They had great fun applying their learning creatively while using clear steps, imperative verbs, various fronted adverbials, expanded noun phrases and precise detail.
In Geography, the children described the Lake District and explored how the landscape is used by people who work and visit there. They shared their ideas using mind maps. Working with their learning partners, they then researched key facts and created engaging, colourful leaflets about the Lake District. Their leaflets included useful information, interesting facts and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy.
In PSHE, the children identified and described the different groups that make up their school, their wider community and other parts of the UK. They discussed the benefits of living in a diverse society and explained why mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs is important, as well as how we demonstrate this in our daily lives. Linking this to our work as a Rights Respecting School, the children recognised that showing respect and valuing diversity helps uphold Article 2 of the UNCRC—the right of every child to be treated fairly and without discrimination. Together, they created a list of qualities that allow people to live together harmoniously, such as respect, tolerance, understanding, kindness, acceptance, thoughtfulness, caring, consideration and helpfulness.
On Thursday, we took a trip to Southmill Arts to see the pantomime Snow White, and it was a real treat. From the start, the children were completely swept up in the fun and excitement. They sang along loudly and proudly, joining in with every song they knew, and fully embraced the pantomime tradition of shouting out to the characters. There was lots of enthusiastic booing for the baddie, big cheers for the good characters, and plenty of giggles along the way.
Our Year 5 children rounded off their science topic on the Amazon rainforest with an imaginative and thoughtful design project. After visiting the polycrub for inspiration, the challenge was to invent a new plant or tree that could help support other plants and animals, reverse the effects of deforestation, and promote sustainability in a respectful way. The ideas were truly impressive. Some children designed trees that produced a special growth serum to help damaged plants recover quickly, while others invented clever methods of harvesting where branches could be cut in a way that allowed the tree to immediately grow back. Many designs included homes for animals, natural water collection systems, or fruits that provided food without harming the ecosystem. The level of detail, creativity and understanding of environmental responsibility showed just how deeply the children had engaged with the topic, and it was a brilliant way to end the unit on a positive, hopeful note.
