Writing- Hook and Genre

After a fun week off for half term, Sycamore came back to Mr Cockcroft digging something up when doing some gardening in the school grounds. Sycamore and Willow went out to investigate what it was that Mr Cockcroft found and to our surprise, it was a time capsule with some interesting items inside. Inside the time capsule they found some ancient items such as coffee beans, wooden beads, colourful feathers and ancient pictures. All the children had so many questions and they look forward to find out what they all mean.

History

Today in History, Sycamore started to learn about who the Mayan’s were and where they lived. All the children went around the classroom to find information out about what the pros and cons would be living in a rainforest. The children came up with some really good ideas. The children also learnt about Maya writing and how they used symbols to communicate and Sycamore had a go at writing their own name.

Spanish

In Spanish today, we learnt about different parts of the body and learnt 'Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' in Spanish. The children had a fantastic time and really enjoyed getting up and active.

Guided Reading

In Guided Reading this half term, Sycamore are reading the amazing book Who let the Gods out by Maz Evans. The children have been predicting what they think is going to happen in this book and trying to make connections using the book cover. Also in there pairs the children have drawn different mythological characters using the text they read.  

Science

In Science this half term, Sycamore are learning about living things and their habitats. Today they have been learning about classification and how this is used to sort out groups with similar or different characteristics. The children worked in groups to sort out different types of sweets and used questions to get them into 4 similar groups. Using the skills they have learnt, they grouped together different types of animal pictures using the characteristics.

RSHE

In RSHE, Sycamore have been talking about all different emotions and how they can deal with them. As a class we have spoke about bereavement and what sort of emotions you would feel when experiencing this and how you could help one another if needed. In groups they did a freeze frame using different emotions and the children used really good expressions to outline these. 

Science

On Monday afternoon, Sycamore had the chance to go to Middleton Park as part of Science Week to look at different habitats and creatures. In pairs all the children worked really well together looking for mini beasts such as centipedes, millipedes, woodlice and spiders. The children had a fantastic time getting their hands dirty and finding these different creatures and habitats. Once we found lots of different mini beasts in the woods the children sat in a circle with Mrs Burke and sorted out a classification system using want they had found. 

Art

In Art this half term, Sycamore are learning about Fredrick Catherwood who was a British artist and architect. He was well known for is detailed drawings of the ruins of the Mayan Civilisation. The children have been looking at different sketches and writing down what they like and dislike about them. They have also been having a go at the different techniques that he used when sketching and looking at different textures that was used. 

RE

In RE, the children have been learning about if there is evidence that Jesus was resurrected and why Christians called Jesus a King. The children learnt that Jesus wasn't your traditional King and that he showed people that he didn't need to show off his power to be respected. In there pairs, Sycamore discussed what they thought would be a perfect world to live in and there was some fantastic ideas.

Science

In Science this week, Sycamore have been classifying plants and animals based on specific characteristics. The children worked in groups and discussed what questions they could use to help split the plants into groups.

History

In History, Sycamore have been learning about the way Mayans write and if they use letters or symbols? The children used the symbols to draw their own Mayan names. They also learnt about how important trading was and what goods were transported by the Mayans.

History

In History, Sycamore have been learning about how important cacao was to the Maya civilians. The children learnt that they used it as currency, drinks, sauces and also in a form of medicine. All the children got to try the way the Mayans flavoured their hot chocolate with chilli, cinnamon and honey. 

Spanish

Science

On Friday in Science, Sycamore did an experiment to see if yeast is a living organism. As a class they added some yeast, sugar and warm water into an empty bottle and added a balloon on top to see if it will inflate. in five minute intervals, we checked on the balloon to see if the balloon got larger from the gases of the yeast and yes it worked.