Summer Term Week 5 15.5.23

In Maths this week, we are recapping all of our previous learning of the four operations, fractions and shape. The key vocabulary is:

• add, plus, more
• subtract, take away, minus
• multiply, multiplication, lots of
• divide, division, groups of
• 2D shapes - sides, vertices
• 3D shapes - edges, vertices and faces

In English, we are going to be writing character descriptions of the King. We will also be completing reading comprehensions. Our key vocabulary is:

• coronation
• King Charles III
• retrieval
• inference
• vocabulary

In Science, we will be continuing to investigate what plants need to grow, looking at different plants. Our key vocabulary is:

• seedling
• growth
• germinate
• light
• water
• space

In DT, we will be making our own moving toy with axels and wheels. We will test and evaluate our toy, suggesting changes we would make.

• axels
• wheels
• design
• evaluate

Summer Term Week 4 8.5.23

In Maths this week, we are recapping our learning of the four operations and fractions. The key vocabulary is:

• add, plus, more
• subtract, take away, minus
• multiply, multiplication, lots of
• divide, division, groups of

In English, we are going to be writing about the coronation. We will be writing letters to King Charles III and writing information texts about the coronation. Our key vocabulary is:

• coronation
• King Charles III

In Science, we will be investigating what plants need to grow. Our key vocabulary is:

• seedling
• growth
• germinate
• light
• water
• space

In Geography, we will be continuing to look at our learning focus question 'What makes the United Kingdom special?' We will looking at the human features there are in the UK and describing them using geographical vocabulary. Our key vocabulary is:

• United Kingdom
• human feature
• landmark

Summer Term Week 3 1.5.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing with fractions. We will be recognising and finding 3/4 of a shape and number and ordering fractions. The key vocabulary is:

• fraction
• quarters
• parts

In English, we are focusing on our reading comprehension. We will be reading texts and answering different types of questions, highlighting key vocabulary. Our key vocabulary is:

• retrieval
• inference
• vocabulary

In Science, we will be observing plants and describing how seeds can grow into mature plants, thinking about if all plants germinate in the same way. Our key vocabulary is:

• seedling
• growth
• germinate

In Geography, we will be continuing to look at our learning focus question 'What makes the United Kingdom special?' We will looking at the physical and human features there are in the UK and describing them using geographical vocabulary. Our key vocabulary is:

• United Kingdom
• physical feature
• human feature
• river
• mountain

Summer Term Week 2 24.4.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing with fractions. We will be finding fractions of a shape and quantity, looking at equivalent fractions 1/2 and 2/4, and understanding what unit and non-unit fractions are. The key vocabulary is:

• fraction
• equivalent
• unit
• non-unit

In English, we are reading 'Ocean Meets Sky' by The Fan Brothers. We will be creating our own fantasy setting and writing our own stories based on the book. Our key vocabulary is:

• fantasy
• setting
• edit

In History, we will be continuing to look at our learning focus question 'What makes the United Kingdom special?' We will looking at the Queen's coronation and how it is an important event in history. Our key vocabulary is:

• United Kingdom
• Queen
• coronation

Summer Term Week 1 17.4.23

Welcome back Magpies! We hope you've had a lovely Easter break.

In Maths this week, we are beginning fractions. We will be recognising and finding fractions of a shape and quantity, including 1/2, 1/4 and 1/3. The key vocabulary is:

• fraction
• half
• quarter
• third

In English, we are beginning a new story called 'Ocean Meets Sky' by The Fan Brothers. We will be writing a character description and in role including a diary entry and postcard. Our key vocabulary is:

• prediction
• expanded noun phrase

In Science, we will be looking at habitats and visiting the pond area. We will look at whether there are different living things in this habitat in comparison to last time. Our key vocabulary is:

• habitat
• microhabitat
• pond 
• organisms

In Geography, we will be introducing our new learning focus question 'What makes the United Kingdom special?' We will look be sharing our knowledge so far on the UK and finding out about the four countries within the UK and their capital cities. Our key vocabulary is:

• United Kingdom
• country
• England
• Wales
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland

Spring Term Week 12 27.3.23

In Maths this week, we are finishing our learning on multiplication and division by using the 5 times table to calculate and answer questions. We will also be looking at measurements and how to read scales on weighing scales, thermometers, rulers and measuring jugs. The key vocabulary is:

• divide
• division
• times table
• scale
• measure

In English, we are going to focus on reading comprehension. We will reading texts and learning how to answer written questions about the text. Our key vocabulary is:

• retrieval
• inference
• prediction

In Science, we will be observing the seeds we have planted to watch for germination. Our key vocabulary is:

• seed
• grow
• soil
• germinate

In DT, we will be making our toys that have wheels. We have carefully designed these toys and considered how they will be used. We will be looking at how our toys can be made stronger and stiffer. Our key vocabulary is:

• tools
• materials
• axels
• wheels

Spring Term Week 11 20.3.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing to learn about division and use our multiplication facts to help us divide. We will be using our 2 and 10x times tables to help us divide and halve.  The key vocabulary is:

• divide
• division
• times table
• halve
• double

In English, we are continuing with the story 'Tadpole's Promise by Jeanne Willis. We will be writing our own versions of the story as well as an explanation text about frogs. Our key vocabulary is:

• stage
• process
• explanation text

In Science, we will be sorting seeds and thinking about what we use seeds for. We will then plant our own seeds and think about what a seed needs to grow. Our key vocabulary is:

• seed
• grow
• soil

In DT, we will be making our slider toys that we have designed using different tools and materials. We will also design a toy that has wheels. Our key vocabulary is:

• slider
• tools
• materials
• axels
• wheels

Spring Term Week 10 13.3.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing to learn about division by sharing into equal groups and writing division number sentences to describe the groups. We will also be looking at the 2 times table. The key vocabulary is:

• groups of
• shared by
• divide
• division
• times table

In English, we are continuing with the story 'Tadpole's Promise by Jeanne Willis. We will be planning our own stories that focus on change and that include setting descriptions. Our key vocabulary is:

• change
• setting description

In Science, we will celebrating the national Science Week by completing mini-experiments to experience the diversity of science! We will learn about the importance of washing our hands, exploring effervescence and observing our fingerprints. Our key vocabulary is:

• bacteria
• mould
• gas
• carbon dioxide
• fingerprint

In History, we will be continue to look at toys from the past and look at different sources including primary and secondary. We will be creating a timeline of toys over the past century. Our key vocabulary is:

• century
• decade
• present
• timeline

Spring Term Week 9 6.3.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing to learn multiplication, looking at arrays. Later on this week, we will be introducing division and learn about grouping. The key vocabulary is:

• arrays
• multiplication
• division
• divide
• grouping

In English, we are beginning a new story 'Tadpole's Promise by Jeanne Willis. We will be writing our own promises and setting descriptions. Our key vocabulary is:

• tadpole
• promise
• change
• possession

In Science, we will be looking at the importance of hygiene. We will be discussing how we can stay clean and the different ways to do so. Our key vocabulary is:

• hygiene
• hygienic 
• bacteria

In History, we will be continue to look at toys from the past and look at different sources including primary and secondary. Our key vocabulary is:

• past
• present
• primary source
• secondary source

In DT, we will be exploring how toys can move and the use of forces. We will then design our own toy that can move. Our key vocabulary is:

• push
• pull
• force
• explore
• design

Spring Term Week 8 27.2.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing to learn multiplication. We will be introducing the multiplication symbol and using this to describe groups. The key vocabulary is:

• groups
• groups of
• multiplication
• times
• lots of

In English, we are continuing to read the poem 'The Owl and the Pussy-cat' by Edward Lear. We will be thinking of our own rhyming words to prepare for writing our own versions of the poems. Our key vocabulary is:

• rhyming
• poem
• poetry
• line

In Science, we will be checking on the bulbs we planted in the autumn and preparing the planting beds for future planting. Our key vocabulary is:

• bulb
• growth
• spring

In History, we will be looking at examples of toys from the past and beginning to sequence them in time as a class. Our key vocabulary is:

• past
• present
• modern
• olden days

Spring Term Week 7 20.2.23

We hope you all had a lovely half term and are looking forward to a new term!

In Maths this week, we are beginning multiplication. We will be recognising, making and adding equal groups. The key vocabulary is:

• groups
• groups of
• equal
• unequal

In English, we are reading the poem 'The Owl and the Pussy-cat' by Edward Lear. We will be writing noun phrases and writing a letter in role of one of the characters. Our key vocabulary is:

• fowl
• tarried
• shilling
• runcible 

In Science, we will be looking at our local surroundings and the habitats. We will be observing and recording which plants and animals we see. Our key vocabulary is:

• habitat
• micro-habitat
• organism
• pond

In History, we will be starting our new focus question 'How have toys changed over time?' We will be looking at different toys and how they have been grouped. Our key vocabulary is:

• change
• material

Spring Term Week 6 6.2.23

In Maths this week, we are continuing to learn about money. We will be adding amounts and finding change. The key vocabulary is:

• coins
• amount
• pence (p), pound (£) and note

In English, we are continuing our story 'The Bear and the Piano'. We will be writing our own version of the story. Our key vocabulary is:

• sequencing
• musical instrument
• editing

In Science, we will be looking at the importance of a healthy lifestyle. We will be learning about how to keep our bodies clean. Our key vocabulary is:

• healthy
• unhealthy
• hygiene
• bacteria

We will be answering our question 'What is special about the Americas?' and our chosen country is Brazil.

Spring Term Week 5 30.1.23

In Maths this week, we are beginning to learn about money. We will be recognising different coins and count coins to make amounts. The key vocabulary is:

• coins
• amount
• pence (p), pound (£) and note

In English, we are continuing our story 'The Bear and the Piano'. We will be sequencing the story and planning our own stories. Our key vocabulary is:

• adverbs
• time adverbials: first, next, then, after a while
• strumming
• bowing

In Science, we will be looking at the importance of a healthy diet and the different food groups. Our key vocabulary is:

• balanced diet
• healthy

We will be continuing to think about our question 'What is special about the Americas?' and our chosen country Brazil. We will be making a traditional dish from our country and evaluating it.

Spring Term Week 4 23.1.23

In Maths this week, we are consolidating our learning on subtraction with 2-digit numbers and learning how to exchange. We will also learn about 2D and 3D shapes in geometry. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for - : take away, subtract, minus
• exchange
• 2D shapes: vertices, sides, circle, triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon
• 3D shapes: vertices, edges, faces, sphere, cylinder, cube, cuboid, pyramid, prism

In English, we are learning 'The Bear and the Piano'. We will asking questions about the story and writing sentences using compound conjunctions. Our key vocabulary is:

• and/but/so/or
• performance
• stage
• bow-tie
• lights
• concert
• tail-coat

In Science, we will be looking at what an animal needs to survive. Our key vocabulary is:

• shelter
• food
• water
• oxygen

We will be continuing to think about our question 'What is special about the Americas?' and our chosen country Brazil. We will be looking at famous natural landmarks.

Spring Term Week 3 16.1.23

In Maths this week, we are working on subtraction with 2-digit numbers and learning how to exchange. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for - : take away, subtract, minus
• exchange

In English, we are continuing with our story 'The Bear under the Stairs' by Helen Cooper. We will be writing our own versions of the story and creating an information text. Our key vocabulary is:

• creature
• opposite
• fact

In Science, we have an exciting lesson where we will have a visit from an adult and their baby. We will be looking at the different stages of human life and creating a flow diagram of our own changes. Our key vocabulary is:

• offspring
• baby
• child
• adults
• grow

We will be continuing to think about our question 'What is special about the Americas?' and our chosen country Brazil. We will be looking at the human and physical features, including famous landmarks.

Spring Term Week 2 9.1.23

Magpies Class have an exciting start to the week as we travel around the Americas, visiting each country that KS1 will be learning about this half term. We will learn where the country is on a world map, how to say hello in each country's language and adding the country's flag to our passports. The key vocabulary will be:

• country
• continent
• passport

In Maths this week, we are working on addition and being introduced to the expanded column method. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for + : add, plus, sum, altogether
• expanded column addition

In English, we are continuing with our story 'The Bear under the Stairs' by Helen Cooper. We will be writing in role as the characters from the story. Our key vocabulary is:

• predict
• role
• lair

In Science, we will be looking how animals have offspring that grow into adults. We will be demonstrating our understanding by creating flow charts. Our key vocabulary is:

• offspring
• adults
• grow

Spring Term Week 1 4.1.23

Welcome back Magpies, we hope you all had a fantastic break and we look forward to another exciting term ahead!

In Maths this week, we are working on addition and being introduced to the column method. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for + : add, plus, sum, altogether
• column addition

In English, we are beginning with a new story 'The Bear under the Stairs' by Helen Cooper. We will be recapping our knowledge of different sentence types and learning about homophones. Our key vocabulary is:

• statement, command, question and exclamation
• homophone
• fear

This week, we will be introduced to our new creative learning focus question 'What is special about the Americas?' We will be brainstorming our prior knowledge and thinking about what we would like to know.

In Science, we will be looking at habitats and focussing on the microhabitat: pond. We will observe and record our findings. Our key vocabulary is:

• habitat
• microhabitat
• pond
• organism
• log pile

Autumn Term Week 15 19.12.22

We will be celebrating the lead up to Christmas with a party on Monday and lots of festive-themed crafts and activities.

The Magpies staff wish you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you for another exciting term in January 2023!

Autumn Term Week 14 12.12.22

In Maths this week, we are showing what we have learned this term in maths by completing assessments with our teachers. We will also be discussing our learning and completing Learning Conversations, to discuss what we have done well this term and how to improve.

In English, we are writing winter themed poems, and also completing Learning Conversations.

This week, we will be answering the question 'What is a dinosaur?' to finalise our learning about the cretaceous period.

Autumn Term Week 13 5.12.22

In Maths this week, we are continuing with addition and subtraction. We will work on adding and subtracting 2-digit numbers and 10s. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for + : add, plus, sum, altogether
• Words for - : subtract, take away, minus
• Words for = : equals, equal to, same as
• multiple of 10
• 1-digit number, 2-digit number

In English, we are continuing to read our story 'The Water Protectors' By Carole Lindstrom. We will be writing for different purposes, including a non-chronological report about the River Chess. Our key vocabulary is:

• waterways
• harmful
• harmless

This week, we will be developing our art skills by learning how to collage. We will look at the work of Henri Matisse as inspiration before designing and making our own collage artwork.

Autumn Term Week 12 28.11.22

In Maths this week, we are continuing with addition and subtraction. We will work on using our bonds to 10 to support our addition and subtraction and learning how to exchange 10 ones for a ten. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for + : add, plus, sum, altogether
• Words for - : subtract, take away, minus
• Words for = : equals, equal to, same as
• bonds
• exchange

In English, we are continuing to read our story 'The Water Protectors' By Carole Lindstrom. We will be writing for different purposes, including a non-chronological report as well as in the role of a water protector. Our key vocabulary is:

• brave
• courageous
• strong
• determined
• fearless
• confident
• indigenous
• tribe

This week, we will be developing our Art and DT skills of joining materials together to make Art work. Our key vocabulary is:

• join
• sew
• material

In Science, we will be beginning the topic of plants. We will be planting our own bulbs and thinking about what a bulb needs to survive. The key vocabulary is:

• bulb
• seed
• survive
• condition

Autumn Term Week 11 21.11.22

In Maths this week, we are continuing with addition and subtraction and using related facts to solve other number sentences. We will be adding three 1-digit numbers together and adding to the next 10. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for + : add, plus, sum, altogether
• Words for - : subtract, take away, minus
• Words for = : equals, equal to, same as
• partition 
• <, > and =

In English, we are starting a new story called 'The Water Protecters' By Carole Lindstrom. We will begin to think about how we can look after water, and write to inform with different sentence types. Our key vocabulary is:

• river
• pollution
• environment
• protect
• protector
• cause
• prevent

This week, we will continue to learn about our term's question which is 'What is a dinosaur?' We will be looking at the different dinosaurs that lived during the cretaceous period and measuring how big they were. Some of the dinosaurs include: Minmi, Argentinosaurus and Triceratops.

In Science, we will be learning about materials. We will be testing different materials to find out how some solids shape can be changed by twisting, bending and stretching. The key vocabulary is:

• solid
• bend
• stretch
• squash
• twist
• force

Autumn Term Week 10 14.11.22

In Maths this week, we are starting addition and subtraction and using related facts to solve other number sentences. We will be recapping our bonds to 10 and beginning to look at bonds to 100. The key vocabulary is:

• Words for + : add, plus, sum, altogether
• Words for - : subtract, take away, minus
• Words for = : equals, equal to, same as
• Fact family
• Related facts

In English, we will continue to be reading the story, 'The Journey Home' by Frann Preston-Gannon. We will be writing our own version of the story and writing a letter of persuasion to help endangered animals. Our key vocabulary is:

• setting
• endangered
• persuade

This week, we will continue to learn about our term's question which is 'What is a dinosaur?' We have an exciting lesson where we will be looking at fossils from National History and Tring Museum.

In Science, we will be learning about habitats and visiting areas of the school to find different habitats. Children will be making observations and thinking about seasonal change. The key vocabulary is:

• habitat
• microhabitat
• seasonal change
• weather

Autumn Term Week 9 7.11.22

In Maths this week, we are recapping our knowledge on counting in 2s, 5s and 10s. We will also begin counting in 3s. The key vocabulary is:

• groups of
• lots of
• multiply
• multiplication

In English, we will continue to learn about animals through the book 'The Journey Home' by Frann Preston-Gannon. We will be writing command sentences in order to advise characters in the book. The key vocabulary is:

• command
• extinct
• verbs: swim, jump, crawl, hop, fly

This week, we will continue to learn about our term's question which is 'What is a dinosaur?' by looking at the skeletons of dinosaurs and comparing them to animals alive today to discover what type of creatures dinosaurs were. We will also learn about the famous scientist Mary Anning.

In Science, we will be continuing to learn about different materials, testing materials for suitability to be used as a bucket, using the song 'There's a hole in my bucket' as a stimulus.

Autumn Term Week 8 1.11.22

In Maths this week, we are ordering numbers to 100 and using greater than, less than and equal to support this. The key vocabulary is:

• greater than, more than, bigger than
• less than
• most
• least
• equal to

In English, we have discovered mystery footprints in the classroom. We will be asking questions about what kind of creature could have made these footprints. We will be looking at different sentence types. Our key vocabulary is:

• question
• statement
• command
• exclamation

This week, we will begin our new topic which is 'What is a dinosaur?' by hunting in sand for fossils like palaeontologists.

In Science, we will be continuing to learn about different materials, discussing and testing the properties of wood.

Autumn Term Week 7 17.10.22

In Maths this week, we will be learning to compare numbers to 100. The key vocabulary that we will be using is:

• greater than, bigger than, more than
• less than
• equal to

In English, we will continuing learning about the book 'Wolves' by Emily Gravett. We will be researching wolves and then writing our own factfiles about them. We will also publish our work. The key vocabulary will be:

• factfile
• non-chronological
• sub-heading

This week we will be finalising our big question ‘Why is Chesham here?’ by creating clay models of the landmarks of Chesham.

Autumn Term Week 6 10.10.22

In Maths this week, we will be looking at the place value of 100. We will begin to place numbers on a number line. The key vocabulary that we will be using is:

• tens and ones
• part-whole model
• flexibly partition
• estimate

In English, we will be starting a new story 'Wolves'. We will be comparing fiction and non-fiction books, and thinking about character descriptions. The new vocabulary that we will be thinking about are features of non-fiction books:

• Facts
• Heading
• Sub-heading
• Contents
• Glossary

This week we will be continuing to find out more to answering our big question ‘Why is Chesham here?’ by looking at human and physical features of Chesham. We will also have a trip to 'Nashleigh Hill Park' to see if we can spot the different features.

In Science this week we will continuing to look at materials and carry out a test. The new vocabulary we will be using is:

• material
• grip
• bouncy
• waterproof
• tough

Autumn Term Week 5 3.10.22

In Maths this week, we will be looking at the place value of 100. The key vocabulary that we will be using is:

• tens and ones
• part-whole model
• flexibly partition

In English, we will be writing our own Goldilocks style stories. The new vocabulary that we will be thinking about is story language, such as:

• Once upon a time
• One day
• Later that day
• Meanwhile
• Then
• Next

This week we will be continuing to find out more to answering our big question ‘Why is Chesham here?’ by looking at human and physical features of Chesham.

In Science this week we will be looking at materials. The new vocabulary we will be using is:

• material
• object
• wood, paper, metal, plastic, fabric and other materials

Autumn Term Week 4 26.9.22

In Maths this week, we will be looking at the place value of 100. The key vocabulary that we will be using is:

• tens
• ones
• partition

In English, we are continuing to look at the fairy tale Goldilocks and beginning to compare this version to others. We will be reading the story ‘Me and You’ by Anthony Browne. The new vocabulary that we will be thinking about is:

• compare
• contrast

This week we will be continuing to find out more to answering our big question ‘Why is Chesham here?’ by locating Chesham on a world and UK map. We will also begin to think about the human and physical features of Chesham.

In Science this week we will be looking at habitats.

The new vocabulary we will be using is:

• habitats
• micro habitats
• organisms

Autumn Term Week 3 19.9.22

In Maths this week, we will be looking at the place value of 100. The key vocabulary that we will be using is:

• tens

• ones

• ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty, ninety, one hundred

In English, we are reading the traditional tale ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’. The version we are looking at is by Lauren Childs. The new vocabulary that we will be thinking about is:

• selfish

• impolite

• inconsiderate

We will be starting our creative learning focus this week. The ‘big’ question this half term is Why is Chesham Here? This week we will be starting with our entry activity looking at different landmarks of Chesham and learning their names, such as the Clock Tower, the Elgiva Theatre, Skottowes Pond, the River Chess and Lowndes Park.