Week of Monday 13th July
A Letter of Reflection
Children as it has been a while since I have seen many of you I would love you to write me a letter! Perhaps you could tell me what you have been doing recently?
You could tell me what you have been enjoying at home and perhaps what you have been missing too?
I would also like to know if you have any favourite moments from your time in Class Two?
I know I have several happy memories! Can you remember when we read The Snow Queen? When we learned all about Nelson Mandela? Perhaps you loved participating in our Christmas Nativity or learning all about Neil Armstrong?
Letters can be sent to, helliott@st-catherines.cumbria.sch.uk
Week of Monday 6th July
Activity Booklet
Children, this week I would like to work through the attached booklet below.
There are several lengthy activities so please take your time throughout the week to complete them.
Week of Monday 29th June
All About the Caribbean!
Did you know there are more than 7000 islands in the Caribbean?
Well, this week I challenge you to discover more interesting facts about the Caribbean!
Where is it on the map? How far away from the UK is it? Which is the largest island in the Caribbean? What wildlife can be found there? What foods do they grow?
I would like you to create a leaflet all about the Caribbean!
To help you I have attached a power-point which lots of information on.
In your leaflet, you must include; subheadings to organise the information, pictures and a caption!
What exciting descriptive language (adjectives, similes) can you include?
If you would like some information about how Deserts are formed,
check out the attached powerpoint below.
I've also attached a website link to a short video about, 'Farming Citrus Fruit in the Caribbean'.
Week of Monday 22nd June
Paddington Bear the Adventurer
After Reading Chapter One of ‘A Bear Called Paddington’ you will have a good idea about the character of Paddington. It will not surprise you to hear Paddington loves adventures. In fact, Padding is about to embark on his next exciting journey, but where will he go? You decide!
I would love you to become the author of ‘Paddington the Adventurer’ and write a beautiful story describing his next adventure. Be aware though, Paddington often stumbles into trouble.. all accidentally of course, what trouble will he land in, in your story?
I would love to know – please send me your completed stories! To help you plan your story I would like you to complete the, ‘All About Padding Bear Planning Booklet’. You will always find a story planning template, some finger puppets and a few colouring pictures! Have fun authors!
Week of Monday 15th June
Instructional Writing
Children, you have spent a lot of time at home recently and I am sure you have become experts of many things. Over the last few weeks, you may have helped prepare or make dinner, made some delicious cakes or traybakes, maybe you’ve helped tidy up or you’ve learned how to play a new game or sport, you may have even designed your own games.
Well, I would love you to share your expertise with me, by sending me a set of instructions for one task. I’ve attached an example below, ‘How to plant a bulb”, for you to look at and a blank template for you to use (or you can create your own). Please try to remember, when we write instructions we use short, clear sentences often starting with a verb, “Mix, Pour, Fold, Weigh, Open”. To remind you of these, I’ve attached two short games below. I would also love you to use features, such as, headings, sub-headings, bullet points, numbering and perhaps a picture with a caption.
Week of Monday 8th June
All About Mary Anning
Children I am certain you will love exploring this task!
This week, you are going to learn all about a very special person called Mary Anning.
Firstly, click on the link below to watch a documentary video all about Mary.
(Feel free to pause and revisit any moments, as it contains a lot on information!)
You will learn why Mary is such a special person and her fantastic, science-developing, discovery!
I find her life very interesting so I hope you do too!
(There is also a very short YouTube video clip below, but please visit the documentary video first).
Secondly, have a go at reading, 'Mary Anning's Biography', attached below.
I would love you to talk to your family and tell them EVERYTHING you've learned about Mary.
Perhaps you could talk to an adult about any questions you have, and even do some research!
Thirdly, can you write a short biography about Mary Anning?
There are two templates attached below, choose one, or create your own and write, write, write...
Tell me, all about her life, why is she well-known, what did she discover?
Extension: If you're feeling particularly inspired have a go at the writing activity,
use the pictures to retell Mary Anning's story, with as much detail as possible!
Week of Monday 1st June
Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Children I am certain you will remember reading,
discussing and enjoying the story, The Rainbow Fish.
It is another one of my favourite stories as it contains a very special moral,
which I am sure you will be able to identify!
Below is the story, and also a YouTube Clip to help you complete the booklet and activities.
Extension: Create a storyboard either of the Rainbow Fish or your own version!
Week of Monday 18th May
A Letter
Dear Children, this week I have written you a letter!
I have included some of the activities I have been busy with and my feelings about them.
I have written in paragraphs to separate my ideas (this makes it easier for you to read).
I have also tried to vary the lengths of sentences and use a range of punctuation.
Can you spot any verbs or adjectives in my writing?
(I’ve even used a comma between several adjectives in a list).
I would love you to reply to my letter
(via email to, helliott@st-catherines.cumbria.sch.uk)
so I can find out what you have been busy doing and how you are feeling.
I would also be very impressed if you could use some of my features in your writing,
especially paragraphs!
(Attached below are differentiated writing mats to support writing).
Week of Monday 11th May
'Tuesday' by David Wiesner
1. Children this week I would like you to watch the below video clip called, 'Tuesday' by David Wiesner. I found it particularly interesting! I would love to know what your thoughts are...
How did it make you feel? Did you enjoy it? Were you expecting the events/ending?
Did you enjoy the background colours, animations, use of music?
2. Discuss and/or write down your thoughts:
(You could draw the characters and write words/phrases around them).
-Imagine, you were one of the green frogs and your lily pod has just levitated off the surface of your still pond water... how would you feel? Would you be surprised, shocked, anxious, excited?
-Imagine, you were the man, enjoying his breakfast sandwich, only to discover not one, not two, but several green frogs skimming past your window! How would you feel? Would what you have said? Would you have thought you were still dreaming? What would you have done next?
3. Recall the events: Storyboard / List
I would love you to recall the key events of the clip by either drawing a story board (with captions) or creating a list using bullet points.
4. You will have noticed there are very few spoken words in the clip, this is where I need your brilliant writing skills. I would be delighted if you could retell the story using sentences.
I know you are all fantastic writers and I have always been very proud of your written work.
I love the passion you put into your writing, the use of punctuation to convey emotions and the range of sentence lengths you use. I also enjoy reading sentences that start with different time adverbials (sentence starters). My favourite feature you always include in your writing is a range of subordination and co-ordination - I am always thrilled to see, 'because, and, so, but, if, when, or, unless, since, however, although, despite,' used to extend your sentences.
I would be absolutely delighted if you could, again, use all the above features in your retell! I cannot wait to read your descriptive, detailed narrative!
If you get stuck, don't worry: describe the frogs journey detailing what they see/hear on their way. Use the video clip to help you. (Think about the colours, settings, who is there/what are they doing).
5. Creative Writing
David Wiesner has written his story all about the events that happened on 'Tuesday'.
Well... what happens on 'Wednesday'... or 'Thursday'... or 'Friday'..?
I would be extremely excited to find out!
Can YOU write a sequel...?
Perhaps you could use different animals? Where will their adventure take them?
Will they face a dilemma? Who will they surprise? Will they cause problems or help solve problems?
Please, tell me what happens next!
Extension:
You could write a newspaper report for the events in 'Tuesday' or your sequel. It could be in newspaper style or as a news reporter! Good luck!
Week of Monday 4th May
The Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
Children you may remember visiting Penrith Cinema to watch the Stick Man, it is one on my favourite stories and I would really like you to re-visit it with me!
Please find below, an attached document with the activities I would like you to do, before creating your very own, Cartoon Strip Narrative (templates below) - I can't wait to read them!
Below there is also a short video of, The Stick Man, being read out-loud (if you don't have the book at home) or you can click on this link, to watch the film:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b06t09rk/stick-man
Week of Monday 27th April
Story Writing based on, Fletcher and the Springtime Blossom by Julia Rawlinson.
1. Listen/watch the story, Fletcher and the Springtime Blossoms.
2. Share your favourite part and explain why...
3. Discuss what Fletcher was thinking and complete the worksheet below.
4. BECOME AN AUTHOR - CREATE YOUR OWN STORY
I would be over-joyed if you could create your own story, based on this story!
I would love you to choose your own animal, create a beautiful setting, based on any season and have an unexpected twist!
You can draw your story in pictures and add numbers/arrows to show the order.
You can sketch little pictures and write a caption under each one.
OR, you could be brave and create your whole story using only sentences and a few pictures.
I have attached a story plan template below to help you think about the plot of your story and the setting - feel free to use your own too!
I cannot wait to read your stories! Please send them to helliott@st-catherines.cumbria.sch.uk
Week of Monday 20th April
Handwriting Practise
Year Two children you may have noticed how starry the night sky has been recently, that has inspired me to research the following poem called, 'The Star', written by Jane Taylor.
1. Please can you read the poem out-loud, and share it with your family. Does it remind you of anything?
2. I would love you to practise your beautiful handwriting, by copying the poem out. Please try to focus on forming all your letters correctly. All letter should sit on a line, ascenders nice and tall, descenders dangling below the line. Don't forget the capital letters!
If you struggle to join, do not worry, you can print each letter nice and clearly.
Extension: Can you memorise the poem and say it out-loud with the words?
Challenge: Draw a beautiful, dynamic landscape to go with the poem, 'The Star' by Jane Taylor.
Super Challenge: Create your own starry poem, with accompanying landscape drawing.
Please don't forget to send your poems to me!
Week of Tuesday 15th April
Independent Writing Using a Stimulus
Year 1
I would like you to look at the Pobble website everyday: https://www.pobble365.com/
and write about the picture that you see.
You could describe the picture, write what they are thinking or saying, write their story, what happened?
Focus on your handwriting, can you read it? Don't worry about every spelling as long as you have sounded it out - look at your alphabet card, it will help you remember.
Year 2
I would love you to explore the 'Teaching Box' Booklet with a parent, friend or sibling.
There are several great activities which you can do based around developing your fantastic writing skills. Don't forget to send me "snap-shots" of your brilliant work!
Week of Monday 23rd March
Nelson Mandela Report
Children I am so pleased that you have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Nelson Mandela recently.
I am so impressed with the level of participation and interest you've all shown.
I would really love you to write a report about Nelson Mandela's life.
Perhaps you could start from when he was born in South Africa,
discuss how he became the first black president, to how he sadly died in 2013.
I know you have learned so many facts about his life and his journey - how many facts can you include in your report?
Extension: Try to include all the features we've looked at recently:
1. Headline
2. Paragraphs (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How)
3. Other people's opinions
4. Picture and caption
Challenge: Pretend you are Nelson, in prison, write a letter to a family member describing how you feel. Write about your determination and passion to create equality and fairness.
Super Challenge: Choose a moment in Nelson's life and write a diary entry, detailing the events. Write about what is happening, who is there, how are you feeling, what will you do next...
Week of Monday 16th March
A Cloudy Lesson
Children please watch the short video clip below.
It is about a cloud maker and his apprentice grandson.
They are busy trying to make clouds when it doesn't seem to go to plan!
As things continue to go wrong, the pair of them learn that good ideas come from happy accidents.
Writing:
I would love you to retell the story and send it to me via email so I can read your wonderful work!
I challenge you to:
1. Give the characters names,
2. Describe the characters (using commas between adjectives in a list),
3. Describe the clouds they tried to make,
4. Tell me how they are feeling when things don't go to plan,
5. Join two clauses using co-ordination/subordination (and, but, so, because, when, if, or)
Please check:
1. Capital letters (names, start of sentences)
2. Punctuation (can you include ? ! ...)
3. Read your work out-loud to check you haven't missed any words out!
Extension:
Can you add a suffix (-ment, -ly, -ness, -ful)
Can you use fronted adverbials (First, Next, After, Then)
Challenge: Write your own story!
If you were a cloud maker...
-What shape clouds would you try to make,
-Who would you choose to help you,
-What would you do if thing's didn't go to plan?
Would you create something different? When? Where? How?
