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Dear Beech Class Families,
Welcome back! We hope you all had a lovely and restful Easter break. It’s been wonderful to see the children return to school with such enthusiasm, ready for a new term of learning, exploring, and creativity. We’ve started a brand-new book this week: The Odd Egg by Emily Gravett. The children have been enjoying the story and discussing the characters, particularly the unusual egg at the centre of it all! This has sparked some great discussions about animals that lay eggs. We’ve looked at a wide range of eggs — big ones, small ones, colourful and plain — and discussed how we can describe them using interesting adjectives. The children have shown great imagination and vocabulary skills, and we’ll be continuing to build on this over the coming weeks. In maths, we’re wrapping up our topic on counting and sharing. The children have been learning how to share amounts equally into groups of 5 and 10, using practical resources and group work to help develop their understanding. Next week, we’ll be moving on to our new topic of measurement. In DT, the children finished painting their tiles from last term, and they look fantastic! Each one is so unique and colourful. Looking ahead, we’re starting a new project based around designing and building a chair for Baby Bear. We’ll be exploring different materials and thinking about what makes a chair strong and stable. To help with this, we’d love your help collecting cardboard tubes (from kitchen roll, foil, or clingfilm) – any donations would be hugely appreciated! Our new history topic has also begun, and the children are already fascinated by the world of Ancient Egypt. We’ve looked at where Egypt is on the map, explored the River Nile, and discovered some of the amazing sights of Cairo and the pyramids. The children were intrigued by the idea of treasure and tombs, and we’ll be learning more about life Egypt in the coming weeks. It’s been a good start to the term, and we have lots to look forward to in the weeks ahead. As always, thank you for your continued support. Mrs Hamilton
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Dear Beech Class Families,
As we reach the end of this term, it is important to pause and reflect on all the hard work and enthusiasm the children in Beech Class have shown. In this week's maths lessons, the children continued to develop their understanding of division, practising sharing and grouping objects to solve problems. We have also been learning about doubling and halving, which has helped strengthen their number knowledge. The children have enjoyed engaging in practical activities to reinforce these concepts. In English, we finished our class book, Astro Girl, which the children thoroughly enjoyed. This book inspired them to learn more about space and life on the International Space Station. They have been busy writing fascinating space facts, and it has been wonderful to see their excitement as they discovered more about astronauts and the wonders of the universe. In PSHE this week, the children thought about friendships and what makes a good friend. This led to the children discussing how friendships are important and how they can be a good friend to others in our class. Our final lesson about Easter Sunday was a lovely way to conclude this term’s RE topic. The children reflected on the Christian meaning of Easter and expressed their thoughts through creative activities. They made some beautiful stained-glass crosses, which you may have spotted displayed in our classroom window. These vibrant creations brought a meaningful splash of colour to our classroom. This week the class have enjoyed some fun Easter-themed activities. They have worked hard this term, so it has been great to end the term on a high note. Thank you for your continued support of Beech Class. It has been wonderful to see the children grow in confidence and knowledge. Wishing you all a Happy Easter. Mrs Hamilton . Friday 27th March 2025
Dear Beech Class Families, It has been another busy week as the children continue to work hard across all subjects. In maths, we have been exploring how to make and share equal groups, which has led us to the concept of dividing by 2. The children have enjoyed using practical activities to help them understand this concept. It has been fantastic to see them gaining confidence in their maths skills. Our English lessons have continued with the wonderful book Astro Girl. The children have been captivated by the story and have been developing their questioning skills. They have been practicing how to write thoughtful questions about what might happen next in the book, helping to deepen their comprehension and curiosity. We have had some brilliant discussions, and it has been great to see their imagination and understanding of storytelling grow. We continued to learn about different materials in science this week. The children worked in groups to discuss whether different objects were made from raw or synthetic materials. This hands-on learning experience encouraged them to think critically about the things we use in everyday life. It was wonderful to hear their discussions as they sorted the objects and shared their ideas with their peers. We have been extra active this week with three PE sessions! The children have been developing their skills in both football and hockey, practicing their control, coordination, and teamwork. Their enthusiasm and energy have been brilliant! In Religious Education, we have continued learning about Easter and the events of Good Friday. The children have been thoughtful and engaged in their discussions, showing a growing understanding of this important Christian celebration. They have demonstrated great respect while learning about this topic. Thank you for your continued support of Beech Class. I hope you have a lovely weekend. Mrs Hamilton Dear Beech Class Families,
What a productive week we’ve had in Beech Class! Here’s a look at what we’ve been learning. In English this week, the class have used their writing skills to encourage people to help protect rivers from pollution. We have had important discussions about how reducing plastic usage and picking up litter can help to keep wildlife safe. The class was particularly interested in learning about the River Taw, which, at 45 miles long, is the longest river in Devon! They were curious to discover how pollution can impact the creatures that live in and around our waterways. Through their writing, the children have explained why we all have a role to play in looking after our rivers. In maths, we have been continuing to build our understanding of multiplication. The children have been practising writing number sentences and using mathematical equipment to support their learning. A key focus has been recognising that three equal groups of three can be represented as 3 + 3 + 3 or 3 × 3. Using hands-on activities has helped reinforce the concept so the class can make connections between addition and multiplication. Our science lessons have continued to be full of exploration! This week, the children investigated different materials to determine which were absorbent and which were not. Working in small groups, they conducted experiments and then presented their findings to the class. It was great to see the children share what they had discovered. In art, we have started working with clay. This week, the children experimented with different techniques, learning how to flatten the clay and make interesting marks in its surface. They had great fun exploring how to make pinch pots with textures and patterns. We are looking forward to developing these skills further over the next few weeks. This week in RE, the children continued their learning about Easter by exploring Maundy Thursday. The class learned about the last supper Jesus shared with his disciples and the significance of the bread and wine, which Christians remember during Holy Communion. Through discussion and creative activities, the children deepened their understanding of why Maundy Thursday is a meaningful part of the Easter story. Thank you for your ongoing support of Beech Class. I look forward to meeting you at parents' evening next week. Mrs. Hamilton Dear Beech Class Families,
We’ve had another fantastic week of learning in our mixed Year 1 and 2 class. In maths, we have continued learning about recognising and adding equal and unequal groups. This is an important concept that helps lay the foundation for multiplication and division. The children have been using practical resources, such as counters and cubes, to help them see the difference between equal and unequal groups. We have also introduced arrays – a structured way of arranging objects in rows and columns. The children have enjoyed spotting arrays in everyday life, such as in egg cartons and windows. Encouraging them to look for arrays at home can be a great way to reinforce this learning. Our English lessons have continued to focus on the vital role water plays in our lives and the environment. We have been thinking about how we use water every day and how we can take steps to protect our rivers, lakes, and oceans. The children have discussed different ways to care for our water sources, such as reducing plastic waste and keeping rivers and beaches clean. They have worked on writing about why water is important and what we can do to look after it. In geography, we have been exploring Uganda and comparing it to the UK. The children have been fascinated to learn about the countryside and wildlife of Uganda. We have discussed both the similarities and differences between life there and in the UK. We have looked at maps and thought about how people’s daily lives might differ depending on where they live. In PSHE this week, we focused on the theme of ‘People Who Help Us.’ The children learnt about the different people in the community, who play important roles in keeping us safe and healthy, such as doctors, firefighters, police officers, and teachers. We also discussed what to do if we ever need help and how to seek support in different situations. This is a great topic to talk about at home, helping children understand who they can turn to if they need help. Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to another exciting week of learning ahead. Mrs. Hamilton Dear Beech Class Families, What a busy week we’ve had in our Year one and two class! The children have been working so hard across all subjects, and it has been wonderful to see their enthusiasm for learning. In maths, we have been counting in 2s, 3s, 5s and 10s. The children have been practicing this through games and practical activities. It has been fantastic to see their confidence growing as they begin to recognise patterns in numbers. Keep practicing at home—perhaps you can challenge your child to spot numbers in 2s, 3s, 5s, or 10s. In English, we have been reading the inspiring book, We Are Water Protectors. This beautiful story has helped us explore the importance of looking after our world. It has also given the children the chance to practice writing for different purposes. Thursday was, of course, World Book Day, and what a fantastic day! Everyone looked incredible in their costumes. The children loved sharing their favourite books and taking part in the day's activities. In our design and technology lessons, the children have been working hard to construct and paint their own Ferris wheels. It has been amazing to see their teamwork and problem-solving skills as they carefully built their structures. The Ferris wheels looked fantastic, and the children are proud of their creations. A big well done to all the children for their hard work and enthusiasm this week. Have a lovely weekend. Mrs. Hamilton Dear Beech Class Families
This week in our mixed Year 1 and 2 class, we've had a busy time. Our focus has been on several subjects, from maths to music, and we're pleased to share what we've been working on. Maths: Adding Two-Digit Numbers Across a 10 In maths, the children have continued to develop their skills in adding two-digit numbers. This week, we've been focusing on adding numbers that cross over a ten, which is a crucial skill for their mathematical understanding. It's been fantastic to see how well the children have applied their strategies to solve these types of problems, and they're becoming much more confident with addition as a result. English: Independent Story Writing and Editing In English, we’ve been working hard on finishing off our independent stories. The children have been encouraged to write their own stories, focusing on creativity and structure. After completing their stories, they’ve had the chance to edit and refine their work, paying attention to important aspects such as handwriting, spelling, and punctuation. The editing process has been an essential part of their learning, as it teaches them the value of reviewing their work to make improvements. Space Topic: Stars and Constellations This week, we’ve delved deeper into the fascinating world of stars and constellations. The children have learned about the different constellations that light up our night sky and some of the myths and stories behind them. They’ve also had the opportunity to explore how stars are formed and what makes them shine. It’s amazing to see the children’s curiosity as they discover more about the vast universe around us. Music: A Journey Under the Sea In music this week, we took a little detour from the stars and headed under the sea. The children listened to music that evoked images of creatures living beneath the ocean’s surface. They reflected on how different tempos of music made them think of different creatures. Exploring Different Cultures and Festivals Finally, we’ve almost wrapped up our topic on the Islamic faith. This week, we’ve been discussing the different ways that cultures around the world celebrate festivals. The children have learned about some of the special celebrations in the Islamic faith, including Eid, and compared them to other festivals celebrated across the globe. It's been a goodopportunity for the children to learn about different cultures and traditions. Thank you for your continued support in your child's learning. Dear Beech Class Families,
Beech Class have been working hard across a range of subjects again this week. The children have been improving their phonics and comprehension skills. Year 1 are continuing to build their understanding of phonics which they are using to read words with increasing confidence. Alongside phonics, they have been learning to use adjectives when writing sentences for their creative stories. Year 2 are also developing their writing skills, focusing on using noun phrases to add more detail to their narratives. The children have been writing a story about helping a character. This has allowed them to practice their storytelling skills and use rich language in their writing. In Maths, both Year 1 and Year 2 have been focusing on addition and subtraction. Year 1 children have been working on number bonds to 20, learning how to add and subtract numbers within this range. Year 2 students are building on their addition and subtraction skills, working with numbers up to 100. We have also been practising strategies to help solve problems efficiently. This week in science, we learnt about the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The children have been exploring how long it takes to complete one full orbit—365 days! We also discussed how the Earth’s rotation gives us our day and night-time. The Great Fire of London was our topic for History this week. The children were fascinated by how the fire started, how it spread, and the impact it had on the people of London. The children in Beech class continue to show enthusiasm for their learning and are making great progress across all areas. Thank you for your continued support. Mrs Rebecca Hamilton Beech Class Teacher Dear Beech Class Families,
As we progress through this half-term, we are excited to share with you the fantastic learning that is taking place in Beech class. It has been an enriching and fun-filled few weeks as we continue to engage the children in a variety of activities across all subjects. From space adventures to understanding the intricacies of shapes, addition, subtraction, and the workings of wheels, there's plenty to be excited about. So here are the highlights of our learning journey so far! In English, we have been diving into the delightful world of the book, Toys in Space. This story has captivated the children with its imagination and creativity, as it follows the journey of toys who find themselves venturing into space. It's been an exciting narrative for both Year 1 and Year 2, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to think about characters and settings. The story has enabled the class to engage in writing activities that allow them to explore the story's themes and characters more deeply. They have worked on describing the toys, imagining their personalities, and even predicting what might happen next. Our science lessons have also taken us on a journey through the cosmos, as we explore the fascinating topic of space. The children have been learning about astronauts who work on the space station and the different planets in our solar system. It has been exciting to see how engaged they are in discovering these distant worlds. Beech class particularly loved a song which told them fun facts about each planet. We have discussed the names of the planets and some of their unique characteristics. The class enjoyed discovering how close each planet is to the earth and to the sun. The curiosity and enthusiasm from the children has been wonderful to see and we look forward to continuing our exploration of space over the next few weeks. In maths, we have wrapped up our topic on shapes, where the children explored 2D and 3D shapes, learning to recognize and identify them. They have also developed an understanding of the properties of shapes, such as the number of sides, vertices and faces. This week, we have moved our learning onto addition and subtraction. Both Year 1 and Year 2 children have started reviewing key concepts in these fundamental areas of maths, with a particular focus on building fluency in addition and subtraction up to 20 (Year 1) and up to 100 (Year 2). The children have been practicing using number lines, counting on and back, and employing strategies like 'partitioning' to break numbers down into smaller, easier parts for calculation. We have also been using practical resources to help reinforce these concepts and make learning as fun as possible. Over the next few weeks, the children will focus on becoming more confident and independent in employing these skills. In Design and Technology (DT), we have started a new and exciting unit focused on learning about different types of wheels and how they work. Over the course of this half-term, the children will explore how wheels are used in everyday objects, from toy cars to bicycles. The class are currently designing and making their own simple wheeled creation. We will focus on the key elements of design, construction, and evaluation, encouraging the children to think creatively about how to make their projects work. We are always grateful for your support in reinforcing the learning that takes place in the classroom. Here are a few suggestions for how you can support your child’s learning at home: Reading: Encourage your child to continue reading at home, especially books that engage their imaginations and spark curiosity. Ask your child to describe the characters and settings of stories, as this will help develop their understanding and writing skills. Maths Practice: Practicing counting, addition and subtraction with everyday items is a great way to reinforce learning. Use items like fruit, toys, or coins to create simple addition and subtraction problems. Thank you for your continued support, and for being such an important part of your child’s learning journey. If you ever have any questions or would like more information about what we are doing in class, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Warm wishes, Rebecca Hamilton Beech Class Teacher What a fantastic week we've had in our mixed Year 1 and 2 class! We've been busy learning, creating, and exploring new ideas across all subjects, and the children's enthusiasm has been brilliant.
Star Learner of the Week: Maia! A huge congratulations to Maia for being our Star Learner! She has shown kindness to others throughout the week and demonstrated great determination in Maths, especially when working through some tricky problems. Well done, Maia! Literacy Last week, we focused on our Phonics assessments. Everyone worked really hard to show how much they've learned this term, and we are very proud of the progress they've made. Maths In Maths, we’ve been diving into subtraction. The children have been practising with both single and double-digit numbers, and they are starting to get really confident using their strategies. Design and Technology Our Moving Monster toys are complete! The class has done a brilliant job creating their monsters using pivots and a linkage system to help them move. The designs were fantastic, and each one was unique—well done to all the budding engineers! PSHE This week, we had an important discussion about bullying. We talked about what bullying can look like, how it makes people feel, and what we can do if we see or experience it. The children showed great maturity in their understanding. Science In Science, we explored how shadows are formed. The children learned that when an opaque object blocks a light source, a shadow is created. We had fun experimenting with different objects to see how their shadows changed size and shape. History Our History lessons took us into the world of the famous scientist Stephen Hawking. We explored his incredible achievements and how his discoveries changed the way we understand space and time. The children were fascinated by his story! Reminders Harvest Festival is coming up this week, and we can’t wait to celebrate together. Children's Book Look is also happening this week! Don't forget to come and have a look at all the fantastic work your child has been doing so far this term. Kind regards, Mrs Budiman |
AuthorWelcome to the blog for Beech Class at North Tawton Primary School Archives
April 2025
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