Author: Mrs Hogarth

Our living and learning statement this week has allowed the children to explore the idea of peer pressure. They began by discussing the influences that might make someone try drugs such as social media and friends. They ranked them in order of the biggest influence. We discussed strategies that could get the children out of a situation where they felt pressured. These included coming up with an excuse and leaving the situation or being more assertive and explaining why they don’t want to try something.

Help at home: How confident does your child feel about resisting peer pressure? Ask them what strategies they’d use.

We were lucky enough to be visited by the British Library yesterday, who are based in Boston Spa. This is a research library that holds books, newspapers and documents.

The children had the opportunity to read a book called “The Phoenix of Persia.” The book contains a range of different Persian instruments, such as the Daff – a type of drum.

The children used percussion instruments to compose music for different pages in the book. They used instruments such as: castanets, egg shakers, bells and wooden blocks.

It’s that time of the term again where we get to cook again. The children have had a great time this week, working in small teams to cook tomato and lentil soup. They had to measure out all the ingredients and use their cutting and slicing skills to prepare the vegetables. The children prepared and cooked the soup and then even got to eat it after. They said it was delicious!

Help at home: Talk to your child about how their cooking went this week. Can they remember the recipe? What changes would they make if they cooked this recipe again?

This week, our living and learning statement has been, ‘I can describe and use self-care techniques.’

We talked about how sometimes people may experience poor mental health. This is how we feel on the inside and a build up of different smaller emotions that can lead to changes in mood and behaviour. It is important that we know how to spot this in ourselves and also recognise it in each other. The children might see someone spending more time alone, maybe not eating their lunch, struggling with their learning or a change in mood – maybe being more angry.

In order to deal with these emotions and feelings, we learnt some breathing exercises – bunny breathing and snake breaths.

Help at home: Ask your child if they can show you the new breathing techniques? Have they tried any of these?

As part of our art topic, we’ve been looking at art from before and after the start of the twentieth century. The children were able to sort images into these two categories. To challenge themselves further, they then created a timeline of art. Which was the earliest piece and how could they tell?  The children applied their art vocabulary brilliantly.

Help at home – Can you search for some artists online? Can your child discuss the artwork using their art vocabulary?

As part of anti-bullying day, the children (and adults) came to school wearing odd socks. This is to raise awareness of bullying and what can be done about it. The socks represent that we are all different and that’s ok – we should embrace our differences and celebrate them. We talked about the different types of bullying, including online behaviours and where to get help if needed – trusted adults, Childline.

We were really lucky to have a representative join us from Wetherby Food Bank this week. This gave us a real insight into how the food bank works, where they get their supplies from and other support that they get. She gave the children the opportunity to budget for a week on a very low income and  the children recognised how difficult this was and why some people might need to access different forms of support. We felt really proud that our Harvest collection contributed to our local food bank.

 

As part of our themed money week, we enjoyed a visit from some representatives from a bank. The session was full of information about how a bank can help you. They explained how savings accounts work and the other types of accounts that exist. They helped the children to understand the importance of a pension and how this works when you’re older. The children  were very excited to learn about the £5 challenge that would be taking place next year. The children are given a loan of £5 and allowed to be an entrepreneur and raise as much money as possible for the school. I wonder who will be the next Alan Sugar!