Have you seen any of these?
There are lots of posters that have appeared around school. They give us advice about how we can stay safe on the Internet.
Keep your eyes open and if you see one, stop to read it. We will be doing lots about online safety this week!
How many can you find!?
Thanks to the School Council, we were able to see and touch some interesting creatures. As you can see from our faces, we had an interesting (and sometimes scary) time. Last year, when given the opportunity to begin to use iPads as part of my teaching, one of the biggest challenges was how to find a way through the masses of apps and how to feel like their use was having an impact! Conscious that I wanted to avoid the devices being used purely as extension or bolt-on activities, it wasn't as straight forward as I had expected. It took some time to find ways of incorporating ipad use in a way that it couldn't be replicated, or just as effective, using traditional methods. Even when discovering Apps that shone, standing out from the rest with their educational potential, it wasn't always obvious how they could be used in a sequence of lessons to promote learning. However with some searching, and a heavy reliance on the networking value of Twitter, I discovered some excellent ideas. This blog post is will hopefully help that journey for others. Below are copies of lesson plans used for several iPad Games based units including Minecraft, ThemePark, Angry Birds, Temple Run 2 and PixelPress. More detail on the activities, including examples of the work produced and the impact can be found here: http://5tanfieldlea.weebly.com/using-ipads-in-education---support-for-teachers.html Files below in PDF format for the following units of work: Minecraft (Literacy & Numeracy) 3 to 4 lessons Please note, the follow on literacy writing lesson is not documented in this plan. Angry Birds & Temple Run 2 (Literacy, Numeracy, Geography) 7 Lessons PixelPress - (Literacy & Computing) 6 Lessons Theme Park - (Literacy) 4-5 Lessons
In our literacy lesson on Monday, we will be using Padlet to help us to keep track of our thoughts.
Here are the links: Lesson Starter / Main Activity: http://padlet.com/wall/pjooybgnvy (Add Ed - Ing - Ly words) End of the lesson: http://padlet.com/wall/n35a3r3dcl (Questions about the video / story) In our History lesson this week we will be looking at the Georgian time period (around the time of Highway men like Dick Turpin). We will be comparing the lives of the rich people at that time and the poor. We will learn how different their lives were and some of us may be able to empathise with why some poor people turned to a life of crime as a way of raising money and food for their families. Here is a useful link to a page all about the Georgians: http://www.schoolsliaison.org.uk/kids/aston/changingtimes/georgian/index.htm Also, here is a great video showing some of the differences between rich and poor Georgians. (You could take some notes and bring them to school this week - I would be very impressed) 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 is the Padlet link for you Talk Homework Success Card Challenge. Remember the challenge is to post similes or metaphors to describe the Highway Rat. I can't wait to read all of your ideas: http://padlet.com/wall/sb7swyp2d 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: Tuesday 20th January 1727
Today, I was awoken by a burning sensation. At first I wondered if I had rolled too close to my fire however it turned out to be even worse than that! My stomach was a raging storm, aching for food! It has been far too long since I have had a decent meal. Wearily, and feeling weak, I loaded Chestnut (my horse) and set out for a days looting. Through the woods, I found my first opportunity - some ants! Quickly, I removed myself from Chestnut and bounded towards the approaching army. "HALT!" I yelled, in quite a menacing way (whilst revealing my teeth and snarling). I roared like a lion and demanded that the ants handed over all of their sweets, lollies, toffees and chews. Anxiously, they agreed, with the leader of the ants who was slighlty bigger and browner than the rest, to hand over their goods. Disappointed, I quickly realised that despite my hope, all they had to give me was a thin and bitter leaf! Having spent the day without much success, I returned to my cave. The fire had gone out and the entrance was as black as the night sky beginning to form above me. My meal barely satisfied my hunger! Now, I lay curled up ready to dream of tomorrow's adventures. 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.
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) 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: Programming 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. References: Some of the ideas and information for this post were supported by the following link discovered via Twitter: http://ukedchat.com/2013/12/09/coding-on-tablets/
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) |