Here is an overview of what we will be learning this half-term.  

Our topic this term is…. 

‘Our Planet’ 

This half term we will be thinking about ways that we can care for the planet and why this is important. The seeds that we planted last half term will have grown and we will have opportunities to talk about how they have changed. We will investigate how the weather changes in the springtime. 

English – 'How to Make a Bee Bath’

This unit will focus on how to write a set of instructions. We will begin by exploring the features of instruction texts as we learn our model text ‘How to Make a Bee Bath’. We will then apply what we have learnt to write instructions about how to make a disgusting sandwich or breakfast! The children will focus on using time connectives to order their ideas and imperative verbs to give clear directions. 

Key vocabulary: instruction, order, precise, finger space, capital letter, full stop, adjective, and, imperative verbs e.g. fill, tip, add etc, time connectives e.g. first, next, then, finally, after that etc. 

Maths – Addition and Subtraction (within 20), Place value (within 50) 

In our addition and subtraction work, we will explore addition by counting on from a given number within 20. We will then use number bonds and related facts when adding within 20, as an alternative to counting on. We will explore number bonds to 20, drawing on our knowledge of number bonds to 10. We will learn about doubles and then use these facts to work out near doubles. We will subtract within 20, drawing on our knowledge of number bonds. We will build on the language of subtraction, recognising the subtraction symbol from earlier learning and using it within 20. We will learn about finding the difference and explore it as a form of subtraction. We will look at how addition and subtraction relate to each other, considering the addition and subtraction fact families for numbers within 20. 

In our place value work, we will practice counting forwards and backwards from 20 to 50. We will develop our understanding of multiples of 10 to 50, recapping the equivalence of 10 ones and 1 ten. We will learn how to count more efficiently by grouping into tens and ones. We will develop our understanding of place value for 2-digit numbers as we begin to partition numbers to 50. We will label number lines to 50, first in 1s and then in 10s. We will estimate the position of numbers on number lines to 50. We will find 1 more or 1 less than any number from zero to 50. 

Key vocabulary: add, addition, number sentence, jump, count, count on, bar model, first, next, then, equal, tens, ones, fact, bond, double, near double subtract, part-whole, count back, difference, greater, smaller, fact family, order, undo, base ten, digit, 1-digit number, 2-digit number, group, equal, more, less, total, 1–50, array, whole, parts, partition, number line, value, more, less, start, end, next, previous, estimate, midpoint, halfway, multiple, closer, 1 more, 1 less. 

Science – Caring for the Planet 

In Science, we will be thinking about our planet and why it is important to care for it. The children will explore their role in looking after the planet to create a sustainable future for themselves and future generations. This will include thinking about how to care for humans, animals and plants. The children will be given opportunities to think of simple ways to care for their local area and to improve environment. 

Key vocabulary: Earth, plant, animal, helpful, harmful, planet, grow, safe, care, material, recycle, reuse, problem. 

Science – Seasonal Changes (Spring) 

The children have previously learnt about autumn and winter and will now explore seasonal changes in spring. We will identify similarities and differences between the seasons.  We will identify that we start to see more daylight in spring compared to winter and that the weather is generally warmer. We will also make the connection between more daylight and shorter nighttimes. The class will observe and record the weather over a week.  

Key vocabulary: spring, daylight, night, weather, season, different, pattern, grow, changes, rain, sleet, cloud, sun, wind, snow, more, less.  

Science – Planting (Spring) 

We will observe how the seeds that we planted last half term have grown and changed. We will recap what the parts of a plant are called. We will plant more seeds and compare their growth, making links to seasonal changes. 

Key vocabulary: seeds, roots, stem, leaves, flower, soil, water, light, sun, grow, change, height, plant, time, season, spring, winter, longer. 

Religion and Worldviews - Why should we care for the world? 

This unit will build on the children’s understanding of creation stories, as they explore beliefs about the relationship between humans and nature.  We will learn about different beliefs about who owns the world. We will recognise the belief that humans were created last for a reason and recognise why only humans can care for the world. We will identify the belief that God created humans as stewards over nature through scripture. We will recognise what some stories about Muhammad tell us about looking after the world. We will explore why stewardship is important to some Muslim people. We will think about why people who believe in ahimsa may think it is important to look after all living creatures. We will discuss reasons why it is important to care for the world. 

Key vocabulary: ahmisa, belief, bible, Brahma, Brahman, care, Christian, creation, creator, Earth, environment, gift, Hundu, Humanist, Jewish, mitzvot, ownership, qualities, responsibility, stewardship, Torah,  

Art - Landscapes using different media  

We will experiment with different art materials to create texture. We will learn to identify the key features of a landscape composition, considering where to place horizon and tide lines. We will use a range of materials to replicate the textures found at the seaside. We will use watercolours to create different tints, shades and hues to paint a background. We will add colour to the top of our pictures using poster paints. 

Key vocabulary: figurative, horizon line, Impressionism, landscape, Post Impression, representation, shading, tones. 

Geography - How does the weather affect us?  

We will locate Europe, the UK and the four countries of the UK on a map. We will identify seasonal changes in the UK. We will learn to identify the four compass directions. We will begin to locate the capital city of each country in the UK. We will investigate daily weather patterns and identify daily weather patterns in the UK. We will develop our understanding of how the weather changes with each season.

Key vocabulary: atlas, capital city, climate, compass, continent, country, direction, land, locate, location, map, rain gauge, season, temperature, thermometer, weather, weather vane. 

PE - Dance: continuation and movement patterns.  

We will improvise to a piece of music, learning to copy and repeat back patterns. We will learn to link 2 or 3 movements together. We will perform to music with a range of speeds and to an obvious beat within a piece of music. There will be opportunities to perform the skills we have learnt and to watch and describe other people’s performances.  

Key vocabulary: music, pattern, repeat, continue, copy, link, beat, forwards, backwards, sideways, beginning, middle, end, fast, slow. 

PE - Health & Fitness: understanding the importance of being healthy.  

We will understand why we warm up and cool down. We will talk about the importance of being healthy and why we drink water. We will show stamina, perseverance and determination within our lessons and ask for help when needed. 

Key vocabulary: health, fitness, warm up, cool down, water, hydrate, stamina, time, increase, persevere, determination, help. 

PSHE - Safety and the changing body  

The children will learn how to respond to adults in different situations. They will begin to understand the difference between acceptable and unacceptable physical contact. We will develop an understanding of what to do if lost and how to call the emergency services. We will identify dangers at home and how these can be avoided and learn that there are people in the local community who help to keep us safe. 

Key vocabulary: accident, drug, emergency, medicine, physical contact, polite, respect, role, trust. 

Important dates: 

World Book Day – Thursday 7th March 2024 

Science week 11th – 15th March 2024 

Mother’s day – Sunday 10th March 2024 

Parent consultation evenings – Monday 18th March and Wednesday 20th March 2024 

Last day of term – Thursday 28th March 2024