Spring 1
English
Writing
Fiction – Warning Tale – Kassim and the Greedy Dragon
We will be learning the story of Kassim and the Greedy Dragon, and exploring the features the author has used and the effect they have. We will then learn how to write our own similar warning tale, which will include suspense.
Key vocabulary
Warning, tale, character, setting, suspense, opening, build up, problem, resolution, ending
Reading
We will explore a range of texts linked to our units of learning, by using our Reading
for Inference skills. We will also be developing our technique of answering written
comprehension questions about a range of texts.
Books we will be reading:
To support writing:
Attack of the Demon Dinner Ladies by Pamela Buchart
Reading for pleasure:
Dear Greenpeace
Malala’s magic pencil
My name is not refugee
Beegu
One World Many Colours
Greta and the giants
Key vocabulary
Echo read, paired read, think like a detective, notice breakdown, visualise,
background knowledge, VIP words, question, wonder, predict, highlight,
evidence, summarise
Maths - Multiplication and division; Length and height
We will recognise, make and add equal groups. We will solve multiplication
sentences and use arrays to develop our understanding of multiplication. We will
also explore doubles, 2 times table, 5 times table and 10 times tables, as well as
dividing by 2 5 and 10.
We will measure, compare and order lengths in cm and m. We will then use these
skills to solve a range of problems.
Key vocabulary
Multiply, divide, multiplication, division, array, equal groups, double, inverse,
times, lots of, share, bar model, measure, centimetres, metres, length, height
Science
Plants
We will learn about the different parts of plants and what plants need to grow. We
will then carry out an investigation to find out whether plans grow healthier in light or
darkness.
Living things and their habitats
We will explore different habitats, including desert habitats, ocean habitats,
woodland habitats and microhabitats. We will then explore the links between
habitats, diet and food chains.
Key vocabulary
seed, plant, sunlight,darkness, variable, blossom, stem, leaf, trunk, branch, flower, habitat, desert,
ocean, woodland, microhabitat, diet, food chain
Computing – Programming: Algorithms and debugging
We will learn what algorithms are, how to program them and how we can use loops
to make our algorithm more efficient. We will do this using a combination of
unplugged and plugged-in activities. The activities included as part of this learning
include maps, debugging and dinosaur algorithms.
Key vocabulary
Abstraction, algorithm, artificial intelligence, bug, clear, correct, data, debug,
decompose, error, key features, loop, predict, unnecessary
Art and Design – mixed media
We will develop colour mixing skills, learning about the work of artist Romare Bearden and creating textured papers using paint, children compose collages inspired by their exploration of colour and texture in the world around them.
Key Vocabulary
collage, texture, layer, colour, tone, blend,
Religion and World views – How do we know some people have a special
connection to God?
We will explore how people connect with God and what makes this connection
special. As part of this, we will have lots of discussions by sharing our own views and
listening to those of others.
Key vocabulary
God, connection, prayer, worship, view
PSHE – Safety and the changing body
We will developing understanding of safety: roads, medicines and an introduction to
online safety, distinguishing secrets from surprises, name body parts and looking at
the concept of privacy.
Key vocabulary:
Diet, medicine, pedestrian, private, secret, surprise, penis, testicles/testes,
vulva, vagina
PE – Health and fitness; Boccia
Health and Fitness – we will learn about why we should be active and lead a healthy
lifestyle. We will work on ways to be active and come up with activities involving
jumping, running, catching and throwing.
Indoor games - Boccia – we will work as a team and think tactically about ball placement for this game.
Key Vocabulary
Health, fitness, active lifestyle, heart rate, jump, run, catch, throw, stretch,
warm up
Helpful websites:
https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/accounts/sign_in
https://play.numbots.com/#/intro
Key dates
06/01/2025 – Teacher Training day – school closed
07/01/2025 – Spring term begins
13/02/2025 – Valentines Disco
14/02/2025 – final day of term
24/02/2025 – Teacher training day – school closed
25/02/2025 – first day of Spring term 2