Next week in our numeracy lessons we will be looking at the written method for division.

We will start the week going over the written methods we should be using and making sure that we are able to use if accurately.

Later in the week we will look at word problems. We will need to read them carefully to decide if we need to divide and then use our methods to solve the problem.

Check out this video for a reminder of how to carry our short division:

Use this link to help you put together the plan for your news report.
http://www.calvarywilliamsport.com/prodigal-son.html

In our Literacy lesson on Thursday we will be finishing off our news report about the acts of the daring duck and the Highway Rat.

As part of this we will need some quotes from some of the animals themselves.

This can be either direct speech (Speech using inveted commas)
or reported speech - reporting what has been said.


Direct speech: The Hero explained "I wasn't going to put up with it anymore therefore it was time to take matters into my own hands"

Reported speech: Mrs Squirrel informed us it was a great relief not to have to worry about that monster anymore.

POST YOUR OWN EXAMPLES ON THE PADLET BELOW!
http://padlet.com/wall/layeinkrpm

This is the link for our Headline starter activity.

Can you think of a catchy Headline for our newspaper report about the Duck fooling the Highway Rat?

http://padlet.com/wall/styhim5mu0

A superb effort from Year 5 last week! Every single one of us achieved our weekly certificate from Mathletics including 7 silver!

Brilliant

Today we are going to find the features of a newspaper report.

Here are the links to some of the articles that we will be looking at:
http://www.firstnews.co.uk/news/the-wanted-announce-break-i10342

 http://www.firstnews.co.uk/news/world-cup-city-could-be-ditched-due-to-delays-warn-football-chiefs-i10328

http://www.firstnews.co.uk/news/egypt-remembers-revolution-after-terror-attacks-i10344


Questions to consider about the text
Which text includes a date? Why do they need a date?

Which text uses chatty language?  Why?

Which text was most formal?  Find evidence to support your answer.

Which text did you like best?  Why?

What genre are we looking at? How do you know?

How are the texts organised? (Think about what comes first at the top of the page, what comes next etc)

This week's Numeracy will all be based around time and finding the difference between two times. We didn't do very well on our assessment question last week (only 1 of us got it right) so we need to learn how to solve time based problems.

Therefore, we are going to commit the week to it and hopefully be experts by Friday.





We will be using number lines to find the difference between two times. Counting on from the first time to the second to find out how long things have taken (TV programs, bus journeys, walks to school, car trips, train journeys, films and so on)

Please play the game below to get a better understanding of how to use a number line to find the difference between two times. Have fun!

http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/timetables/index.htm

Amie has set her sights on being a true champion this week. As we all know, Amie is very determined and the results are nothing but what I would have expected from her.
She has achieved a whopping 9,580 points in just one day, which is a new class record. This saw her finish 6th in the UK (it was a strong day today) and a superb 15th in the world (which is another class record).
Fantastic Amie. See me for a success card stamp!

Watch this video to see how to make your own Highwayman scene.

Here are the links for the Padlets we will be using in lessons today.

Numeracy lesson starter:
http://padlet.com/wall/f6x8i51hqw

Literacy - Highway Rat rhyming words:
http://padlet.com/wall/21ptve5th

Today, in Literacy, we are going to be writing a diary entry from the point of view of the Highway Rat.
We are going to imagine that the rat keeps a diary of each of his days. Our task today is to write an entry for one of these days.

Here is a link to part of the book if you need to remind yourself of some of the mischief he gets up to:
http://clubs-kids.scholastic.co.uk/products/79115


Here is the link to PADLET which we will be using as part of our lesson:
http://padlet.com/wall/jkvvk86gph

Below is an example of one of his days from later in the book:

When we are online, it is important to be safe.

We will look at how to be safe with:
1)  Digital footprints (how our information is saved
on the internet)
2)  Chatting (or blogging)

Here are some useful weblinks to keep you safe online.

1. http://www.kidsmart.org.uk/
     (Digital footprints section)
   
2. http://thinkuknow.co.uk/8_10/cybercafe/Cyber-Cafe-Base/ (Look at the cyber cafe and Online
   Forum section.
   
3. http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ 

If you are safe online, you should be able to answer these questions:

Q.1) A stranger online asks you if you want to meet up do you?
A.Say yes and meet up with them.
.Say no and log off the site.
.Probably say no, but if your parents agree, go with them.

.2) You get an email from someone you don't know.  Do you?
A.Delete it straight away and tell a parent.
.Reply to the email and ask who they are.
.Open the email to see what it is.

.3)
What should you do if a random person in a chatroom asks for your picture?
A.Find a good photograph and send it to them.
B. Ask them to send their picture to you first.
C.Do not send your picture and tell an adult.

Q.4) When signing into sites or setting up an account should you use your?
A.Full name.
B.Nickname.
C.First name only.

Q.5) A website asks for your email, adress and phone number do you?
A.Give all your information.
B.Enter your friends information.
C.Check with a parent/carer first.

Q6) Should you put your personal information
(address, phone number, photograph) on a public website?
A. Yes.
B. No.

Last week saw a fantasitc performance from the whole of Year 5. 31 of us achievled our Mathletics Bronze award for the week, and we also had one Silver award as well (for achieving 5 Bronze certificates)

Our combined score was 101,173 points which means we answered around 10,000 questions correctly last week, which is amazing! Our score saw us place 2nd in the UK and 10th in the whole world which we are all very proud of.

As part of this, Drew also featured in the daily charts for top pupil performances, finishing 2nd in the UK and 25th in the World!

I wonder how many certificates we can achieve this week. (I know some of you already have earned it in just one day! Wow!)

In numeracy we are going to be learning about Perimeter and Area.
If you want to be ahead of the lesson, and want to be better prepared then check out the game on the following link or watch the perimeter song below.

http://www.bgfl.org/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/perimeter_and_area/index.html

This week has seen Year 5 make a fantastic effort in their numeracy. Using Mathletics, many of us have strived to improve how scores and improve on our skills and understanding.
However, on Thursday, Drew gave himself a unique personal challenge - to reach the highest position he could in both theTop  UK and World Students charts.
Starting his morning, before coming to school, completing maths activities, Drew already had a strong foothold before our first lesson had begun. He then used his spare time during the day (break time / lunch time) to add to his progress. And spent his evening at home continuing his success.
By the time the final chart was put together, Drew had achieved an outstanding 7,246 points just for that day. Thats enough points for 7 Bronze certificates in just one day! WOW! This saw him finish 2nd in the UK and 25th in the world charts, both incredible achievements.
I suspect, Drew will now challenge himself to one day achieving the top spot! Do you think he can do it?

Congratulations Drew, bring me your organiser for a success card stamp.

Take a glance over the 2014 Curriculm's Computing section and one thing will be strikingly apparent - That coding or programming play a large part in the skills that the children should be taught with a large proportion of the coverage relating to this.

NOTE: 'Algorithms' are defined as 'an unambiguous procedure or precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective.'

In Key Stage 1 pupils should be taught to:

- Understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions.

- create and debug simple programs

- Use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs.

In Key Stage 2 pupils should be taught to:

- Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts.

- Use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output.

- Use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

Therefore, it is essential that teachers have a range of approaches for providing an opportunity for children to develop such skills and to practice giving logical and clear instructions. Although such wording can make the requirements of the new curriculum seem demanding on a teacher's own knowledge base, there are some simple Apps that can enable the required coverage without an expertise in the subject.

Below is a list of possible Apps that could be used to approach some of the requirements mentioned above. They are particularly suitable (but not limited to) Key Stage 1 and Lower Key Stage 2.

Daisy the Dinosaur - FREE

Learn the basics of computer programming with Daisy Dinsosaur. This free, fun app has an easy drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. Kids will intuitively grasp the basics of objects, sequencing, loops and events by solving this apps' challenges. (Description from the Apple AppStore)

Bee-Bot - FREE / Bee-Bot Pyramid £0.69

Based on the award winning floor robot that has been used throughout schools for some time, the app makes use of the physical bot's functionality and enables children to develop their skills in directional language and programming through sequences of forwards, backwards, left and right 90 degree turns.

There are 12 levels of progression . Each level is timed and awards stars based on the speed and level of accuracy of the sequence created.

Ideal for replicating Bee-Bot activities without the need for a class set of physical robots or worrying about batteries needing replacing.

The FREE version of Bee-Bot has been designed for younger learners (KS1) whereas the Pyramid version is designed for older or more experienced pupils (Lower KS2), allowing you to control the Bee-Bot through a series of 12 levels of an ancient Egyptian pyramid, unlocking doors, collecting treasure and out-smarting mummies as you go. The Pyramid version also supports the mathematical strands motion, direction and geometry.

A.L.E.X - FREE (First 25 Levels - In App Purchases)

An alternative to Bee-Bot (perhaps for boys who aren't as keen on the flowery garden setting). Alex is a puzzle game which requires a logical sequence to be programmed to get a robot through the level. Not only does A.L.E.X provide a basic and useful concept of programming, it also introduces sub routines and debugging in a nice way.

The firs 25 levels come free, with 35 further levels available as an in app purchase.

Kodable (FREE and £4.99 for Kodable Pro)

Kodable is an educational iPad game offering a child-friendly introduction to programming concepts and problem solving. Aimed at children from 5 years old and up (And tools for adults too), Kodable Pro comes with 3 worlds and 90 levels of programmable fun.

A free version is also available as a sensible way to introduce yourself and the children to the app.

Cato's Hike (FREE and Paid version £2.99)
Cato uses programming to help rescue a little boy called Cato. While playing outside, Cato discovered a portal to another world. However, this world was unlike is own and did not follow the same rule. The only way to overcome the obstacles and problems there is to write a program for himself.

The app also allows users to create their own levels before writing the program to navigate them.

The app costs £2.99 for all of the levels but a free version with limited progression is available as a sensible way of trying it out first.

Creating your own level designs in Cato's world:

Light-Bot (FREE to try - £1.99 for FULL version)

Light-Bot is a programming puzzle game that uses many of the mechanics that are rooted in programming concepts. Starting of with simple procedures (see the photo below) the game progresses into developing players' understanding of basic control-flow concepts such as loops and conditionals, just by instructing a robot to light up tiles and solve levels.

The full app contains 40 levels and 20 challenge stars to complete.

Hopscotch - FREE

Hopscotch teachers children to code using simple intuitive building blocks that stack on top of each other to complete a set of instructions (a procedure). Pupils can create games, animations and other programs in this colourful, interactive environment.

It is a useful app for approaching the New Curriculum KS2 skill, mentioned above, of programming with 'various forms of input and output'. The app allows children to create programs that respond to inputs such as tilting the iPad in a given direction, shaking the iPad or noises.  

Procedures in Hopscotch are created in a colourful manner (great for progression in Computing if Years 5&6 follow on using programming tools such as Scratch)

Cargo-Bot (FREE)

Cargo-Bot is a puzzle game where you teach a robotic crane how to move crates (think of those amusement machines where you can win sweets or soft toy prizes). The app is for more advance programmers therefore more suitable for lower Key Stage 2. It encourages a logical mindset and progresses with a fast learning curve.

The game challenges the user with the need for logical thinking and is worthy of exploration. It is also an app that itself was created using another iPad coding app (Codea) and is a good example for children to see that as they get older and develop their skills set, they too could be making their own games.

As part of our tremendous effort on Mathletics, Lauren too has featured in the charts. Her daily score saw her reach 76th in the whole of the UK. Well done Lauren.

What a fantastic start to the new term in Year 5. We have appeared in both the UK and World top 50 charts for Mathletics!

Great job!

Keep it up and let's see how many certificates we can hand out on Monday (We already have our first ever Silver)

Thank you to Mrs Henderson for pointing out this app, which she has used quite a bit as part of booster sessions in Year 6.

Overview: (As described in the App)
Montessori in Maths Challenge was designed by teachers to enable users to improve their mental maths skills.
There are two games which can be fully customised to suit individuals as shown below. These are 'Whiz Quiz' and 'Bubble Game'.

Whizz Quiz is designed to enable users to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division intensively while having fun. THe app distributes any unlocked operation randomly. However, which operations are present can be altered in the settings (see below). Its not a secret that practice makes perfect and in this game players have 3 options;
- Multiplie choice - choose among 4 answers
- Free response - type the answer on a number pad
- Missing digits - find the missing digits in an operation.

An example of a question in the multiple choice option.

Children also have access the a 'chalk board' which they can access to use a written method when solving some of the more challenging questions. A great way for the children to reinforce their methods and to keep up the habit of not solving everything in their head.

Game choice 2 - Bubble Game
Bubble Game is a fun, multiple choice game with bubbles that explode to practice even more. Questions across all 4 operations appear with the missing part floating around inside a bubble (mixed with other wrong answer bubbles as well). Children simply use their knowledge and understanding to select the correct bubble.

Detailed Settings to suit each player's needs:
The app has been developed so that it can be customised to the required level and challenge for each individual. Teachers can create unique accounts on a single iPad, with the questions and operations offered being suitable for that child.

As well as this there are worl ranking charts for the highest weekly, monthly and all-time scores in both of the game mode. Great for those children who are motivated by seeing their name in lights.

The app is Free however will be restricted to addition calculations. Additonal calculations can be unlocked for a small fee (or £1.49 for all 3 of the remaining operations)

You know you have discovered an excellent App when, after only a few moments after installing, you find yourself mulling over it's many possibilities within the classroom.

'Tiny Tap' is one such App where quite quickly it's great potential becomes apparent. Add to that it's completely Free, without annoying pop ups or adverts, and it's a winner!

In short, the application allows you to create your own games which you tap to play. These can be shared with the Tiny Tap community and similarly, you will have access to hundreds (if not more) of games and activities created by others.

Below is a quick over view of Tiny Tap and some examples showing its use and potential.
From the main screen you will be presented with a book shelf that allows you to:
- create your own activity.
- play activities already in your library.
- or visit the market place.

As you can see, this is all presented in a colourful and child friendly way.

One of the doors that Tiny Tap opens is the ability to be able to create your own activity suited exactly to the needs of the children in your class.

Instead if trawling the internet looking for a game or activity that almost fits the requirements, you can quickly create an activity that does exactly what you need it too. No need to make do with a slightly too easy / challenging alternative. No need to choose one that isn't quite the skill you are trying to look at.

Creating an activity.

As you can see from the photo below, you can draw whatever you need using a range of tools, add photos from your camera roll or add pictures from a wide range of themes already built into the app.

One your backgrounds are set (be it your own design, a photo, text or a combination of them all) you can then Set up your activity.

This included:

- Recording your own question or instruction followed by choosing the correct answer / area on the screen by drawing around it with your finger. Responses for current / incorrect choices can also be recorded. (Some examples being can you find the word with and 'igh' sound? Can you find cat? What is 35 x 100 and so on? Click in the verb in this sentence... And so on.

- Cutting out and area which then has to matches to its place on the screen. Again there is plenty of potential such as competing spellings, dragging answers to a maths question to the correct number sentence, balancing equations etc

 Below is a video from Tiny Tap showing how quickly an activity can be set up:

I'm sure there is almost endless potential for the number of activity types that can be created but to serve the purpose of an example, here are some ways in which I have used the App:

Pre-School Activity Example:

As with many discoveries, the first port of call in investigating Tiny Tap was at home. Downloading it for the first time at the weekend, and not having a class to try my ideas out on, meant my 3 year old became the guinea pig.

In the short video, you can see the simplicity but effective nature of Tiny Tap where the correct word has to be found based on the oral instruction.

There are also a large number of simple activities available on the marketplace suitable for younger children. And the colorful nature of the in built resources, make this a great app for EYFS and KS1 children.

Similarly, Tiny Tap was also used to create quick SPAG games in Year 5&6, where children created 'silly sentences' and then used the App to record their own questions putting their knowledge to the test including:

Children created questions asking to find the article, adjective, noun, verb, adverb, preposition etc.

In Year 5, we used Tiny Tap to create our own numeracy games as a quick revision tool.

As part of keeping equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages fresh in our minds, we all designed our own game card.

These were then photographed and added to Tiny Tap before recording our questions such as:

'What is equivalent to three quarters?'

'What is the same as 100%' and so forth.

The children thoroughly enjoyed this and were hooked in knowing they were making their own game but had to think carefully whilst setting their questions, drawing on their own knowledge of equivalent fractions, decimals and percentages. The children then swapped their iPads and played each other's games, further testing their understanding.

The game creation also served as an assessment activity for myself as I was able to observe the extent to which children felt comfortable in pushing their understanding whilst creating their games.

For example most children stuck to the safety of working with tenths in their comparison to decimals and percentages. However it was interesting to see who included improper fractions, equivalents to tenths, quarters and so on. Some setting their fractions as 100ths and 1000ths and asking for the decimal or percentage equivalents.

Below are some photos of the children making and testing their activities.

As part of 'Safer Internet Day' children in Year 5 and 6 used the application to create their own Safer Internet Quiz activities. This was a great way for them to reinforce the themes of the day! Below are just some examples.

Puffin Academy is a brilliant solution to solving the obstacle that some websites pose when accessing then on an iPad. Apple don't like Flash (it's a long story) thus anything that uses it will not run properly or at all on an iPad.

However, with the fantastic Puffin Academy, this can be overcome. The app is free and allows access to to educational websites only (that have themselves signed up).

Simply install, search for the website you wish to use and, if it's available, away you go!

For our school Puffin Academy will allow pupils to access both Education City and Bug Club which is fantastic news.

Puffin Academy is available for FREE in the App Store.

Accessible sites can by found through a straightforward search function and then launched though the given links.

Bug Club running on the iPad. Fantastic news!