Friday 1st May

Happy Friday and happy May! It was lovely to see so many of you on our video call yesterday. You sound like you've been keeping yourselves very busy with cycling, reading, baking and all sorts of fun! I'm glad that you've been enjoying your learning as well - you've all made me proud with your hard work! 

English

I'd like you to finish your persuasive arguments about zoos today. You should have done the introduction, reason 1 and reason 2 yesterday. Before you continue, I'd like you to read back through what you've written with fresh eyes and look for:

- sense - read it out loud. Have you missed any words out? Does it make sense?

- missing punctuation - have you got commas after subordinate clauses and for relative clauses/parenthesis? 

- spelling - can you spot any silly mistakes in spelling?

- vocabulary - can you up-level any of your words? Does any of your writing sound too informal and chatty?

When you've done that, you are ready to think about reason 3, a counter argument and your conclusion.

The counter argument is where you give an example of a reason from the opposite point of view (if you're writing an argument for, you'd give a reason that someone who was against zoos might say) you then explain why this reason is incorrect. I always find it useful to start with: "Some people may think that..." and then say "however" to explain why they're wrong! I've written a counter argument in my WAGOLL for you to look at. This part is optional so if you don't feel confident enough to have a go at one, then don't worry!

I'd really like to see these pieces of writing when they're finished so snap a picture and pop it on the blog or email it to the office and they'll send it on to me! 

Guided Reading

At the end of chapter 2 of "King of the Cloud Forests" Ashley has been sent away from China by his father. He is about to leave his father behind at the mission to travel to India through Nepal with Uncle Sung. His father tells him that he must pretend to be Tibetan and that when he reaches India, he will be able to travel to England to his grandmother's house. He leaves his father not knowing when or if he will see him again because of the war between the Chinese and Japanese people.

I want you to imagine that you are Ashley.

- What fears and worries do you have?

- What are you hoping and dreaming of?

When you've thought about this, have a go at the task below! 

Maths

I've been having a think about maths because I know we aren't doing our key skills like we would normally do at the beginning of each lesson. This means that you're not having the chance to practise the things that I've taught you. With this in mind, I've decided that from now on, Fridays are going to be... Flashback Fridays!

Every Friday, I will give you a mix of questions to have a go at. They will cover place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, shape and measures! You can do the questions on the sheet or in your book but the idea is that you're getting the opportunity to go back over the things we've learnt and make sure that you can remember them.

This is nothing to worry about! If you're struggling with a question - send me a message on the blog and tell me which question you're stuck on. I won't publish it so no one else will know. Then I can message you back to help you solve it. Easy peasy! Give it a whirl and see how you get on 

Theme

Last lesson, you found out the names and locations of some mountain ranges in the UK and labelled this on a map. Over the next few lessons, we're going to think more about map skills. Starting with how you show mountains on a map!

Watch the video below to begin with:

Now that you've watched the video, have a look at the PowerPoint below to introduce and explain contours further. 

After that, you have your task!

If you have a printer, you can print out the sheet and work on there. If you don't have a printer, I suggest that you design a poster to explain what you know about contours and what a mountain would look like using these.

If you do the potato task - please, please, please ask an adult to help you. DO NOT, under any circumstances, use knives on your own!

Thursday 30th April

Good morning everyone! Just a reminder that we have our meeting on Microsoft Teams at 11am today! Mrs Bamford emailed all of your parents instructions to login so please follow those. You need your username and password that you use to login to the computers at school - not your blog username and password. It would be so lovely if as many of you as possible could join the meeting because I'm so looking forward to seeing you! Today's call is just a chat, we won't be doing any learning and I won't ask you any tricky questions so pop in to say hello!

English

Today we're going to write the first part of our persuasive argument about zoos. 

Hopefully you planned your argument yesterday so you know what your opinion is and what three reasons you want to use to support your opinion.

We're going to focus on the introduction, reason 1 and reason 2 today. (Or you can save reason 2 for tomorrow!) Then reason 3, something called a counter argument and the conclusion tomorrow.

You might want to type these up or write them in your books - it's your choice. I would really, really like to read these so if you could ask parents to email them to me via the office or upload a photograph of them to the blog, that would be perfect.

I've uploaded a WAGOLL below. Most of you that commented on the blog thought that zoos were a positive thing so I've written my argument for zoos. If you don't agree and want to write your argument against zoos then that is no problem.

You might want to do what we do at school - where you read through the WAGOLL a few times (read it out loud! It helps for some reason!) and then give yourself a couple of minutes to magpie any vocabulary, grammar or phrases that you like. Use the word banks to help with that too! I've included a success criteria too so you know what I'm looking for. I bet parents don't know all of the grammar terms - this is your chance to play teacher and teach them!

This is the first piece of writing we've done and I know it might be tricky but please persevere and try your best because that is how we all get better at things  I know you can do this!

LO: Can I write a persuasive argument?

Guided Reading

I hope that you all enjoyed listening to me read chapter 2 of "King of the Cloud Forests" yesterday.

Today, I'd like you to find out the meaning of some of the words and then apply your knowledge to explaining what sentences mean.

Learning the meaning of new words is very important because you will need to have a wide vocabulary as you go into Year 6. Interesting words are a really good way of up-levelling your writing too!

LO: Can I understand the meaning of words in context?

Maths

We're continuing to look at addition and subtraction of decimals today but we're going to focus on decimal number bonds. 

You all know your number bonds to 10:

0 + 10 or 10 + 0

1 + 9 or 9 + 1

2 + 8 or 8 + 2

3 + 7 or 7 + 3

4 + 6 or 6 + 4

5 + 5

You don't have to add and subtract with a written method for these because you know them. We can do the same with numbers bonds to 1.

Let's use one of the facts to help us...

If we know that 6 + 4 = 10 then 0.6 + 0.4 = 1

If we know that 2 + 8 = 10 then 0.2 + 0.8 = 1

We can also do the same with number bonds to 100

55 + 45 = 100 so 0.55 + 0.45 = 1

21 + 79 = 100 so 0.21 + 0.79 = 1

8 + 92 = 100 so 0.08 + 0.92 = 1

And again, we can use number bonds to 1000 to help us... (you might want to use a written method to help with these!)

652 + 348 = 1000 so 0.652 + 0.348 = 1

208 + 792 = 1000 so 0.208 + 0.792 = 1

43 + 957 = 1000 so 0.043 + 0.957 = 1

Have a look at the chillies below and get practising those number bonds!

LO: Can I find number bonds to 1?

PSHE

There are two PSHE tasks today.

The first task is to think about your network while you're off school and what this might look like. I'd like everyone to do this please. There are instructions on the task below. 

The second task is a choice - it's to create a wellbeing jar. There is an explanation on the task below. You don't have to do this  today or at all, you can do it whenever you have time but if you can, I think it would be a lovely way of remembering all of those things that we have to look forward to in the future! 

Science

We're continuing with our work on forces.

Last week, you should have looked at gravity - I know some of you did some beautiful posters so well done!

This week, we're thinking about air resistance!

I'd like you to watch the three videos below - yes three! 

If you'd like to design a parachute at home, you can - but ask parents first! (You don't have to do this if you can't)

Then I'd like you to complete the task below in your book.

LO: As a scientist, can I explain air resistance?

Wednesday 29th April

Good morning everyone. Thank you for all of your messages on the blog yesterday. It was lovely to read your opinions about zoos and see how you've embraced the task. Keep the messages coming 

Your parents should have all received an email from Mrs Bamford about using Microsoft Teams. The plan is that Y5 will meet on a video chat using Microsoft Teams so that you can see each other and me and we can have a catch up chat. The meeting will be at 11am on Thursday. Don't worry if you can't join in this one, there will be more in the future. If you can join in, it would be so lovely to be able to see and chat to you all! I'm looking forward to seeing your faces! 

English

On Thursday and Friday, we're going to write our persuasive arguments about zoos (don't worry, there will be a WAGOLL and I'll talk you through it like always!) Before we do this, we need to put together a plan. Today, you need to decide whether you think zoos are beneficial (a good thing for animals) or cruel. You also need to choose 3 different reasons to support your thinking. 

I've uploaded a box plan below like we use in school to plan our writing. If you don't have a printer, just put a subtitle for each section in your book (the bits in yellow) and then write underneath them.

Remember, this is just a plan so bullet point your ideas and you don't need to write in full sentences. This is just a tool to support your thinking when you write.

I've done an example plan for if you are for zoos or against zoos so check that out before you begin your own. 

LO: Can I plan a persuasive argument?

Guided Reading

We're going to read the next chapter of King of the Cloud Forests today.

I've recorded myself reading this one for you so sit back and enjoy 

While you listen, can you jot down any questions that you have or anything that you're curious about or wonder.

Please post them on the blog so we can share our thinking. If you think you might know the answer to someone's question, you are welcome to post a reply.

LO: Can I ask questions about a text?

Maths

We're continuing with addition and subtraction of decimals today.

If you did chilli 1 for the last two days, I'd like you to have a go at chilli 1 today as well unless you fancy taking on a challenge!

Chilli 2 and Chilli 3 involves applying your knowledge of how to add and subtract decimal numbers to problem solving. Remember, I always say that drawing a problem out can be really helpful and support you to work out what the question is asking. Please continue to use written methods - I don't want you adding and subtracting in your head because I want to ensure that we are accurate when we're working. If you don't have a printer, that's no problem - just put your working out for each problem into your book. 

LO: Can I solve problems by adding and subtracting decimals?

Theme

I know lots of you really enjoyed researching Mount Everest. Today, we're staying closer to home and we're thinking about mountain ranges in the UK. 

See below for the task. There are 2 optional challenge tasks that you may do as well if you'd like to. 

You'll need to work on the blank map of the UK so if you have a printer, please print it out.

If you don't have a printer, just draw a basic map of the UK into your books and work on that. Or, if you don't want to draw, you could just focus on the challenge tasks and rather than put the mountains onto the map, you can just focus on identifying the tallest peak and which county they are in.

LO: As a geographer, can I identify and name mountain ranges in the UK?

Any questions - I'm available on the blog so do send me a message!

Have a lovely day Year 5!

Tuesday 28th April

I hope that you enjoyed your theme work yesterday and that you're all experts on Mount Everest now! Ava sent me a really interesting fact that she had found out and it made me wonder whether the rest of you had come across any interesting facts while you were researching. Head over to the blog and let me know the weird and wonderful things you found out. You can be the teachers and I'll learn from you!

English

I was reading the news and I came across the story below on the BBC - have a read/watch the video...

It got me thinking about zoos and whether the animals were really missing human visitors since we've all had to stay at home or whether they are glad for a break from being stared at! It also got me wondering whether zoos are a good or bad thing for the animals and I decided that this would be the perfect thing to write our persuasive arguments about this week!

Are zoos a good or bad thing? Should zoos be closed down and the animals set free?

Today, I want you to just think about the question and what your opinions are. I've uploaded a PowerPoint below that introduces the idea as well as some webpages that give information and some examples of other peoples' opinions.

Webpages:

https://www.kidzworld.com/article/29719-are-zoos-good-for-animals

https://www.thoughtco.com/arguments-for-and-against-zoos-127639

https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/upper-intermediate-b2-reading/are-zoos-good-thing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHBuAOp5upU

After you've read through everything, I would like you to do a table in your book and come up with at least 5 reasons for zoos (reasons why zoos are a good thing) and 5 reasons against zoos (why they are a bad thing) 

LO: Can I consider both sides of an argument?

When you've done your table, I'd like you to make your own mind up and comment on the blog to tell me whether you think zoos are a good thing and help the animals or whether they are a bad thing and exploit the animals. There are no right and wrongs here - this is about your personal opinion! 

Spelling

I've uploaded the poster again today to remind you what your spelling words are. Today, I'd like you to practise them by either doing:

- look, cover, write, check

- rainbow writing

- pyramids

- squiggle spellings

Then I would like you to do handwriting with the words - either on the sheet or in your book (a line of each word)

There is also an optional word search if you'd like to do it!

Maths

We are continuing with addition and subtraction of decimals today.

If you completed chilli 1 yesterday and focused on addition of decimals, I'd like you to complete chilli 1 today and look at subtracting decimals.

Chilli 2 and 3 focus on adding and subtracting decimals that don't have the same about of numbers after the decimal point. For example 23.5 and 23.768

I've written some tips and instructions on the tasks. Remember to read the question carefully and think about whether you're adding or subtracting!

LO: Can I add and subtract decimal numbers?

Spanish

After thinking about breakfast last week (desayuno), we are thinking about lunch this week!

Lunch in Spanish is almuerzo (pronounced al-mw-air- tho)

There are two tasks - one where you find out the names of different foods you might eat for lunch and the other is where you use this information to design your perfect lunch! (and no you can't just have chocolate and doughnuts - make sure you get something savoury in there too! ) 

The third task is optional but is based on you designing your perfect sandwich! What's not to like?

Perhaps, you and your family might even be able to recreate your perfect lunch or sandwich at home for real! Make sure you send me photos of your work because I'd love to see what you design!

LO: As a linguist, can I name a variety of foods?

RE

Last week, we thought about the parable of the two builders and how Christians believe this tells them that they should follow Jesus' teachings. 

Watch this version of the parable below before you begin your task to refresh your memories...

LO: As a theologist, can I understand Christian values for living?

Monday 27th April

Good morning Year 5. I hope that you all had a lovely weekend and that you're ready for another week of home learning.  Please can you all stop by the blog today to say good morning for the virtual register? Let's see how many people we can get! Remember, you can use the blog to share photos of your learning, make comments about your learning and ask for help. I'm here if you have any questions so please do ask if you need to!

English

For our grammar lesson this week, we're thinking about modal verbs. We've talked about these before but I want us to think about them in more detail in preparation for writing our persuasive arguments. 

Please go to the website below and watch the video about modal verbs:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zwwp8mn/articles/zps4pbk

Remember, modal verbs show whether something is possible (may, might, could, can) or certain (must, ought, should, shall)

We also use modal verbs to ask permission - "May I..."/"Can we..." etc.

Have a look at the PowerPoint introduction and then choose one of the chillies below. You may print the challenge cards off if you'd like and answer below or you can just answer in your book.

Spelling

For spelling this week, we are thinking about the suffix -ate.

I would like you to look at the PowerPoint below to introduce the words.

Before we learn how to spell the words, I'd like us to learn what they mean and be confident using them in a sentence. I want you to talk about what the words mean with a family member or look them up in a dictionary/online. I'd then like you to either:

- write a sentence for each word to show that you can use the word correctly      or

- design a poster with a picture for each word that shows you understand the meaning of the word

(I've put an example below for you to see)

Maths

We have finally finished our work on fractions! You have all worked so hard and have made so much progress so well done.

We're moving on to look more closely at decimals now but as always, we will take it step by step. 

We're going to apply our knowledge of column addition and subtraction to add decimal numbers with 2 decimal places today.

Chilli 1  is focused on adding decimals and tomorrow will be focused on subtracting decimals so if you want to take it slow and look at each skill separately, then chilli 1 is the place to start.

Chilli 2 and 3 will require you to use both addition and subtraction skills. You don't necessarily need to do every question for chilli 2 and 3 unless you'd like to but I'd like a minimum of 4 pyramids completed (your choice which ones!) 

Theme

Last week we began our work on mountains and you identified and located famous mountains across the world.

The most famous and largest mountain in the world is Mount Everest and we are going to focus on this mountain today. This work will also link to your English work next week so it's important to take it all in!

I'd like you to use the internet (and any relevant books that you might have at home) to research Mount Everest.

The websites below are a good place to start:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/22702860

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/everest/reference/climbing-mount-everest/

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Mount-Everest/346112

https://www.scienceforkidsclub.com/mount-everest.html

https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/mounteverest.html

There are some questions below for you to answer. You can either print off the table and then fill in your answers or you can write the questions into your book and then answer below.