1/2 T

Maths

This week we have started working on patterns. We have used colours, shapes, objects and even letters to create a whole range of repeating patterns. 

We can recognise a pattern, continue a pattern and create our own.

While some patterns repeat, others grow. Number patterns are an example of growing patterns. First, we think about whether the pattern is increasing (getting bigger) or decreasing (getting smaller). Next, we work out how much bigger or smaller it is getting. Then we can use that ruler to help us continue the pattern or even fill in any missing numbers.

Explaining our thinking is our special focus at the moment in our maths lessons, and by using a range of sentence starters, students are practising talking about and explaining how they know why, or why not, the patterns work. 

Some of our conversations have included the following comments;

"This is a tricky pattern. It goes blue, blue, yellow, green, orange, orange, then it repeats! 

I'll call it B, B, Y, G, O, O."

"This is not a pattern. It doesn't repeat - it's just random colours."

"I know this pattern is growing because the numbers are getting bigger."

"This pattern is shrinking. The numbers are smaller."

Inquiry

As part of our Inquiry unit, Celebrating Differences, we are investigating our own cultural backgrounds, by discussing various aspects of culture with our families.

To help us learn about foods from a different culture, we had a great time making, cooking and (most enjoyably) eating pasta, a traditional food from Italy. 

As a follow on from our Sustainability unit from last term, and in response to 

Trashiana Grande's soft plastic dress, which showed just how much soft plastic SFX brought to school over a whole term, we have all taken up the challenge to have a positive impact on our environment by picking up rubbish that we come across. 

Here is a picture of Frankie and her sister Harper with all the rubbish they collected in their street after school one day this week.  

What a great effort to make sure none of it ends up in the sea. Well done!

Circus Skills Lessons

We are definitely enjoying our circus skills sessions and gaining confidence 

in our balancing and co-ordination.