Y2 have started to learn how to type – an essential skill if you want to use technology!
Computing
Y2 & Y4 learning together: Kahoot
Y2 showed Mrs Bailey and Y4 how to do a Kahoot today! First of all they showed the children in Y4 which website to go to and how to join the game. They then showed them how the game works. We discussed how else we could use a Kahoot – someone had the good idea that they could link it with their topic.
After the first game, we left Y4 to it. Mrs Bailey took a risk and ran the game by herself. Then (and i’m so excited by this), she decided to start to run with the earlier suggestion by creating her own Kahoot quiz to tie in with Y4’s topic.
Y2 and I had previously talked about how it feels when you help someone. I enjoyed helping Mrs Bailey; it made me feel valued and I was glad to be able to help her add a new angle to Y4’s learning. Y2, how did it feel when you helped Y4? Y4, how did it feel to be helped by Y2?
I wonder if there is a class out there that would like Y4 to demonstrate Kahoot?
Y2: Manipulating Electronic Images in Andy Warhol Style
Y2 have been extending their computing skills by creating folders and copying files [and putting them into their newly created folders]. They then used an outline of the Queen (to fit in with our topic) and learnt how to use the fill tool to turn them into Andy Warhol style pieces of art. We then learnt how to add text to our image, so that we could out our names on them. I am so impressed by how much Y2 have learnt in such a short space of time!
Growing and changing
There is lots of action in Nursery at the moment. The caterpillars have arrived and the children have started to photo and film them to document their development. Watch out David Attenborough Planet Earth 3 is underway!
There has been lots of planting. Some seeds are outside and some are inside and the children are noticing big differences in what is happening.
Meet an Expert
To conclude our STEM fortnight, on Friday, we were privileged to have Mr Dion-Fehily, a medical engineer, visit us at Maple Cross. He spent time inspiring our Year 5&6 learners of a career in engineering, time in years 1&2 creating lights at the top of a castle and Year 3 showcased their Viking longboats. A great morning of engineering!
STEM Fortnight
STEM fortnight is coming to an end tomorrow but what fantastic learning has been happening! At the INSET day last Monday, members of staff took part in a stem activity and then prepared learning for their classes. After school today, from 3.30pm you are welcome to visit your child’s classroom and see their learning. We look forward to seeing you then.
Safer Internet Day 2018
In assembly today, we talked about what being ‘safe online’ means.
We also discussed what ‘Social Media’ is and whether any of you have used it. You were very honest; lots of you said that you had used it and I saw a sea of shocked faces when I told you how old you are supposed to be to use various social media platforms (see below).
So, given that a huge number of KS2 children put their hand up to say they’ve used social media, but you have to agree to being over 13 years old to get an account (older for some), what questions does that raise?
Some very difficult ones!
Maple Cross Children: We will be following this up in class. Your teachers will be finishing the quiz we started in assembly with you.
Parents: Social Media is an absolute minefield. We are looking to work much more closely with you on e-safety, More to follow, but in the meantime, please refer to our e-safety page or https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/
Leading and learning
Tonight colleagues from Maple Cross travelled to Amwell View School to join the HertsCam Network event. Ms Heydarzadeh shared a poster about a project she is leading in Reception. Ms Heydarzadeh is using Edward DeBono’s thinking hats to support and develop pupils self-regulation. She spoke with a range of other practitioners from primary, secondary and specialist provisions to gain insight and ideas into her project.
Ms Thanki, Mr Flint and Ms Scourfield led workshops around their project themes including developing reasoning skills, use of technology and the computing curriculum and creating music makers and pupil leadership.
Speak to them to find out more.
Year 3 Antarctic explorers
This week Year 3 have turned themselves into explorers to put themselves into the shoes of historic Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. They showcased their amazing artistic ability when creating their Antarctic backdrops.
