Weather Symbols!

By Sophie Dale25th March 2021

In Science we have been observing and describing the weather that is associated with the seasons by observing the weather in spring.

 

We looked at a variety of different weather symbols and discussed what they each represented. We then took a look outside and observed that it was cloudy. All week we have been gathering and recording data such as the weather, temperature and rainfall related to Spring. We are excited to compare this to Summer.

 

I then challenged the children to come to the front of the class and using the map of the United Kingdom present a weather forecast. We looked at video examples beforehand. We then re-capped the 4 countries that made up the United Kingdom: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. We then identified Hull, we know this is a city not a country.

Here is Harvey presenting the weather for us! He did a fabulous job and even put on a ‘professional voice’. A weatherman in the making? Great job year 1!

 

Bug Hotels!

By Sophie Dale25th March 2021

Year 1 have been working so hard investigating, designing, practically making and evaluating their fantastic bug hotel.

 

Investigation

First we spent time investigating different types of freestanding bug hotels that people have made before. We discovered that they sometimes used different materials. We looked at one made of wood and bricks compared to cardboard and tissue paper. We discussed that using wood would be a stronger and sturdier material especially since it will be outside. We also looked at the different bugs/insects that will be living in our hotel and the things they may like. We researched why these insects are important to our environment and how without them we would not survive.

 

Focussed Practical Task

We then set out on a mission to make freestanding structures using different materials. The children were brilliant at adapting their structures by finding ways that made them stronger.

When using paper the children found that folding it made it stand up without falling over. I then challenged to children to see if they could stack more paper on top.

This was the final result….

We also used blocks. At first the children tried to make the tallest tower they could with a tiny base. Miss Dale pushed it slightly and it came tumbling down! The children then remade it with a stronger foundation and it was much sturdier!

 We then went out to collect some natural resources. I then challenged the children to try make a freestanding structure using those. These were some of the results…

Design time

Once we had collected our resources. We took advantage of the lovely weather outside and in small groups designed two bug hotels. We then wrote down which resources were physical and which were manmade.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was time to make it!

The children were absolutely fantastic when making their bug hotels. They worked in small groups using their designs to create a section of the bug hotel. They were very creative! Some sections had bug baths, playgrounds, showers and even kitchens!!

The final result…

Evaluation

We then reflected on our bug hotel and had a think about what we loved and what we would change if we did it again. Some children said they would use more bricks or even change the colour. Overall, it was a brilliant day and we are excited to see if the bugs enjoy their new home!

Growing our own beanstalk!

By Sophie Dale10th March 2021

In English this week we are learning how to write instructions on ‘how to plant a magic beanstalk’. Our first lesson focussed on looking at what we must include when writing instructions. We looked at a good example and noticed some interesting language. Each instruction started with an adverbial of time which told us when to do something e.g First, then and next. We then noticed some bossy language ‘get’, ‘put’ etc. Then we played a fun game…

The game was so fun! We pulled a bossy face when we heard an adverb of time and a bossy face for the bossy language. We then gave each other instructions. I have never seen so many bossy children!

We then followed specific instructions on how to plant a magic beanstalk. We have put them on the windowsill so they get plenty of light. We look forward to watching them grow over the weeks.

Spring is here!

By Sophie Dale10th March 2021

Year one have noticed some differences in their surroundings from a few months ago. They told me that it “Isn’t as dark at home time or when we wake up”. We investigated that in Spring the sun rises earlier and sets later. We agreed that we much preferred this! Year 1 also talked about the weather getting slightly warmer than at Christmas time. We are looking forward to investigating Spring further next week.

     

We are all unique!

By Sophie Dale12th February 2021

What an end to a strange but wonderful half term. Year one finished by showing each other what makes them unique. We all watched with admiration at each others talents and we had such a mixture!

Hussain showed us some amazing karate moves. He was like a real life ninja!

Hollie did an outstanding performance singing and dancing. She said it makes her very happy.

Sharing a story in a cosy den!

By Sophie Dale12th February 2021

Year 1 have had such a lovely week this week. We set a challenge for the children to make a den for our afternoon zoom session and they rose to it! They brought their favourite drink, snack and teddy bear. We shared the story ‘The Queen’s knickers’. Some children even designed knickers that the queen could wear to our school. They were fantastic!

How do you make Baby bear’s porridge?

By Sophie Dale4th February 2021

Year one could tell you! We have been learning about bossy verbs and how they are used in instructions. We played a fun game where every time Miss Dale said a bossy verb the children did a bossy action. We then verbally told each other the instruction step by step until we made some lovely, golden porridge. We added honey, syrup and blueberries! We can’t wait to write the instructions tomorrow.

Looking after our minds!

By Sophie Dale4th February 2021

Year 1 had some great discussions on how important it is to look after our minds as well as our bodies. We thought about things that make us happy such as exercise, yummy food and drawing. We listened to Kate Middleton inspire us to keep doing things that make us happy to keep our minds healthy during these confusing times.

We then did a fantastic emotions workshop called ‘The emotion express’ by Mind Matters for Education. We then talked about these emotions relating to how we feel at the minute. It was a lot of fun!

Exploring Winter!

By Sophie Dale6th November 2020

Year one loved exploring their senses in English this week. We focussed on what we might hear, feel and see in winter. This inspired some superb adjectives that we will use when writing our winter poems next week!

Where do different animals live?

By Sophie Dale6th November 2020

This week in science we looked at animals and whether they live in hot or cold climates. We also discussed that different species of foxes live in both climates. We looked at why the Arctic fox was white so it can camouflage in the snow to sneak up on its prey or hide from predators. We acted this out and had a lot of fun!