Toucans learnt about the type of artwork made in the rainforest. They focused on clay coil pots after practising designs with the clay tools. There was lots of perseverance, concentration and creativity in the classroom today!
Clay Coil Pots
Tree Identification
Toucan enjoyed identifying the trees in the school grounds recently. Using photographs the class were able to name lots of trees by examining the leaves.
Sunflower Success
Toucans are having a competition to see who can grow the tallest sunflower. In Science, the class learnt what a seed needs to be able to germinate. The class created a list:
Sun (for warmth and light)
Water
Soil
Last week, after everyone had planted 2 seeds each, a class experiment was set up using three seeds under the following conditions as only one criteria can be changed to make it a fair test:
Seed 1 – Has water and light but no soil.
Seed 2 – Has water and soil but no light.
Seed 3 – Has soil and light but no water.
The children predicted what they thought would happen with each seed. Most children predicted none of them would grow.
This week it was time to update our Sunflower diaries to see if the seeds had grown and if so, by how much. We have been practising hard to measure with our rulers this week in Maths! Everyone was very excited. Apart from 2, everyone had a little seedling. It was then time to check the 3 for the experiment….. What a surprise?! For the seed without light, everyone had predicted it would not grow. It turned out that this was the tallest plant so far, measuring 8cms! The class were amazed but noticed it was not a healthy green colour like the plants that has been growing with light. It will be interesting to see how this plant progresses over the next few weeks so watch this space!
Beauty in the world
Toucans watched some film clips of the world’s natural beauty. They talked about how different people think different things are beautiful. The Bible includes psalms which were written to praise and thank God for the beauty of the earth. Mrs Parry played them a hymn called “All Things Bright And Beautiful” and the class listened to the lyrics. The class then drew a selection of items they thought were beautiful.
Using Compasses
Toucans learnt all about directions using a compass to find North. The children soon got to work in pairs, making a set of instructions for each other to follow. They used the compasses really well to plot their routes.
Sam – From the school the farmhouse is South.
Oliver – From the playground the school field is West.
Alex S – Wyndham Covert is East from the playground.
Isla – When we sit in class we are facing to the North.
Different Families
Toucans talked about who they live at home with today in PSHE. They talked about what a family is made up of. Families can be made up of mums and dads, step parents and siblings, half brothers and sisters, two mums, two dads, grandparents and carers. Toucans felt that although each family is different they all love one another.
Creating Cushions!
Toucans have been extremely busy designing a cushion suitable for a younger child/sibling to use in the book corner, if they were reading. The class carried out market research and looked at a variety of cushions. They compared material, shape, decoration, colour, fastenings and stitching. Each child designed and planned their own cushion. Next the class practised running stitch, which took a lot of perseverance and concentration. Threading a needle is very tricky!
Toucans got busy stitching to make their beautiful cushions. After the children had made their cushions they really enjoyed decorating them with sequins, buttons and felt shapes/pictures. Afterwards, Toucans evaluated their cushions and thought about what they were most please about (what went well) and what would they change if they made a cushion again (next time, it would better if……). Have a look at our spectacular cushions! Which one is your favourite and why?
Art – Henri Rousseau
This week, Toucans have been looking at lots of paintings by Henri Rousseau. He created paintings of the rainforest although he had never visited there. Toucans used different sized paintbrushes to paint a background and some animals. They only had primary colours and black and white and had to mix their own colours.
Karly – Henri used his imagination but he drew a lion and a horse which are not found in the rain forest.
Ryan – People said his work was childish.
Elias – His animals looked like they were floating. He came from France.
To create a picture in the style of Henri Rousseau, Toucans created texture by adding tissue paper and made their animals appear to be peeping out from behind the greenery. Well done Toucans.
Behaviours for Learning
Miss Williams’ group have really been focusing on applying the behaviours for learning. They have been trying so hard in all their lessons!
Toucans have been working really well together. We have been trying hard to ensure we listen to our partner and focus on what they are saying:
We have been taking real pride in our work. We are trying so hard to join our writing:
We have also been showing excellent concentrations skills:
These children have worked particularly hard to persevere with their reading. They are making great progress!
Behaviours for learning are really helping us to improve!
What is perfection?
Toucans discussed what it means to be perfect.
Anren – It is if you get everything right.
Corban – It’s when you’re really good at everything.
Shriya – It’s when you do your best.
Oliver – Some people are perfect drivers
Reva – You can draw a picture that is perfect.
The class went on to talk about what is the perfect behaviour?
Isla – When you do what the teacher says
Bethany – When you are good for your teacher
Declan – You should persevere
Tatenda – Being independent and doing your own work
Anren – Good listening
Ryan – When you concentrate
Alex – Taking pride to make your work perfect
Corban – You should be quiet and not talk
Mrs Parry pointed out they had used some of our behaviours for learning. She asked the class if perfect behaviour was always to be silent and gave an example of a football match. Toucans said that this wouldn’t be perfect as the fans are expected to sing, clap and even waves flags to support the players (Declan, Joseph and Alex R). The class were asked what about perfect behaviour in church for a carol concert – is being silent being perfect? Elias explained you are not silent when you are praying. James said sometimes you sing too.
The children heard the story of Zaccheus who was a mean tax collector. He overcharged people and kept the extra money to become rich. No one liked him but Jesus asked if he could share a meal with him, in his home. Zaccheus changed his ways and refunded people four times the amount he’d overcharged. Mrs Parry asked the children what they would ask Zaccheus if they could speak to him today.
Isla/Bethany – Why were you mean? Why did you steal?
Alex R – Why did you need so much money?
Elias – What was life like when you were alive?
James – Are you a good or bad person?
Lexi – Why did you let Jesus come to your house?
Tatenda – Did you have maids and butlers?
Finally, Mrs Parry asked the children what things in our lives today might Jesus not like even if he was our friend:
Elias – Telling lies
Shriya – Chopping all the rainforests down
Lexi – Stealing
Ryan – Fighting, hitting and pushing
Reva – Litter being dropped
Elias – Pollution
James – Playing violent computer games
Shriya – Swearing and conflict