Wow! What a super Learning Together Morning we had this week! We really do love sharing our learning and so it was fabulous that so many parents were able to join us. After using our map skills to locate different countries and oceans in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, it was time to accept a frosty mission. Mission A was to build a base camp. We had to cover our hands (using socks!) to keep us from getting frost bitten. This made the building challenge rather tricky.
Mission B was to build a shelter in the middle of a blizzard! This meant we had to be blindfolded as the blizzard-like conditions meant it was impossible for us to see what we were doing. For both missions, help and guidance from our adults was vital. But with determination and perseverance, we proved ourselves worthy of a place on any Arctic mission. What a great way to understand more about the hostile conditions of the polar regions and learn about the work done by exploration teams!
In Science, we learnt about the function of the heart and its different parts. We learnt the difference between arteries (taking blood away from the heart) and veins (taking blood to the heart). Did you know your heart will beat about 115,000 times each day and the average size of an adult’s heart is about the same size as their fist? To help us understand the different chambers and sections of the heart and what they do, we made plasticine models. What superb models – there may be a few heart surgeons among us!
Next we looked at blood! Blood is made up of four components: plasma (the only liquid part of blood), red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We used some everyday items (mini marshmallows, oats, cheerios…) to represent each of these components to make our own models of blood!
In maths, we have been learning to use the language of ratio. Ratio means ‘for every…’. We have used the ratio symbol to compare objects and simplified ratios too!
In our gymnastics lessons, we have been perfecting different rolls: forwards, backwards and straddle. We impressed with our starting and finishing positions when performing these rolls. We also reviewed different gymnastics positions for our floor work including front support, straddle, pike and dish.
We have learnt about counter balances and counter tension; which balances involve a ‘push’ and which involve a ‘pull’. We experimented different balances with and without creating tension in our bodies and discussed whether the tension made the balances easier. Great team work and learning from each other!
As we embark on our journey to becoming a Rights Respecting School, we have been talking about the rights for every child and the importance of knowing we all have rights. We listened to the beautiful words of ‘For Every Child’ compiled by UNICEF. From the right to a name and a nationality to the right to education and play, the rights for every child are beautifully presented in this exquisitely illustrated book.
We have been learning the ABCDE of rights:
Rights are for ALL
Rights are from BIRTH
Rights CANNOT be taken away
Rights DO NOT have to be earned
All rights are EQUALLY important
We met with other members of the school council to discuss how best to share the Rights for every child across the school.
Have a great weekend. Keep warm!