Barack Obama Class - 2023

Welcome to a brand new school year!  Welcome to Barack Obama, where we RISE to every challenge.

The first term is always exciting, with new routines and topics to start, and new friendships to forge. This term, we are lucky to have four new starters to get to know:  Bella, Grace, Max and Miller.  Welcome to you and your families.

All of our topics for the year are below.  For this term, I have attached the newsletter with details of the learning journeys. For future terms, I will send the newsletters out on Dojo.  On Day 1 of every term, I will send out a paper copy of the newsletter along with the spellings and Tough Ten. 

For homework in Barack Obama, we ask that your child reads to an adult every day; that they learn their spellings ready for the test on Thursday; and that they do one of the Tough Tens each week to improve the fluency in numeracy.  I will hold a quiz in class every week as part of our Retrieval Practice initiative, and details of this will also go out on the first day.  These packs are named, so if you don't receive yours, please let  me know.

Please send your child in with their PE kit to keep in their locker as we will be having PE in the first week.  For parents just moving to Key Stage 2, please send in a piece of fruit for a snack if you wish for break time.  Named water bottles are really useful - children can have a drink whenever they like, and I do encourage them to keep hydrated with regular water stops.

There will be a Meet the Teacher event in the first term, but if you have any questions at all, please see me on the playground or send me a Dojo.  If your issue is urgent, please contact the office.

I look forward to seeing you and your children!

Mrs Kondrat

Term 2

Literacy:  Poems

Science: Materials

Geography: Mapwork

Computing: Information Technology

Design and Technology: Healthy and Varied Diet

RE: Christmas

Term 3

Literacy: Playscripts and discussion

Science: Electricity

Geography: Rivers

Art: ink collage

RE: Sikhism

Term 4 (our class production)

Literacy: Myths and legends

Science: Electricity

Geography: The Ring of Fire

RE: Easter

Music: Pitch, Pattern and singing

Term 5

Literacy: Historical settings

Science: Plants

History: The Vikings

Design and Technology: 2D shape to 3D product

RE: Life's journeys

French

Term 6

Literacy: Persuasion

Science: Light

Computing: Digital literacy

Art: Drawing and printing

RE: Hindu/Sikhism stories

French

Term 6

Oh wow, I can't believe that we are at the last term in our school year.  We have packed so much learning into the five terms so far, and Term 6 is going to be just as busy (and just as much fun!).

This term sees us taking part in an athletics event, visiting a Mandir, enjoying Sports Day and also a visit to a zoo - and that is on top of all of our learning journeys!

There will not be Knowledge Organiser quizzes this term, and spellings will be held on Thursdays instead of Fridays.

I am sure that this is going to be our best term so far, but I will be very, very sad to say goodbye to parents and children in Year 4 - it's been JUST amazing!  They are all ready for the challenges of Year 5 and, yippee, I get to keep the Year 3 children for another year!

I will, as usual, be using Dojo with any information/messages/sharing our learning, and please contact me if you have any queries at all.

Here's to a stupendous and unforgettable term!

Mrs Petrie

Term 5

It is finally here, the summer term!  

I hope you managed to have a super Easter break around the showers, and that you are all looking forward to the new term ahead.

Term 5 sees us commence our swimming lessons every Monday, and the forecast looks like it will start off with sunny skies, which is always a boost.

We also have trips out this term, including a very special visit to the recently discovered Roman site in Oakham which is incredibly exciting!  More details to follow.

Year 4 children will have the Multiplication Check in June, where they will be tested on all of their tables.  I know that they will be doing their best to ensure that they know their tables, but any practice at home will also help!

The newsletter across the school is in a slightly different format this term, with an overview of the whole term that parents can read to find out what is happening in  their class.  Copy of Amelia Earhart's is below, with a paper copy and quiz dates going out on the first day of term.  

I  know that your children will RISE to the challenges ahead, and I am really looking forward to starting some incredible learning journeys and having fun days out.

Mrs Petrie

Welcome welcome welcome!

Term 4 is here, and I am very excited as it is our class production in the last week. We have so many talented children in class, and I can't wait for you to see the performance and enjoy the incredible singing.

The newsletter is below with details of the term ahead.  We have lots to learn, but I know that the children will RISE to the challenges together.

I look forward to seeing you all at Parent Evening interviews in a few weeks.

Mrs Petrie

It's 2023!  Happy new year and a very warm welcome to Term 3 in Amelia Earhart, where we RISE to the skies!

I hope that you had an enjoyable and also restful break over Christmas.  We are raring to go with lots of exciting learning journeys and more amazing things to discover.

The newsletter with details of the term is below, along with Knowledge Organisers for different subjects.  These will also be given out on the first day of term with the spellings and maths objectives for Term 3.

Have an amazing term, everyone!

Mrs Petrie

Welcome to Term 2!  Where on earth did Term 1 go?!

I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable half term break.  We have Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas in this term, so there is plenty of excitement (and that's just from the teacher).

All of the documents, including a paper copy of the newsletter, will go out on the first day of the Term.  There is also a copy of the newsletter below this message.   The newsletter and Knowledge Organisers have all of the details of what we are covering this term.

Thank you to those parents who sent in the Tough Ten folder, your new homework will be inserted into that.  Thanks also for your continued support with learning spellings and preparing for the weekly quiz.

We have all of our routines established and a lovely work ethic in our classroom.  I am really looking forward to our learning journeys this term, culminating in Christmas.  Can't wait!

See you all over the term,

Mrs Petrie

Welcome to Term 1 in Amelia Earhart!

We have lots of exciting things planned, and a brand new Amazing Person to discover.

Welcome to the Year 3 parents and hello again to the amazing Year 4 parents.

On Day 1 of the term, you will receive a newsletter, spellings and also Knowledge Organisers for history and science.  The newsletter will give full details of all the topics that we will cover, and any information that you need.

Just as Amelia Earhart rose to the skies, we will RISE to the challenges of a new school year.

Very best wishes

Mrs Petrie

Term 6

What a brilliant year we have had in Roald Dahl, with an amazing class full of super learners.

This last term has lots of exciting activities with something to interest everyone  such as our Viking Day, an athletics day and also sports day.

Full details of our learning journeys are in the newsletter below, which will also go out on day one of term along with the spellings and Knowledge Organiser.  

Whilst we say goodbye to our Year 4 pupils, we will really enjoy our last term of working together.  There is such a great team spirit in the class, with everyone willing to help out their peers and support them where they can.  I know that the Year 3 children will miss the Year 4s, but also that they will enjoy being the role models for the new intake that the current Year 4s have been.

Have a great last term, everyone, and all in the lovely sunshine!

Mrs Petrie

Term 5

Welcome everyone to Term 5 in Roald Dahl - and what a fun-packed term it is going to be!

Below is the newsletter giving you full details of all of the learning journeys, and a paper copy of this will go out on the first day of term, along with spellings, Knowledge Organisers and Tough Ten.

We will be immersing ourselves in the era of the Victorious Vikings this term, and  we will find out all about the impact that these incredible raiders and traders had upon Britain.  We will also be studying all aspects of plants, and carrying out plenty of practical investigations to consolidate and bring our learning to life.

In the second week of term, we have a number of exciting activities from an outside provider, and you will be able to see these on Dojo.  We also have a morning of volcanoes, and I know that the children will really enjoy this, too.  If that wasn't enough, we will be swimming every week (starting from week 2).  Phew.

The weather is going to be much warmer (I hope!) and with all of the exciting things that we have planned, I can't wait to get started.

As usual, everything that we do will be on Dojo, and please use this facility to get in touch with any queries that you might have.

See you all in the sunshine!

Mrs Petrie

Term 4

Whoop whoop, Term 4 is here!  This term sees us practising and presenting our class production, Mystery at Magpie Manor.  It will be fantastic to see families back in school enjoying the talents of the children of Roald Dahl.  I am sure that some of you already know the songs as your children may be singing or humming them at home....

We continue with our Mindfulness sessions for the first few weeks of term.  This initiative was provided by Resilient Rutland, and I was so proud at how impressed the person presenting the sessions was with the pupils in our class.  I have certainly learned a lot about  how our brain works and techniques to use.

The newsletter giving full details of the term is below, and also on Class Dojo, along with the Knowledge Organisers.  A paper copy will be sent out on the first day of term with the spellings for Term 4.

I get very excited at the start of each term (even at the age of 97), but this term is always exciting as we practise our production and present it to parents.  No stress whatsoever....

See you all soon!

Mrs Petrie

Term 3

Happy new year to you all and welcome to 2022 (yes, it really is 2022 already!).  I hope that you have really enjoyed the holiday and time to spend with family.  

We have lots planned for this term in Roald Dahl, details of which are in the newsletter below which was also sent out on Dojo.  Knowledge Organisers, quiz dates and spellings will all be sent home on the first day of school.

As always, please message me on Dojo with any questions or concerns.

I am so looking forward to a brand new year with the amazing children in Roald Dahl, and know that they will all RISE to every challenge.

Best wishes

Mrs Petrie

Term 2

Yes, it really is Term 2 already!  I hope that you had a super break and managed to recharge your batteries.  We did (finally) get a bit of nice weather in last term, but it is definitely much chillier and autumnal now.

The newsletter and Knowledge Organisers are below, and I will be issuing a paper copies of these, the quiz dates and the spellings for the term on day one of our new term. There is lots to learn and do in Term 2, but I know that your children will RISE to every challenge.

That sparkly season will soon be upon us, and it is so exciting to share in the joy and anticipation of the children towards the end of Term 2.  As always, anything that is happening will be put onto Dojo, and please use Dojo if you have any questions (please continue to notify the office of any absences, though).

Welcome to you and your children for the most wonderful time of the year!  

Best wishes

Mrs Petrie

Term 1

Welcome to the very first term of the new school year!  Welcome to Roald Dahl, where we RISE to the challenge with Roald.

I hope that you have all had an amazing summer break, and that you are as excited as I am to start with a brand new class and a brand new school year.

The newsletter outlining what we will cover this term is below, and Knowledge Organisers and spellings will all be on Dojo, which is the main method of communication about the day to day happenings in Roald Dahl.

Welcome, and hope to see you all soon!

Mrs Petrie

Welcome to Term 6 in Boudicca

I can't believe that we are actually in our last week of the WHOLE school year!  What an amazing year it has been, and I am determined that we will finish with a fantastic final term.

Knowledge Organisers and spellings went out last term, with the electronic copy on Dojo.  The newsletter above this messages tells you everything else that we will be covering for this term.

I am SO not ready for your children to move on, especially those going into Year 5 (and, as your children will tell you, it's all about me in Boudicca!), but this makes me all the more resolute to pack in as much fun and learning as possible.  AND we have lovely sunny weather - could it be any better?

Come on Term 6, we're going to smash it!

Mrs Petrie

Welcome to Term 5 in Boudicca

So now it's term 5, and another chance to thrive in our Boudicca Bubble of Brilliance.

I hope that you and your family have had a restful Easter break, and that you have had a chance to enjoy the new opportunities to meet up with family and friends.

As you will see from the  newsletter above, we have a really exciting term ahead with super learning journeys planned and lots to learn.

The weather looks set to be kind, and after a two week break, I think that we are all raring to go.  Bring it on, Term 5!

Mrs Petrie

WELCOME TO TERM 4 IN BOUDICCA

What an exciting term that we have ahead of us where we are able to continue our incredible learning journeys in the classroom.  A full newsletter is above this, which details all that we will be covering in Term 4.  

As usual, photos, videos and any messages will be sent to parents via Dojo, and please use this facility if you have any concerns or questions (if your child is going to be absent, please let the office know via email).

A huge welcome again to our Boudicca Bubble of Brilliance, and here's hoping for an amazing term of reconnecting and enjoying all of the learning journeys that we face together.

Mrs Petrie

Week Commencing 1st March 2021

I am very happy to write that this is the last week of remote learning.  I am incredibly impressed with how much you have been learning at home, but am also very glad that we will all be back in the classroom next week learning together.

Due to a number of you struggling to make the 3.15pm live slot for the story (for various reasons), and the fact that I want everyone to hear the ending as there is a competition for a book review of the Light Jar that Mrs Wood will judge, I will not be reading the class story next week on Teams. There are only a few chapters left, and so I will save them for when we are in school.

A newsletter for the new term is on this website, which details all of the exciting things that we have got planned.  We have a special reading day in the first week back, with lots of games that you have designed at home to try out in our PE lessons.  On the first morning back, we will have a class discussion to share any ideas that you have to make this term extra special.  For me, it is extra special to see all of you again in person.

For maths this week, I am going to ask you to revise all four operations, and sheets are in the maths folder below (and in paper packs).  Please don't feel that you need to complete all of the questions, I have put plenty on for those that would like extra practice.

The literacy booklet from last week will continue this week, and if you have forgotten what to do, please see the suggested pages in last week's literacy folder.

I have also asked if you can bring in two pieces of work - details for this are on the afternoon instructions below.

Have the best week at home, Boudicca, and please say a HUGE thank you to all of the adults that have supported and encouraged you.  I can't WAIT to see you all back on 8th March!

Mrs Over Excited Petrie

Week Commencing 22nd February 2021

Welcome to Term 4!  I hope that you have had a brilliant half term, and are raring to go again.  It was lovely to  have a week off, but I am really excited to be back with you, if only virtually for a time, and that we are all getting on with our learning journeys.  I am waiting for news before I put up our class newsletter onto this website, but, if you have  not already collected them at the end of last term, the spellings, handwriting sheets and Knowledge Organiser are waiting for you in the school office.

No sooner had I marvelled over writing "February" than it appears I will be writing "March" in just over a week.  That conjures up images of lambs, daffodils, Easter eggs, blossom on the trees and lots of new beginnings.  I am hoping that it will symbolise lots of new beginnings for Boudicca, and that we will soon all be together again.  There are also birthdays coming up (including mine and Mrs Haggerty's in March) and so there will be plenty to celebrate.

In the meantime, I shall be on Teams at the same times as last term, and all of the work that is set for this week is in the folders below.  I have tried so hard to find work that will engage and interest you, and to include activities that will appeal to different learning styles.  I am also on Dojo if you have any queries, or things to share.

Which only leaves me to say welcome again to Term 4, and that I hope to see you all soon!

Mrs Looking Forward to Term 4 And Lots of Birthday Cake Petrie

Week Commencing 8th February 2021

Hey, Boudicca, we did it!  A whole term done and dusted by this Friday.  It was definitely not the term we anticipated, but wow have you made the best of it, and you and your parents and grandparents have worked SO hard to get through it.  As my old boss used to say before any statutory holiday, "take a week off, you deserve it". You really DO deserve it, Boudicca.

This week will see us finishing our weathering topic and also looking at digestion and healthy eating.  Next term starts by looking at skeletons and muscles, and I am trying to find some fun things for you to do at home to learn about this part of our science curriculum.  After this, we will look at food chains which I always enjoy.  There is art and design and technology also on our list to learn, but I may try to save these for when we are back in school.

As usual, there is an extra section if you either finish work or get bored over half term (and you can always look back at the folders of extra work from previous weeks to find something that you might enjoy).

It was great to have our show and tell session on Friday, and I will definitely make that a regular thing for as long as you are still learning at home.  It reminded me of how kind and respectful you are to each other (but did make me miss you even more than I already do), and it was great to see some things that you could not normally bring into school.  I am planning lots of things for when we are back, and will be checking with Mrs Gooding to see if we can have a race with the remote control cars!

Have a fantastic half term break, remember to be kind to yourself and your family, and I will see you all online at 9.15 on Monday, 22nd February (I will keep to the same timetable for Teams, but they will all be on the calendar).

Mrs Very Proud To Be Your Teacher Petrie

Week commencing 1st February 2021

Wow, another amazing week  last week.  I know that it must be challenging to work from home, so a huge well done for keeping going and for keeping up with our learning objectives.  I hope that the variance in tasks is making it more appealing and enjoyable, and am so grateful for all that your parents are doing to help you with the tasks where they can.

This is the penultimate week of the first term of the year, and although it is not what I wished for (not having you in the classroom is just awful), I am so appreciative that we are able to connect on Teams and that you are all doing your best at home.

There is another full week of learning below, and please do not feel that you have to complete every task.  Try to work when is suits your own rhythms and the schedule of your family, and please do not feel you have to rigidly stick to any particular layout or timetable.

Please remember, especially as we continue to work in unusual conditions, to be kind to yourself and your family.  Please take time out to celebrate what you are achieving and to thank your parent, grandparent and pet for all that they are doing to support you.  

Not long now until half term, so please keep on RISING to the challenge!

See you on Teams.

Mrs Missing You More Every Day But Glad You Are Safe Petrie

Week commencing 25th January 2021

Guess what, Boudicca, we made it through another week! I think most of us are struggling with the new regime of remote learning, so please do not feel on your own if you are finding it difficult or questioning whether you are doing the right thing. All we can do is do our best to RISE to the challenges, and above all, be kind to ourselves and acknowledge that there is no rule book to follow and we are all just feeling our way together.

Having said that, I am SO pleased to see so many of you working hard at home and producing brilliant work.  That is down to fantastic, supportive parents who are definitely RISING to the challenge.   Most of you are getting into your own routines of learning at home, and there is no right or wrong way to work - just do whatever suits your family schedule and try to work when you are most motivated (some like to get going first thing, some prefer to start and finish later - both are fine).

I have tried again this week to provide alternative activities for the afternoon, whilst still ensuring that all of the curriculum objectives are covered.  It is so heartwarming to see you giving 100% to tasks and doing so well in the tables and spelling tests, Boudicca.  I will continue to do tables test at 9.15 on the live session, with a spelling test on Friday mornings. Knowledge Organiser quizzes are on assignments in Teams.

Have a super week, everyone, know that you are incredibly missed but I still love our live chats and keeping up with what you are doing.  Next time I write a message on this website, it will be 1st February and spring will be well on its way.

Be good, be kind and enjoy  your learning!

Mrs Petrie

p.s. no help from dogs or cats this week, OK?!

Week commencing 18th January 2021

How exciting finally having snow last week, even if it did just fall for a few hours.  It was great to hear your snow stories and to see some of your snowmen (I still can't interest Douglas in building one, even when I put a trail of doggy treats outside).  It was also brilliant to see that you are all working so hard and to be able to view and share some of your amazing work.

Thank you SO much for  your patience with the connection issues for the live sessions. I will continue to use the new Ipad until I receive my new laptop, and I can't describe how great it is to stay connected during the live sessions and to interact with you without worrying about losing the connection half way through a sentence.  I will also now schedule all meetings, and you will be able to see these on your calendar on Teams.

This week, I am putting in an extra section underneath the maths, literacy and afternoon activities, for those pupils who might want a little bit more work to do.  You can dip into different things that you think will help your learning.  I have also tried to put some options onto the afternoon activities to appeal to a range of learning styles.

On 17th January, I was contacted by Mrs Boothby from NMPAT.  She will be joining us for a live singing lesson from 1 - 1.45 on Thursdays, starting this week. If you have had a paper pack and collected it last Friday, this is an amendment to the afternoon activities for this week.

Have a fantastic week.  Thank you for being the best class, and thank you to all of your parents for your incredible and consistent support.  It has really kept me going this week when I am missing all of you so much.

Mrs Petrie

Week commencing 11th January 2021

Hello Boudicca!

Although it wasn't a particularly successful week in terms of connecting, I am sure that these problems will be resolved one way or the other.  There are so many demands being made on our broadband systems, and I think we will have to either trial and error a less busy time to be on Teams, or just accept that there will be ongoing issues.  I will keep trying and keep you updated on Dojo.

On the subject of Teams, can you please make sure that you are muted at all times unless I ask you to speak?!

Below are folders for work for week commencing 11th January.  I will let you know (when I do) what my timetable for being live on Teams will be, and I will put this on Dojo and on here.  As there are issues with sharing devices and connecting, you should be able to work using the video links on this website (which you can watch when it is convenient to you and then replay anything that you need to see again), and if I am unable to speak to you on Teams, this will not affect you being able to get on with your work. 

If you have asked for a paper pack to go with the work online, they will be available at school from Fridays (I will make sure that my packs are always prepared for Thursday to allow time for them to be copied).  I have kept a list of those that requested a paper pack, but please let me know if you would like your name to be added.

For those who have not seen it, I have put the Knowledge Organiser quiz in 'assignments' on Teams, and I will do this every Friday.  There won't be a spelling test this week, but I am sure that your parents can check your spellings at home for today.

Which only leaves me to say thank you SO much for all of your supportive messages in these very challenging and rather manic times; that I am sorry again about today's connectivity; to ask you to look after yourselves and be kind to yourselves (parents and children); and to say that I miss you all immeasurably.  Have a great weekend, be kind and stay safe!

Mrs Petrie

Welcome to remote learning, Boudicca.  A pack has been prepared with all of the work for this week, but below there are some website links to support this.  I have also included in this message (below the websites) a timetable for remote learning for next week and beyond (a paper copy is included in your packs), but this is subject to change depending on how it works.

I will contact you on Teams at 12.15 this Friday (8th January) so we can all get together online then.  This is the first Teams meeting that we will have.

I am also attaching PowerPoints for science this week (and to keep as a reference for the rest of our science topic).

Please note that the handwriting and spelling sheets that are in your packs are for the rest of the term, not to be completed this week.  

The literacy link for this week for you to follow online is:

https://teachers.thenational.academy/units/i-was-a-rat-by-phillip-pullman-40cb

Year 3, you might like to watch these videos to support the maths for this week:

https://vimeo.com/465738425

https://vimeo.com/466609834

Year 4, you might like to watch these videos to support the maths for this week:

https://vimeo.com/462718069

https://vimeo.com/465337176

An additional afternoon activity uses this link:

https://teachers.thenational.academy/lessons/help-is-on-hand-cgtpat

Boudicca Timetable

Monday to Thursday

9.15             Teams for introduction to maths

9.30            Children work independently on set tasks (on class page of

         website/paper pack)

11.15            Teams for introduction to literacy

11.30            Children work independently on set tasks (on class page

          of website/paper pack)

1.15              Teams for introduction to afternoon task

3.15             Teams for class story

Friday

9.15             Spellings test, quizzes on both Knowledge Oganisers and

introduction to maths task (which will probably involve tables) and handwriting task

9.30            Children work independently on set tasks

11.15            Teams for introduction to literacy

11.30            Children to work independent on set tasks

12.15             Teams for class story  The timetable in the pack states that we would be on                          Teams at 3.15 on Fridays, but Mrs Gooding has just changed this.  So for this                        week, I will be on at 12.15 to say hello, and will review it for following Fridays                         (as I will be busy getting the packs ready and planning on Friday afternoons).

I will call you on Teams at the times stated above.  If you do not know your Teams password, please let me know as soon as possible.  Please try to be on Teams (you just need to Google ‘Teams’) at the allotted times from next week if you can. 

I will call you on Teams at 12.15 on Friday this week (8^th January), so we can have a ‘dry run’ to see if we can get everyone on at the same time!  I am sure it will take a few goes, so don’t panic if you can not get on straight away.

When we are online on Teams, can you please click the ‘mute’ button unless I ask you to speak.  Perhaps you could go on before Friday to have a look at it.

You and your parents can contact me on Dojo during the day if you have a question. 

See you all on Friday, if only virtually!

Mrs Missing You Already Petrie

Welcome to the Spring Term, and welcome to a new year full of learning.  A very happy new year to you all.

In these uncertain times, we can always be certain that we will RISE to the challenge, and I am really looking forward to working with Boudicca in our Bubble of Brilliance on our various learning journeys.

To parents: the newsletter for this term is below, and Knowledge Organisers, quiz dates and spellings have all gone out last term.  Thank you to all parents for your work in helping your children to learn their spellings and facts for our weekly Knowledge Organiser quizzes.

As usual, please Dojo me with any queries or concerns, and please continue to let the office know about absences.

Very best wishes,

Mrs Petrie

Welcome to Term 2 in Boudicca!

Below is our newsletter, detailing all of the exciting things that we will be learning this term.

We are extending a very warm welcome to Daisy and her family to Year 4 and our Boudicca Bubble of Brilliance.  I know that she will be an amazing asset, and the pupils (and her teacher) can't wait for her to join our happy team.

As usual, please send a message via Dojo if you have any queries, no matter how small, or anything that you would like to let me know.  Any absences/medical appointments etc need to be notified to the office.

Come on Term 2, we are SO ready for you!

Mrs Petrie

A HUGE welcome to Class Boudicca to parents, children and their families!  How exciting to have a brand new school year to look forward to. 

So much is new this year - new children, a new name and new topics.  Please have a look at the Class Page on Dojos to keep updated with what is happening and to find out what exciting things are planned for this term.

All of the routines are on the newsletter below, and if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me through messages on Class Dojo.

Here's to a fantastic year, Class Boudicca and your families!  Let's RISE to the challenge that is Term 1 with the readiness and resilience of our namesake.

Best wishes

Mrs Petrie

A Final Farewell

This is it, Class 2, our last week of term.  What an unusual school year it has been!  I am so proud of how you and your families have coped throughout, and that all of you have shown resilience, resourcefulness and responsibility.  Now it is time to have relaxation, reading (you see, even in a rousing final message, I can't resist getting in a reminder to read) and a really good time over the summer.  Arise, Class 2, you have RISEN to the challenge and you deserve a well-earned holiday.  

If you have not already done so, have a quick peek at the photos from last week below.

To my super Year 4 pupils (oh gosh, I really do miss you already), although I do feel that I would have liked more time with you, I have enjoyed every minute of our learning journey. I send you on to Year 5 with a heavy heart at missing you (loads), but a happy heart that I know you will have a fantastic time there and that you will show Mrs Tosney and Mrs Reynolds that you are as amazing as I always tell them.

To my amazing Year 3 pupils, I am SO happy to have another year with you and starting off a fresh learning journey (our first topic is Rome and its Impact on Britain, with our first science topic being Rocks, Soils and Fossils if any of you want to do some research over the break).  We had an incredible year this year, and next year is going to be even more fabulous.

To all of my fantastic parents, I could not do this job without your support and encouragement - your messages really DO mean the world to me as I try so hard to educate your children but also ensure that they have fun and engagement along the way.  I shall dearly miss the Year 4 parents and wish you and your children the very best in life.  I feel so blessed to still have my Year 3 parents, and really feel like we are in it together.

Bon voyage to those of you going away.  Stay safe, have the best summer ever and see you all in August where we will once again RISE to the challenge!

Very best and sincere wishes

Mrs Petrie

Wednesday, 15th July 2020

Wow, what a busy week it has been so far!!!  We managed to combine having lots of fun with lots of work.  What a great combination.  In the last two days, alongside our maths, we managed to produce an information leaflet on Van Gogh, analyse his work and then learn all about Pointillism.  The art work is so incredible that I am keeping it to go on display outside our classroom for when you come back in September.  A fantastic effort, Year 3.  Can Year 4 match your application to tasks?  I think so!

See you tomorrow Year 4.  Check out the photographs to see just how much fun we had.

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 13th July 2020

Hey Hey Class 2

And so, the end is near, as a famous singer once sang......   I am super excited for our last week and a bit, but also flabbergasted as to how the time has flown.  Faster than the fastest world record breaker for fastness.

So what does this week bring, apart from lots of learning?  What doesn’t it bring!  On Monday and Thursday, weather permitting, we have our mini sports day in the afternoons.  On Tuesday and Friday, we have our Happy Days (please remember to get your order in to Mrs Mann as soon as you can – rhyme intended) and our water play (remember the rule, the teacher is to remain dry or you are in BIG TRUB – no ‘we have our reports so it does not matter’ heroics, please).  Year 3 children seem to have a lot of water soakers, and some have kindly agreed to loan these to Year 4 (I will sterilise them after use on Tuesday and also after use on Friday). 

On Tuesday and Friday, I will be letting you know who has won the Tudor Pack competition (a prize for the winner and certificates and rosettes for the runners up), although working hard on them has been prize enough, I am sure.  There is a certificate for the Class 2 Radish Off (Mr MacDonald has chosen his winner) and the boats have been entered into a raffle and will also go home (oh what joy, I hear your parents cry). 

I will be sending your sunflowers home this week, and if you want to take your radish too, can you please bring in a small yoghurt pot as my great idea to grow them all in one big planting pot did not take into account how you would take them home...  Your books will also be going home on Tuesday and Friday.  What a busy week!

So, what will we be learning this week?  Along with maths, our main project is to learn all about the famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh whose famous painting, The Sunflowers (such an original title) will be appraised and you will have a go at your own version.  We will also look at pointillism, and you will all make a famous piece of art of your own.  For literacy, you will be making an information leaflet all about Mr Van Gogh.  Can we squeeze all of this in to just two days?  As Bob the Builder once sang, yes we can!

See you all for a fun-filled week.  Let’s make the last week of term our best ever,

Class 2!

Mrs Very Excited Petrie Who Wishes To Remain Dry, OK??

Thursday, 9th July 2020

Well, I was not expecting this week to be such a washout in terms of the weather!  It was so difficult having 13 faces pressed against the window on Tuesday watching the rain fall and asking "but are we still having sports day?" (not to mention Douglas jumping around wanting to do the sack race).  We have looked at the forecast for tomorrow for Year 4s and think next week is a better week.  

It certainly wasn't a washout as far as work was concerned, and everyone finished their Tudor pack and painted their Tudor rose.  Mrs Gooding will judge the packs this week and next week, the winner of best pack will be announced with a huge drum roll (well, maybe a tap of a pencil on a desk).  Talking of Tudors, we are raffling off the Spanish Armada ships and all children want to be included in the raffle - if any parents do not want a large, cardboard ship going home, can they please let their child know so that they can withdraw from our raffle?

Enjoy the rest of the week, and I am sure that next week will be super exciting!

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 6th July 2020

Oh my goodness, this term is going FAR too quickly!  I am determined to make sure that we cram as much fun (and learning, if any parents are reading this!) into the last few weeks of our school year.

We had an amazing week last week with our Tudor days (please see last week's photos which show just how amazing they were - Year 3, Mrs Haggerty has been usurped as our Class Photobomber.....) where we managed to learn so much about Tudors (and a little bit more still to learn this week). It was so rewarding to see so many happy and excited faces, especially as we re-enacted the Spanish Armada with the pavilion acting as Scotland as the English ships chased the Spanish with the supporting crowd shouting "En-ger-land".  Thank you so much to parents who made such an effort with the outfits, to Hayden's Nanny for the hats and Mrs Murton for providing and organising the school outfits.

This week starts with a very happy birthday to Henry 8th (I DO hope he remembers the class rule...) and we are also going to try to have a mini sports day (weather permitting).

Our sunflowers are shooting up and the "Radish Off" is producing lots of healthy plants at different heights. Although all of you seem to be growing much faster than the plants!

So, here is to an amazing work-filled week with Mrs Gooding deciding on the best presented Tudor booklet and the added tension of will he/won't he of Douglas participating in our sports day event.

See you all this week for lots of fun and games.  Oh, and learning, I knew there was a reason for us all being in school...

Mrs Petrie and Douglas

Tuesday, 30th June 2020

Phew, I am just sitting down to look at the photographs from our amazing Tudor day today. We did a Tudor timeline; learned about the War of the Roses; found out lots about Henry VIII through different sources (Henry pointed out that he is currently Henry VII, but on his birthday in a few weeks, he will be Henry VIII); we baked Jumble biscuits and found out why they were important at the Battle of Bosworth; we played hoops like they did in Tudor times and then finished off the day finding out about the Spanish Armada before re-enacting the battle with the cardboard boats.  It is lovely to see so many happy faces on the photos, a selection of which are below in the photo folder.  Best of all, I get to do it all again on Friday.  Yay! (For the adults reading, the last word does contain a little irony).

On Tuesday, we managed to do some maths, write a poem, set up a plant investigation and learn all about pollination. 

It's all go in Class 2, and I am so looking forward to Year 4 coming in as they are all super learners and will really enjoy the planned activities.

Enjoy the rest of the week, Year 3, and whoop whoop Year 4, so much fun lies ahead for you this week!

Mrs Exhausted But Happy Petrie

Monday, 29th June 2020

Woo, Class 2, it was so heart-warming to have you back in school learning and playing with your friends.  So many happy faces and so much laughter (and that was just the staff).

Last week, you all planted a sunflower seed as a symbol of new growth and as a memento of our Return to School which we are going to monitor (the plant, not your return to school) before you take it home (there are already plenty of shoots). Year 4 have also started the “Class 2 Radish Off” where you are all going to plant a radish seed and Mr MacDonald is going to judge the best looked after at the end of term.  This week, we are going to look at a practical plant investigation to consider the best conditions for plant growth.

Talking of judging, we are going to produce a Tudor booklet this week on our Tudor day (and maybe beyond) where we are going to do lots of activities and learn loads about the era.  Mrs Gooding has agreed to judge the best booklet in terms of content and presentation. If you do not have a Tudor outfit, can the girls please come in PE kits (to change into a dress), and the boys please come in school shorts and a plain shirt or t-shirt (to be accesorised at school).  Mrs Murton will wash the clothes that we will provide before and after use, so these will remain in school and will be cleaned and only worn by one person on that day. Please go to bed early the night before as it is going to be a busy day!

If you are up for a challenge, have a look at this website where you can create, train and race a a virtual athlete:

https://www.bt.com/skillsfortomorrow/home-life/digital-dash

It looks like it will be a bit cooler this week (phew) and I can’t wait to see you for lots of learning.   You never know, Douglas might stop complaining that the heat is the reason why he refuses to go on a walk, and he may even join us for a game of Animal Kingdom outside (although he did overhear one pupil admit that his father questioned whether I knew that Douglas was not real - we were both MOST offended.  Not REAL?!).

See you later alligator (yes, I know you are plural, but that does not scan as well with 'later', and we are doing poetry this week which is all about how lines scan).

Mrs Can't Wait For This Week Petrie

Friday, 26th June 2020

What a fantastic day we had yesterday!  Even though it was really hot, we had lots of fun playing with our friends outside and lots of learning inside.  Take a look at the photos to see just how much fun we had!  

All of the children were so ready and eager to learn, and it was great to have them back doing what they do best.

Next week is going to be busy busy too as we have a whole day of Tudor learning as well as a full day of numeracy, literacy and science on the other day (calm down with the cheers, everyone).

Have a brilliant weekend, Class 2, and see you next week for another amazing week.

Mrs Very Happy To Have You Back Petrie

Wednesday, 24th June 2020

Well, we were busy bees over the last two days (and learned about what bees did in the life cycle of plants).  We devised our own rules, painted, modeled with clay, made leaflets, did loads of outdoor play and managed to do lots of learning too!  

I put on some photographs of the second day to give Year 4 a bit of a flavour of what is to come on Thursday and Friday.

Can't wait to see you Year 4.  It is super hot, so please don't forget your water bottle, sun cream and hat. 

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 22nd June 2020

Wow, the best day of the year has finally arrived.

The website is changed from this week as not only are most pupils in school for part of the week, but you will all be accessing the work on different days.  I have therefore put the suggested work for the week in subject folders and you can pick and choose what you would like to do (don’t feel you have to stick to your own year group’s work if you like the look of the other year group’s activity!).  As a lot of our first week back will be art/adjusting/re-acquainting based, I am putting an art sheet in for those pupils who are working from home.

I will shortly be issuing a date for a Tudor Day, where you will be able to wear your Tudor outfit all day (see how I wait until it is really hot to put you into a warm outfit?!) and spend the day learning about what it was like to live in that time (although no eating with your fingers!) before even I was born.  We have plenty of outfits in school if you don’t have one, but I am giving you notice in case your parents put the Tudor outfit in the loft.

I will be putting photos from class on each week so that those who are at home can keep in touch with what is happening (and hopefully send in their photos, too), and Year 3 children can see their Year 4 peers and vice versa.  Your parents can still ask any questions via email or ask the office if there are any queries or concerns.

It’s going to be amazing, and to say I can’t wait to see you is a massive understatement. It is also going to be sizzling, so lots of sun safety and outdoor activities.  See you at the fire door on Monday or Thursday!

Woop woop Class 2!

Mrs Extremely Over Excited Petrie

Friday, 19th June 2020

Today is Fantastic Friday as I will get to see some of you next week!! To those who are not coming in, I will still be putting work up on the website (did I hear you say “yay!”?) and I will put up photos so that you can see your classmates who will miss you as much as I will.  Well, maybe not as much, as that is not possible, but we will all be thinking about you!

To those who are coming in, I have so many fun things planned for the last few weeks of school, and the weather looks like it is going to be kind, so we will be outdoors as much as we can be.  You will be coming in through the fire door (how exciting is that, as I don’t normally let you use it unless we are sneaking out for an extra play without letting anyone in school know?), and I will wait outside the door for you all to come in (so if you see a mad person bouncing around excitedly, waving at the top of the path when you come in?  That will be me!). 

Don’t forget your drink bottle, snack, hat and sun cream, and if you would like to bring a book in from home to read, that would be lovely as you can read it whilst we wait for everyone to arrive.  Some of you have been emailing some fantastic questions that you have, so if any of you would like to ask anything, no matter how trivial, please email me today and I will email right back.  I am also in school if you or your parents would like to ring.  Don’t forget to bring a piece of your best work today if you can (even if you are not coming in) for our display board (there is a tray in reception).

Yesterday, I was so happy to hear from Jack who has been busy learning lots outside, and found a fantastic stone on his outdoor learning journey (he also managed to get to the seaside, and I am SO jealous as I wanted to take Douglas to get some surfing lessons and try out his new wetsuit).  Alex has been working as hard as ever and I was so pleased to see he has been carrying out so many activities and it is all so neat (hmmm, Alex, now that Ted is not with you, I will get to see who is REALLY doing the maths). Check out the photo of Alex's avocado today!  I wonder how Poppy's is doing?  Just as I thought that,  Poppy then sent in an amazing poster on plants, which shows me just what she has been learning about (not surprising as she has been planting for a lot of the spring).

Talking of poppies, I do hope that you have managed to see some on your travels, they are such a beautiful flower.  We will be doing some planting of seeds next week, so if any of you have any spare yoghurt pots (I have been collecting them for a week or so, but don’t have enough for everyone and my husband has begged me not to make him eat any more yoghurts so that I can have the pots!) that would be great.

Whoop whoop Class 2!!!  Have a wonderful weekend, get a great night’s sleep on Sunday and see some of you on Monday!  Douglas has begged to see you as I  have told him so much about you, so he will be ready to welcome you too and to see if you are all really as amazing as I tell him.

Mrs Over Excited Petrie Who Just Can’t Wait

Thursday, 18th June 2020

I did not know until yesterday that Mrs Mann would not be working on Wednesdays, so if you sent me an email yesterday, I will not receive it until today and I have not ignored you.   It has been so strange not having lots of emails with your work!

I hope that you managed to get outside in the warm weather - the rain held off until I needed to leave school and so I got soaked just walking to my car.  At least the plants have all been watered.

Talking of plants, don't forget to have a look at the Oak Academy lessons on plants (the address was on Monday, along with the maths booklet for the week).

Douglas came in to school with me yesterday and insisted on helping me to record the Awful Auntie chapters - I am so close to the end of the book, but have no idea what is going to happen.

Have a fabulous Thursday, Class 2.

Mrs Petrie

Wednesday, 17th June 2020

I have no idea how it is already Wednesday, but here it is all the same whether I like it or not.  And I definitely do NOT like the weather this week (did you see how I slipped in a homophone there?  It is called subliminal teaching!), although it is going to be super at the weekend and warm and sunny all next week, woo.

It was great to see Archie’s work from yesterday, some maths, some science and speech marks (ha ha, at first I read his speech marks work and thought what great sentences they were, before I realised I had designed the sheet – talk about narcissism!).  Well done, Archie as always.

Henry then sent in some of the summer maths tasks that have been set, and he has been very busy on Bitesize.  Please find a website that engages you and interests you, and remember that everyone has a different preference for how they want to learn.  Keep up the good work, Henry.

Talking of learning, I have tried every way that I can to get Douglas to learn his tables, and he is refusing point blank to recite them back to me, never mind to answer random division questions on them. I shall take him into school tomorrow and will see if that inspires him.

Talking of being in school, I am guessing that most of you know by now that we are extending our school opening to include Years 3 and Years 4, and I am sure that you will appreciate what a difficult decision your parents have to make.  I have today been preparing work for next week, so if you do not come into school, there will still be lots to do.  Yes, I am not yet back in the classroom and I am already finding lots of learning for you.  ‘Twas ever thus...

If you or your parents would like to call today, I am in all day and also in on Friday.  Or you or they can email me as I have my laptop with me all day (if I can wrestle it off Douglas who is always wanting to use it to check his emails and social media following).

Mrs Petrie Who Is Rather Excited

Tuesday, 16th June 2020

Happy Tuesday!

For those who did not go into the website yesterday, the maths for the week and the science task is on yesterday’s Suggested Work.  For those who did, I hope you enjoyed them. 

As an extra art task today, I wondered if you wanted to go in your garden (or even on a walk) and draw a plant, trying to focus on perspective.  It would be great to see some of your artwork if you do, and some of you might like to paint them, too (yes, parents, I knew that would delight you having to get paints all over your dining tables).

Talking of the work that you do, I was really excited to see that Alex is not only doing lots of work (including fabulous spellings), but he is also doing the avocado experiment that Poppy is doing. I really love seeing your work and I so appreciate your parents taking the time to photograph it and email it in.  It will be fascinating to see what happens with them (the avocados, not your parents).

Just a reminder that I am in school on Wednesday if anyone wants to call, but I am also available for emails etc if you have any queries or concerns.

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 15th June 2020

Hey Hey Class 2!

Hope you had a lovely weekend in the sunshine and you are feeling all energised ready for a super week of learning.  I have a feeling that this week is going to be an amazing week!

Adding this on Monday morning: Merryn wins first prize in my Find the Missing Website Competition - the science activity did not have the website on "deliberately"  to see if you would notice (if I had a wink emoji facility on this site I would use one here) but it does now - it is the Oak Academy website, and you can find lots of other lessons on there, too.  Ahem, well done, Merryn!

I did lots of walking at the weekend, but still have not managed to get Douglas out on his lead yet despite bags of doggy treats.  I might take him into school this week to see if I can get him to do some reading and learn some tables as it is so hard to motivate him lately as he is a bit fed up of just being in the house.  I know some of you must be feeling the same, and so I am always so happy when I see your work as I know what an effort it is to keep producing it, and what an effort it is for your parents to keep you motivated and working. 

I also know that lots of you are doing lots of reading, so why not have a go at the reading challenge in the Suggested Work below?

I got in from school on Friday to find that Henry had been very busy with maths and literacy, and I loved some of his sentences.  Keep up the great work, Henry, your brain loves the exercise I am sure.

Poppy had also sent in some lovely art work which you can see below.  Fantastic colour mixing and a unique design.

I have put some different work on again this week to try to motivate/engage you as I know how hard it must be for you and your parents to keep going.  Please try to keep reading and ideally learn your tables even if you don't feel like doing much.

I am in school on Wednesday and Friday this week if anyone wants to call. 

Have a brilliant week, Class 2.  Still miss you loads and counting the hours until I see you again!

Mrs Petrie

Friday, 12th June 2020

Wow, where to start with all of the incredible work that was sent in today?  I will start in the order that I received it!  Alex has been working SO hard on a range of subjects, and you can see the results of his endeavours below with his work (I did say in an email to Alex that it was rather amusing that I picked a summer topic for this week and it is anything but summery – I am sure you have all found this HUGELY amusing as the rain pours down!).  I love seeing your work, Alex, and I do scrutinise it to see what you have been learning and looking at your letter formation (no pressure, then!). It is great that you are doing lots of different learning.

Next in came Poppy’s avocado experiment, and this is particularly exciting as not only do I eat loads of avocados and mean to do this myself, but I have never seen one grow before so it will be fascinating to watch.  It is also our science topic so win, win, win!  I think Poppy will already know a lot about plants as she has planted so many things in spring.

Archie has been doing lots of division, and I echo Mummy's 'wow' comment on his work!  I have put lots of tables practice on today, which you can do whenever you get time.

Merryn continued the plant theme with her video, and yet again I learned something new, so I don’t know where she looks to find these facts, but I love to see them.

Thinking that it was all I was going to receive for the day, I was so happy to see Emilie’s photos – one of her building a fire, and another of her doing gym work outside (I can also do the splits standing up like Emilie, but only when I am asleep and dreaming that I can....).  She has also produced a fantastic PowerPoint on Plants which tells me how hard she has been working on this topic.  This is a super example of a great all-round learning, going for a walk, building fires and learning facts.  Best of all is Emilie’s super smile that I miss so much.

Talking of missing things, I am in school again today.  As always, if you or your parents would like to ring me, I have the telephone with me in the hall.  

Have a fantastic Friday and a wonderful weekend, Class 2.

Mrs Petrie

Thursday, 11th June 2020

After washout Wednesday, I hope you are looking forward to a Thursday with er, oh yes, more rain, but the knowledge that it is going to get warmer.  Coats seemed such a distant memory in May and so I forgot to take mine into school yesterday.

I managed to get sound and vision on my video message and Awful Auntie recordings, although my book did disappear for a while as you can see on the video today alongside the next installment of Awful Auntie.  I am really curious about what is going to happen in the story and am also looking forward to not having to do my dreadful cockney accent for much longer (yes, I know that you are as excited about the latter as I am).

The Wonderful Wades sent in their amazing ten commandments which you can see below.  I am kind of disappointed that they did not include “Bring Cake for Your Teacher”, but they are still pretty special all the same.

Have a super day, you super class!

Mrs Petrie

Wednesday, 10th June 2020

Well, will this Wednesday bring any joy with the sound on my video when I record Awful Auntie in school today?  I shall try to get into the classroom early again and hope that I don’t get disturbed by any photo bombers.

My weather forecast seems to be rather accurate (or at least it was in my village) and I hope you made the most of it and got outside yesterday, if only in your gardens.  Douglas has been pestering me to buy him a slide and swings, but I have told him that it is going to rain for a few days in the hope that he might forget about them (your parents may use this tactic too, but don't let on that I shared it with you).

Yesterday, I received some maths, completed wordsearch and a crossword

from Henry, who I know loves to find out about words and what they mean.  I empathised with his futility at expecting a lie in in his sentence work...

Then, I received some literacy and spelling from Archie with super spelling and handwriting on both.  I am still dreaming of his chocolate and fresh cream cake...

I have also been busy trying to think up some fun and challenging tasks for next week’s work (which is basically hard work disguised as enjoyment), so I hope I have achieved my aim.  I am thinking of setting a quiz next week (if I can get my video to work properly).

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Class 2.  Mrs Haggerty is in with me today so I shall have to think of lots of work to set for her to keep her out of mischief (not sure it is possible to achieve THAT aim)!

Mrs Petrie

Tuesday, 9th June 2020

Tuesday is here again, Class 2.  No matter how much fun you are having, time rolls on.  I hope you did have fun yesterday and that you make the most of the relatively rain-free day today as from Wednesday it is looking pretty rainy.  You see how much time I save you on checking out a weather forecast?!

Someone who definitely enjoyed himself at the weekend was Baking Brear, who made some delicious scones and a scrumptious looking chocolate cake.  With fresh cream.  Yum.  How I stopped myself from reaching into the screen, I will never know.  Thank goodness Douglas was there to restrain me.

I went from seeing Archie’s huge smile with his cake to Poppy’s huge smile with her felt tulip.  What a fun thing to do, and I immediately wanted to do a lesson on it as our unit this term is plants.  Lovely work, Poppy, and a lovely smile.

As usual, Alex and Ted have been working like the clappers and he has produced super writing, spelling AND maths (although I think Ted did the majority of the maths as he has a great head for figures, I’m told).  Well done to both of you and great to see you working so hard, Alex.

Another conscientious and VERY busy pupil is Isaac – gosh, how I am missing you all, Class 2.  He has enjoyed working on a Tudor cartoon strip, lots of maths and a brilliant newspaper about the Battle of Bosworth.  A very busy bee indeed, and what a variety of work he is getting through.

Merryn then sent in a Tudor video, and she has been working hard on producing videos for her family, too.  Have a look at all of the work below, including Merryn’s Tudor video.

Talking of videos, I have re-done three of them yesterday and have put two on today.  Tomorrow, I will record them from the classroom, checking every 2 minutes that the sound is working.  I do hope I won’t be photo bombed....

If you did not go onto the website yesterday (tsk tsk), all of the maths for Year 4 and English for both groups (plus a bit extra) was put on yesterday.  I hope you are enjoying the topic tasks this week but most of all I hope you are enjoying learning whatever you are doing.

Mrs Misses Her Marvellous Class Petrie

Monday, 8th June 2020

If you haven’t been washed away by the rivers of rain, welcome to a whole new week of learning, Class 2. I have tried to shake things up a little this week and have set hopefully challenging work for you with some options.  This week, the maths and English are all on today for the week, so if you don’t read the daily messages, you are going to wonder where it is if you log on later in the week....

Alongside the learning that I put on, you can always go on Code.Org, CAS Barefoot or Scratch online.  TT Rockstars is a fun way to keep up with your tables, and Oxford Owl has lots of reading opportunities. BBC Bitesize and Oak Academy also have different lessons if you have lots of access to a device (I know that some of you are sharing).  There is an amazing website called Talk 4 Writing, and some of you may find these activities stimulating and interesting.  For Year 3, the link is:

https://www.talk4writing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Y3-Lockdown-1.pdf

For Year 4, the link is:

https://www.talk4writing.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Y4-Impossibly-Possible.pdf

If you are following the Awful Auntie videos, you will note that they are recorded in the classroom this week.  Miss Jones came in to school on Friday morning to hear me screaming behind our closed classroom door and wondered what was going on!  Our classroom is the tidiest it will ever be, apart from my desk which just seems to get messy all by itself.  Either that, or Douglas has been messing it up as he insists on coming into school with me...

Henry has been making the most of the bad weather to get on with some grammar, maths and mindful colouring.  Check out his work below to see how amazing it all is.  Well done, Mr Thomas!

Have a great week.  I am in on Wednesday and Friday this week if anyone would like a call.  Make the  most of Monday and Tuesday and the dry weather.  I shall be doing lots of online learning on the days that I am not in school, so I am feeling your pain, Class 2.

Mrs Missing Every One of You Petrie

p.s. You know how I say there is no room for Drama Llamas in Class 2?  Well, the major drama today is that I can not get sound on the videos that I recorded on Friday ready for this week.  Whilst I am investigating this, I have put on the first video so that you can see the classroom (in case you are missing it - whaddya mean, you aren't??!!).  Anyone who can lip read will also be at an advantage!  If the issue can not be fixed (I have emailed the IT Technician on Sunday), I will re-film them on Monday!

Friday, 5th June 2020

Friday again, and another week has whizzed by.  I know that it is hard to stay motivated, but try to do something every day even if it is just reading and TT Rockstars.  I am really pleased to hear so many of you know all of your tables now, and I cannot wait to hand out some tables certificates when we get back.  Will there be any Exceptionals dern dern dern......

Someone who has stayed very motivated is Merryn, and she sent in lots of work including the drawing below (I am sure she will enjoy the art tasks on the website on this message), some maths and a character profile.  Lovely to see you enjoying your work, Merryn, keep it up!

Georgina has been enjoying her French so much that she has produced a super poster with some of the phrases – I am looking forward to hearing her say them.  I will have to tell Mrs Haggert that she is out of a job when we go back, as Georgina is going to be in charge of displays.  Alex has sent in some lovely literacy and fractions work (I did check for Ted’s paw prints to see who had really completed it) and I am really pleased to hear that Alex is doing lots of reading.  Miss you both lots!

There is maths and literacy in the Suggested Work for today, plus a spelling activity.   Yes, I know what you are thinking, ‘she waits until the weather turns before she sends us outside to do some spelling’.  If you are feeling like you fancy a bit of art, have a look at the ideas on this webpage:

https://www.accessart.org.uk/art-resources-for-home/

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone.  I am in school today, and then Wednesday and Friday next week if anyone wants a call.  If you have asked for a paper pack, I will copy them today and leave them in the foyer on the table.  Or sur la table as Georgina might say!

Miss you loads, Mrs Petrie

Thursday, 4th June 2020

Thursday is here already, and my weather forecast was correct for yesterday.  Phew, for a cool breeze and a spot of rain on our plants.

Talking of plants (and some people swear by talking to them to help them grow), it is our science topic for this term.  For next week, I have tried very hard to find different and challenging activities for you, and I have included some activities based around plants.  I know that lots of you have been busy in your garden, and so I decided to put plant-based things to do on our website as I am sure you will be able to complete them.

For today, I have put on a PowerPoint on about Tudor monarchs.   I will let you choose what activity you do around this - a leaflet, a poster, an information booklet, biographies -the world is your lobster.

Talking of Tudors, check out Poppy's amazing Tudor poster and Archie's fantastic literacy and maths work from yesterday!

Have a lovely Thursday, Class 2!

Mrs Petrie

Wednesday, 3rd June 2020

The Boys Are Back in Town (you will all be far too young to have any idea about this song.  In fact, your parents and grandparents are also far too young to have heard of it, but it is what I thought today when I received messages from the boys).

What a treat this morning!  I received an email from Hayden with a fabulous photo of his birthday – I miss you so much, Hayden.  It looks like you had a great time and had lots of presents, too.  Most importantly, Hayden has promised to remember my cake, thus showing me that he has his priorities in the right order.  It was also super to receive his letter about Cogston House.  Thanks, Hayden!

This was followed by an amazing video of Archie and Mummy conversing en francais and lots of super work.  I marvel daily at how much work Archie manages to get through, and how he maintains his high standards in every piece of work that he completes.  And all with a happy smile!

Just as I am busy marvelling at Hayden and Archie, in popped an email from Henry with lots of work, too!  I do miss seeing all of your work, and so seeing the work that was set completed by you is really special, as is seeing Henry working so hard.  Keep up the amazing work, Henry!

I hope some of you managed to have a go with some French, and that you enjoyed it.  Today, there are a few different activities for literacy, and I think that either year group could tackle them – have a look and see which one interests you more.  Where there are large PowerPoint presentations, I have to break them down into two parts for our website.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.  It is supposed to be getting cooler and I am hoping for rain on my newly planted vegetables.

Mrs Petrie

Who Still Misses You More Than You Can Imagine

Tuesday, 2nd June 2020

Coo what a hot day it was yesterday!  I hope you managed some time out in your garden (and some of you in your lovely pools).   It was super to wave in a socially distant way to some of you yesterday!

I have put a French PowerPoint on today (I had to save it in two parts) and a French song.  We did start to do the register in French and in the last few weeks, we started to learn more French words.  Have a look at the PowerPoint and practise greeting your family in French this week.  Oooh la la!

As always, the suggested work provides ideas for you to work through, but don't worry if you struggle with any of it.  Remember that you can have a look at BBC Bitesize and Oak Academy if you would like to consolidate anything that you enjoy or are stuck on.  And TT Rockstars is always a good website to go on if you get time.

Have an amazing Tuesday Amazing Class 2!

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 1st June 2020

Welcome to Term 6!

I hope you had an amazing half term and that you and your families managed to relax and have fun in the sun.  I cannot believe that it is June already.

Whoop whoop, now that Great Casterton is open, I will be there rather than Empingham, so I can pop in and see our lovely classroom and remember our amazing times and learning.  As you can see from the photo below, Douglas was keen to see the classroom too, and guess who photobombed?  If anyone wants a call, please ring the office at Great Casterton this week – I am in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

As it is a new term, I have started a new folder of photos and I am as keen as ever to see what you have been up to.

There are more chapters of Awful Auntie on our webpage (if you did not listen to them last week, they are numbered, so that you can hear them in order).  I am really keen to find out what happens in the story, as it is not like the usual David Walliams book. 

Have a great week, everyone!

Mrs Petrie

Friday, 22nd May 2020

OK, Class 2, I am getting SERIOUS pool envy.  So many of you have a pool and are having such an amazing time in them.    Douglas has been nagging for me to get one, and I have so far resisted, but seeing how much fun you are having in yours, I might change my mind.  I did say in an email to one of you yesterday that when I was a child, mine was much smaller than any of yours (and I had to share it with 3 siblings and a splashy black lab) and yours all look great fun.

I know that some of you love a wordsearch, which is why I included one this week and it was lovely to see Poppy’s coloured in so neatly.  If you have some squared paper, or you could draw some squares, you can make one of your own.

I always love an email from Merryn as she does so many different things and, best of all, she is really enjoying herself.  Today she sent in a photo of her yoga, cake baking and decorating (yes, before you ask, I did ask if she could bring one in for her teacher) and an advert for a Tudor dress (in documents, below). 

Talking of cakes, I do hope that Hayden, who had a birthday yesterday, does not think he has escaped bringing in a piece of cake – hope you had a fantastic day, Hayden, but don’t think I will forget about my cake...

Isaac has been super busy and it was just lovely to get a long, chatty email telling me all about what he has been doing and how much work he is getting through.  I also heard today how hard Alex is working and neither of these emails surprised me as they both work so hard in class and are excellent role models (check out Alex’s spelling below!). I think they will both enjoy the Year 4 maths task today as it is all about tables - Isaac AND Alex know their tables now!  You can always dip into the activities for either year, as I often slip in a Year 4 sheet for year 3s in school (oh gosh, there goes my secret, now you all know!).

Remember that in class I talk a lot about you all having different learning styles, so it is up to me to try to find different ways and formats to teach you a concept?  Similarly, some of you are finding that doing lots of work helps you and makes you feel better and some of you are having days where you just can’t face a task.  We are all different, so don’t worry if you have an “off” day, but if working hard helps you, then that is fine, too.

It seems that a number of you will be doing the Tudor quiz that I videod this morning, so I hope you enjoy it if you do.  It is funny, but when I am videoing, I think of you all and imagine you all sitting in front of me scribbling away at your answers.  I have done two videos, one with the questions and one with the answers, so remember to open them in the right order and no peeping at the answers before you do it!

Tomorrow, I will be in Empingham (and next Friday) if anyone wants a call.  The video on my laptop is playing up, so the IT Technician is collecting my laptop from Empingham tomorrow, so I am putting on all of the Awful Aunties for half term tonight in case I don’t get my laptop back in time.  You will therefore see lots of videos and can open them when you like.

If you're looking for something to do next week, the Oak National Academy have lots of activities (and lessons, too - do teachers ever switch off?!).

Good luck with the quiz and have a FANTASTIC week off next week.  Mrs Mann is having a break, so she won’t be sending any emails to me over the week, but I shall be thinking of you all and will be hoping you have a great time with your family.

Mrs Petrie and Douglas (who photobombs the quiz)

Thursday, 21st May 2020

Oh my goodness, yesterday was SUCH a hot day and I really hope that you all managed to spend some of it outside in your gardens.  Douglas was again reluctant to go for walkies, but I had my walk very early in the morning and very late in the evening and even then it was super hot.

I can see from my school diary that today was going to be chance to share day, so I am really pleased that I have been able to share your work on here.

Archie has not just been busy with the letter B (and, gasp, he used bullet points, too!) and a Tudor comprehension but he has been practising keepie-upies (video below).  He is NEARLY as good as me...   Keepie up the great work, Archie!

Have a look at Taylor’s amazing poster on what the Tudors wore.  Super use of colour and a great balance of illustration and information.  And a great big smile.

Talking of great big smiles, how fantastic that Poppy has moved her office outside and YES!  SHE IS USING A RULER! Without even a tiny nag from her teacher.  Wowza. 

Don’t forget that it is the Tudor quiz tomorrow, based on the first page of the Tudor comprehension that I put on the website on Monday’s work.  Coo, that means my favourite activity tomorrow: making a video.

Here’s hoping for another sunny day, Class 2.  And that I can finally persuade Douglas to venture out in a sun hat and shades...

Mrs Petrie

Who Still Misses You Every Second of Every Day

Wednesday, 20th May 2020

Hey Hey Class 2

I wish you a wicked Wednesday in a very alliterative way.  It looks like it will be a day filled with sunshine, so I hope that you manage to get out in your garden (with lots of sun safety).

I hope some of you have managed to think about kindness this week.  I know that you are all kind, and I have seen so many acts of kindness this school year that have made me so proud of you.  This week, I would like you to really think about being kind to yourself and others, and to remember to say thank you and appreciate those who are kind to you.

Woo, Henry has been super busy!  This morning, I got an email to say that he had completed the Tudor comprehension, maths work, Europe activity and loads of grammar.  This afternoon, I got more maths, more grammar and I am really excited that he has done lots of reading.  Go Henry, I hope your brain has enjoyed all of the exercise; I certainly enjoyed seeing all of your work.

So, have a great day in the sunshine, don’t forget the Tudor quiz is on Friday, and I shall see you all online tomorrow.

Mrs Petrie

Tuesday, 19th May 2020

Hello Class 2

I mentioned yesterday about Mental Health Awareness week being all about kindness.  Below is a link of a Newsround video where other children have been thinking about kindness, too:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/52557800

Well, what a busy and fun time you have been having, Class 2.  Jack has been building dens, visiting quarries and playing on tree swings (I told Jack that I spent most of my childhood on tree swings, although I don’t recommend swinging over a river with your two siblings hanging on, as the rope might snap, you might get soaked, and you might get told off by a parent).  Jack also looked after a special memorial for an army air corps that he helped to build. That was so lovely to read about, Jack, and you can see his activities from the photos below.

I was just looking at a photo of Georgina on our web page and thinking how much I miss her, when up popped an email from her.  It is amazing how often this happens.  Georgina has been drawing a map of Europe and enjoying the research and also doing some fun maths games.  I love it when I read that you have managed to mix fun with learning.

Talking of which, Poppy G sent in a very smiley photo (gosh, I do miss you, Pumpkin) with her incredible Tudor house.  Have a look, she has managed to get the shape and proportion right and from her smile, it looks like she had lots of fun making it.

I can see from Archie’s work that he has had a go at the Tudor comprehension, and I noticed from it that one of the quiz questions that I have planned for Friday is on the question sheet.  Archie also completed some literacy and had a go at the White Rose maths – best of all was seeing his smiling face and super neat work.  Brilliant, Archie.

Merryn has also been working on the Tudor comprehension, and I wonder if she might have a go at the quiz on Friday as she is so good at them.  She has also been busy enjoying combining outdoors with water fun.  Best of all, Merryn said she is really enjoying her home learning.  Miss you, Merryn.

Oh my goodness, what a super duper lift I got from seeing Poppy and Elise and their amazing Tudor house.  Their house is just fantastic, but it was their delightful smiles that made me feel so much happier.  Although I miss you like crazy, it is great to see you doing lots of different things and enjoying them, especially making things.

I have tried to include different Tudor activities this week with challenges, but please do not feel you have to do them.  If you want to, you could look at a different aspect of Tudors or carry out your own research and activities.

It is so super to see all of you learning, having fun, making things and your lovely smiles.  In the words of Tristan, Toodle Pip!

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 18th May 2020

Mental Health Awareness Week will take place from 18-24 May 2020. The theme is kindness and so this week, I would like to focus on kindness as it is something that is very important at this time and always. I would like you and your parents to think about not only being kind to others, but also kind to yourselves.

The first part of my message today is to your parents.  The work that I put on the website is suggested work, and that is why I always add that title.  I love it when I see your child engaged with a piece of work, working hard on it and enjoying it.  However, please do not worry if your child does not complete all or any of this work. There is so much happening that if they are unable or unwilling to do the work that I put on here, that is fine.  There are lots of ways and things to learn and gosh, your children are learning so many skills about coping with life that they will always take with them. 

Last week, Emilie learned how to use a pogo stick, finding out how to master a new skill, refine her technique and all about being resilient. Kaya produced some amazing art work, and art is just as important on the curriculum as any other subject.  I am often staggered at what your pupils do complete at home, and if you can get them to complete the tasks that I put on, that is great, especially if they enjoy it or feel better doing school work.  If you or they want to complete a different task or just read a book, carry out research on a non-school topic, produce artwork or bake, that is great too.  You are all doing an amazing job, so please do not worry about what your child is or is not doing regarding the work set on here.  Please be kind to yourself and acknowledge what a fantastic job you are doing in difficult circumstances with no rule book, precedence or guidance.

To you, my amazing class of learners and super workers, I do love receiving the work that you complete, and I know that it does inspire others when they see it.  Please do not worry if you find the work difficult as none of it is preceded by a teaching session with your classmates like it would be at school.  Keep on trying to do your best and know that your parents know what is best for you, but also be kind to yourself and your parents if you struggle with any of it or just don’t feel that you can do it at that time.

Last Friday, I received three examples of brilliant learning – two pupils who worked hard and produced fantastic writing, and one pupil who went for a walk with his family.  All three learned a lot, and I know that whatever you do with your parents you are asking questions and they are explaining things to you.  Learning to be kind to yourself and others is just as important as learning your tables or how to use an apostrophe. 

On Thursday, Henry must have been in writing mode as he completed three pieces of work!  A comprehension and two lots of grammar.  How pleased I was to see capital letters and full stops.  Keep up the super work, Henry!

As usual, before mid-day on Friday, Archie had completed some data handling, a comprehension, some Tudor work and a spelling test.  It is fantastic to see Archie so motivated and enjoying his tasks, and that he is still taking so much care with his work as well as enjoying it.

On Friday, Rory set off with Isaac and Stanley (before you ask, no, I cannot get Douglas excited about going for a walk, even when I shake his lead and shout “walkies”) with the objectives of “getting lots of fresh air; to see, hear and touch nature and to get out of the house”. I think you will see from the photos that they did just that. 

Today, I will put on a Tudor comprehension in the Suggested Work (what is that I hear, a huge cheer and a rousing rendition of “for she’s a jolly good fellow” Class 2?!).  You can work through this during the week if you wish (it is differentiated, with the easier version at the start). However, the main reason to put this on is that I will base my questions for the quiz on the first sheet of the comprehension (including the glossary hint hint). So if you would like to take part in the videod quiz on Friday, you can learn facts from the first comprehension sheet over the week.  You might challenge your parents to do it with you!

All of the maths this week has a video link connected to the sheets that are put on each day.  I will put the video links on today for the whole week, but individual work sheets on for each day. It will hopefully make sense when you see it.

Your other task this week is to think about kindness and how happy it makes you feel when someone is kind (or, indeed, you do a kind act yourself).  You may want to keep a diary of the kind things that you have done or that your family has done for you.  You may resolve to do a kind deed every day or make a point of thanking someone who has been kind to you.  If you would like to share any acts kindness on here, I am happy to include it in my daily message to inspire others and celebrate good news.   The first document on the Suggested Work today provides other ideas based around kindness that you might like to do.

I am becoming quite used to the agony of making videos, and so there is a hello video today and a longer Awful Auntie one each day (rather than two shorter ones, but all, I’m afraid, with the awful accents). I have also recorded one Awful Auntie a day for half term.

I am in Empingham on Friday this week, but I have your telephone numbers at home with me, so please let me know if you would like a call any day this week.

So, have a great week and remember that you can always save some of the activities on this week for next week in case you get bored.

Miss you lots and lots and then a little bit more

Mrs Petrie

Friday, 15th May 2020

Wow, the last day of the week has come round very quickly.  I am so excited to see the warm south-westerly direction coming at the weekend (I think my time as a glider pilot gave me an obsession with the weather) and I hope it means that you all manage to get out in the garden or plenty of exercise.  How lucky we are (if we can) to get out more than once a day.  It is great hearing about all of your routines and how you are getting through this unusual time.

Well, thanks a great big bunch Tristan and Rosie for sending in such fantastic work on Tudor housing (photographic evidence below) and letting Mummy and Daddy know that I play no part in you producing amazing work at school, it is all your own efforts. I can no longer pretend that every incredible piece of work you produce is down to my efforts to motivate and inspire you.  Pah. 

I love the fact that you are all doing lots of different activities and learning in lots of different ways.   Today, I have put some links on for things that might be interesting for you and your family.   I also love that Alex is still keeping up with the spelling activities (and ALL correct, not to mention neat) as it shows me that he is working hard, and the photo of his scrabble shows me that he understands that you can also learn spellings (and many other things) through games.

So, if you’re looking for something interesting to do, click on the link below to learn about what happens to plastic in water.

https://connecting-classrooms.britishcouncil.org/resources/home-learning/life-below-water

or you could look at the link below for some ideas and help with writing:

https://www.talk4writing.co.uk/home-school-units/

If you parents wanted to write a story with you, they could look at the link below for ideas.

https://www.talk4writing.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Making-Up-Stories.pdf

My final link is a lovely, uplifting collection of things to read with your family:

https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/9-12/book-hopes/

Have a super weekend, everyone, and I will be back online on Monday with MORE work!

Mrs Petrie

Who is Missing You Particularly Today

Thursday, 14th May 2020

How did it get to be Thursday already?

I received some jewel-encrusted posters on Tudor food from Poppy and Elsie this morning which I immediately knew I wanted to have for my classroom display as they are incredible.  I do read all of your work and although I thought I knew a lot about the Tudors (as I am practically old enough to remember that time), I learned something new from these two posters.  Dazzling, sparkly AND very informative, just like the authors.

Taylor sent in a photo of the first robot that anyone has ever designed for me. It will do all of the things that I don’t like to do, but I have to change the settings on the back. I said to Taylor that it would be funny if we all had settings on our  back that could be changed!  I wonder what you think your parents might like to programme you to do...

Archie does not need any programming to work hard. He has sent in some money maths (we just started money when we were at school and it is great to see what he remembers) and the most incredible Tudor Rose – have a look at it below!

I don’t think I have ever had an email entitled “the straw has arrived” before today, although I immediately knew that it meant that Rory was able to finish his Tudor house model. Rory did some research into Tudor times and decided that the house belonged to Mr Tobias Montague the blacksmith, and he lived there with his wife Annie and his children Elizabeth and Charles.  I love that Rory did research as well as modelling, and I can see from his face how much he enjoyed it!

I am trying to vary the type of work, so there are some Tudor challenges on today, but please do not feel constrained by what I put on here.  I will continue with the Tudors next week (with another quiz) as you all seem to be enjoying find out about the era.

Still missing you lots Class 2! North, East, South, West, we all know Class 2’s the best! Can anyone remember all 8 points of the compass?

Mrs Petrie

Wednesday, 13th May 2020

I opened my emails this morning and was so excited to see Georgina’s incredible information report on Tudor Food – all of the features including subheadings and a Did You Know section, lots of colour and lots and lots of neat and informative writing. Georgina, you are an amazing example of someone who always gives her best to every task and it shows in your work that I miss nearly as much as I miss you. 

Woo, Henry has done his report on Tudor food and I can see that he has put a lot of effort into it.  I do miss your writing, Henry, as you always try to find interesting word choices to make it more appealing and readable.  On top of this, later in the day he sent in a super PowerPoint on the Tudors which you can have a look at below.  I did leave the housing activity flexible so that you could choose an activity that really interested and engaged you.

Have a look at Reuben’s window – lots of bunting and amazing illustrations.  Reuben spent VE Day investigating World War 2 and spoke to his grandparents and looked at old photos of his family that lived through World War 2.  This is a super way to learn about history from what happened to your own family, and I am so pleased that Reuben enjoyed the many facets to his learning on VE day.

Alex and Ted the Cat have been very busy making a model of a Tudor house.  Ted even agreed to use the box from his food for the house which was very generous of him.  I was hoping that someone would make a model and I am really happy that Alex enjoyed it and enjoyed learning about Tudor housing.  Have a look at the finished product and Alex’s writing to go with it below. Well done Alex and Ted!

Someone else who has been roping their pet into helping them with their work is Rory.  He has been so inspired by the Tudors that he has produced a fact sheet, made a model (finished product will be on here when the straw for the roof arrives at the Shirtcliffe household) of a Tudor house, and Stanley the dog has helped him to create a Minecraft.  When we are back at school, I shall be checking Rory’s homework for paw marks to see who has REALLY been doing it...

Gosh, Isaac has been very busy doing a whole range of activities.  Not only is he doing lots of school based work (including learning bigger tables as he knows his tables up to 12 inside out) but he is training his brain with the Rubix cube and also really enjoying reading, which is one of the best things you can do.  He says that the David Walliams’ book Slime is awesome, so I may choose that for my next class read as I am really enjoying Awful Auntie (and I am sure you are not really enjoying my awful accent for some of the characters, so apologies in advance for that as I think you are due to hear the worst London accent ever tomorrow that I did not even realise I was doing as I just read as if only you children are listening).  Check out Isaac’s incredible PowerPoint on the Tudors below – I have missed his work and Isaac so very much.

As usual, Archie has been very busy and by mid-morning he had sent in a super collage of information about Tudor housing, some maths work and amazing writing.  I am so impressed that you are working so hard, Archie!

I spent all of yesterday trying to get Summer’s amazing Makaton lesson onto the website and have finally achieved it.  What a fantastic teacher Summer is and I love her shiny background.  When we are back in school, I will definitely have Summer take some of the lessons as she is so good at it!

Taylor has been designing a robot and I have asked if she can design one to do all of my housework and make meals.  Good luck with that, Taylor, and lovely to see your smiley face.

Don’t forget to have a look at the daily lessons from BBC Bitesize and the Oak Academy.  You don’t have to just do the work that I set, or you can go on there if you are finding a concept difficult.  Please do not worry if you struggle with the work that I do put on – try your best, then move on if you can’t do it.  Be kind to yourself (and your parents!).

It really struck me today how much your parents are doing at home to help you learn, to provide a range of interesting activities and how they are putting so much effort into making this unusual time fun and educational.  So a big well done to all of your parents (and grandparents, as I know they are helping, too) and a huge thank you from me.  Keep up the good work!  Remember to appreciate and thank your parents and feel glad that you can give and receive huge hugs.

Whoop whoop what a day of super work!

Mrs Petrie

Tuesday, 12th May 2020

I have a special treat today exclusive to Class 2 pupils – a photo of Mrs Mann digging for victory as part of her VE Day celebrations!  I am so impressed that she has made such an effort, and wanted to share it with you as I know that you will be missing her as much as I am.  I am so grateful that she sends me your emails, and then sends you replies from me.

Another treat came later on in the form of the Fantastic Fishers’ smiling faces at getting 14/14 in the Tudor quiz!  SUCH a lift as I miss them so much. Poppy’s advert for a wife for Henry is amazing, and finally there is a characteristic (being annoying) that would leave me eligible to apply to be his wife.  Elsie’s super advert followed but it mentioned that you had to be an obedient wife, so pah, maybe I won’t apply after all.  I loved the humour, presentation and illustrations in both of these – keep it up, Elsie and Poppy!

If you send work in and I do not mention it or put a photo up, please re-send as I do try to be meticulous about putting it on here as I know that you all love to see how everyone is and what they are doing – I see it as me using the visualiser in class to show your work.  Mrs Mann is super about forwarding on emails, but I know that some might get lost along the way.

Wow, Rory has had a new thesaurus and dictionary arrive at his house.  You know how much I love dictionaries and thesauruses, and to see Rory using one at home really warmed my heart.  As did seeing his face as I am really REALLY missing seeing you all and photos are the next best thing.

Poppy sent in her quiz answers and I just loved the fact that they were marked in green and pink highlighter.  Well done, Pumpkin.  The photo of Poppy on a family walk reminds me of how very lucky we are to live in such a beautiful area. She also sent in a photo with VE bunting and I could not believe that it was home-made.  Wow.

Henry was busy on Thursday night preparing bunting with Georgie for VE day and designing his own medal.  What a treat for his neighbours as he played his drums to say thank you for the key workers (photos below).  I had a set of drums when I was a child but they were not as impressive as Henry’s (and what a lovely garden) but I am sure my mum loved hearing me practise on them as much as Henry’s does.  Well done!

Archie was really looking forward to the Tudor quiz last week, and I am so pleased to see his answers written so neatly!  He has also sent in some work that he did on zebras, and I have learned some new facts from it.  I love that you are taking care with your work, Archie, and I also love your King Henry VIII crown – have a look below yourself to see how fantastic it is.

I love seeing all of your work and feel so proud to be your teacher. The work that was sent in by Tristan and Rosie today from the Tudor task that I set just  blew me away.  They had spent most of the day on it, and it shows.  I don’t know from where they got their idea, but what a fantastic way to record information and I hope that some of you will magpie it (I know I will when I am in school teaching).  Brilliant, both of you.

Your next Tudor task is to have a look at the PowerPoint on Tudor housing, and present the information however you choose (maybe a poster?)!  There are still Tudor houses around and Stratford is one of my favourite places as they have so many there.

I am still finding it strange being in the house so much, and if you are too, here is a story that might make you feel a bit better about it.

https://www.stuckinsidebook.com/

So, there is another day of fantastic work.  Whatever did I do to deserve such an amazing class?!

See you all online tomorrow!

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 11th May 2020

Happy Monday, Class 2!

I hope you had a lovely VE day on Friday and a restful Bank Holiday weekend. What a weird one, I lay on a lounger under a shady tree in the garden reading a book on Saturday, and on Sunday I lay in front of a log fire reading a book.  That sounds like I lie around reading books all day long – how I wish that were true!  Please keep trying to read every day.

I did put some work on the website on Friday in case you were bored or in case when the colder weather came on Sunday, you wanted something to do.  I also put on the Tudor quiz as I had promised to do so for Friday.  I have recorded some more Awful Auntie yesterday, and it was funny as there are bits in the story (you will know what I mean if you watch the videos this week) where I nearly paused in my reading as I knew that some of you would be laughing if we were in the class altogether.  Then I realised that only Douglas was in the room, and he’s not one to throw his head back and laugh at the best of times.

We learned a lot about King Henry VIII last week, and how he made many changes to religion in this country.  This week, I will be putting work on about Tudor food and Tudor housing.  Your task today is to look at the Tudor PowerPoint and write a report (with subheadings and illustrations) on food in Tudor times.  If you don’t want to work on this, try the Oak Academy lessons or do you own research on an aspect of the Tudors that interests you. If you have a paper pack, it also has some other Tudor work in, but I changed my mind at the weekend, and so you can either do that work if you want to or just do the work on the website this week as there are no worksheets for Tudor food or housing.

Mrs Mann did not send any emails on Friday and it has been strange not hearing from you for three days.  I hope that you are all well and being kind and are looking forward to the school work this week as much as you look forward to it at school...

I am still missing you lots and love to see the work that you are doing and hear what you are getting up to.

Mrs Petrie

Friday, 8th May 2020

So, what kind of teacher makes you work on a Bank Holiday?  This one!

I am putting some work on today as normal but only if you want to do it.  So, who has sent work in yesterday?

Tristan has sent in his Tudor/Wade shield with a super sea monster as their family animal. Have a look at his amazing artwork. This was closely followed by Rosie’s shield with the motto “don’t give up” which is something we should all live by.  Unless it is supporting LFC - then I would definitely give up.

Alex has been working hard on his maths AND he got all of his spellings correct.  Of course, now I know that Ted is helping, I am not sure which bits of work belong to Alex or Ted and who should get the housepoints.

Emilie sent in an incredible shield that is shield size!  Lots of writing on and really colourful, and it was great to hear that Emilie really enjoyed working on it.  And it was great to see her lovely smile that I miss so much.

Have a look at Summer’s super VE day poster.  She worked with her brother using Paint and it looks really professional.  Well done, Summer!  She has also promised some more Makaton so watch this space.

Reuben has been busy doing lots of research and developing his computer skills – well done, Reuben.  Have a look at his super shield and neatly presented timeline.  Reuben researched Tudor shields and took a lot of time and care with his work.

Here is a message to your parents: these are incredibly unusual times, and there is no right or wrong answer about how much school work the children should be doing.  You all know your children and are brilliant judges of how much you think they can do and what kind of routines you feel they need to have in place.  In my opinion, I have absolute faith in your judgement, and can assure you that when we are back at school, I will do absolutely everything that I can to educate your children.  We will get there, of that I am sure.  

I have attached the Tudor quiz with a video with the questions and a video with the answers.  These are all taken from the comprehension on Tuesday.  I wonder how many of your parents know the answers?  Maybe they can take the quiz with you.

Have a super weekend, enjoy the super sunshine and I will be back again on Monday morning with more fun and frolics.  OK, what I really mean is that I will be back on Monday with more work, but I am just trying to wrap it up in a pretty package!

Mrs Petrie

Thursday, 7th May 2020

I thought I was an early riser, but by mid-morning, Archie had sent in his timeline of the Tudors and a family shield – love the name and the motto of ‘be kind’ on your shield. Just when I think ‘gosh, look what Archie has done, he can’t top that’ he does!

I was very happy to receive Henry’s maths, Spag (spelling and grammar), sound poster with features of sound and his advert for Henry’s wife where he has, as usual, thought of interesting vocabulary.  I love some of the attributes that he feels his wife will need!  I have missed you, Henry, but I am really happy that you are working on lots of different things, keep up the hard work!

Alex sent in his timeline where his cat Ted has been helping him to order events!  How does he manage to get Ted to help when Douglas has showed zero interest in anything that I try to tempt him with?!  I wonder if you can send Ted round to mine to pass on a few tips, Alex, but glad to see you engaging with the activities and working as hard at home as you do at school.

Have a look at Merryn’s amazing bunting (I am not sure what is the most amazing, the bunting or the super rainbow onesie – if they did them in my size, I would buy one).  Well done Merryn, there are not many people left now who celebrated VE day but it is brilliant that future generations remember sacrifices that were made for them.  If you have not already done so, have a look at Mrs Gooding’s assembly on VE day to find out more about it.

Oh my goodness, Class 2, have a look at Taylor’s terrific timeline that is nearly as tall as Taylor (you know I love a bit of alliteration) – SO much detail and illustrations, too.  Sometimes I find it easier to revise or remember if I write it down.  As if this was not enough, she sent in her shield that is not only beautifully illustrated, but also has an explanation next to it.  Wowza, Taylor.  She also mentioned her owl being as reluctant to do tricks as my dog – I think I need to send Alex’s cat round to train them both!

Georgina sent in an incredible shield which has lots of detail on, showing me how much work she put into it. She said she loved doing it, so I said that I love both the shield and the chance to see her lovely smiley face on the photo.  Jack has also sent in his shield and he has coloured it in with rainbow colours – I love his family motto! This was closely followed by Merryn’s shield with the motto “believe in yourself and others” which is a lovely sentiment.  I hope that you can remember to keep these so that we can put them in the classroom when we get back.  I am SO proud of the amazing work that you are doing, Class 2.

As Osprey ambassador Tristan wanted to let everyone who may not have seen it know that there’s a hatched egg on the Rutland water nest now which hopefully means a chance of seeing a chick on the webcam! I am glad to see that Tristan is taking his responsibilities seriously and may just go and have a peep at the webcam myself.

If you have enjoyed finding out about King Henry, why not have a look at the online lessons on Oak Academy? I know that some of you have limited access to a laptop, ‘phone or tablet, but if you do get chance, have a look at the lessons and, if you enjoy them, work your way through when you can:

https://www.thenational.academy/year-4/foundation/henry-viii-lesson-1-year-4-wk1-1

You will note that the teacher on there does not nag about neat handwriting, capital letters, punctuation etc etc etc, but please remember all of these things when you are doing your writing! Every piece of work should be your neatest, and if you are not sure of a spelling, look it up in a dictionary.  Use a thesaurus if you want to use a better word.  Do ALL of your sentences start with a capital letter?  You see, you did not realise it, but you HAVE missed my nagging about all of these things!

I noticed a small mistake in my text yesterday, and went in to correct it – even at the grand old age of 97, I am still making mistakes, but I also make a point of correcting them.  We are all learning all of the time.  Now if only I could get Tristan to learn how to support a good football team, my work would be done...

Tomorrow I am going in to Empingham.  Last week, I rang the Year 3 families, and so this week it will be the turn of Year 4. It is too busy at Empingham to ring you all there, so if any Year 4s would like a call, please email the office and I will ring you from home tomorrow.  When I get back from Empingham, I will video the Tudor quiz – remember that you can find all of the answers on the first page of the Tudor comprehension on Tuesday. As I can only record short videos (which is why I find myself talking faster and faster) I will record one video with the questions, and then one with the answers. Good luck!

Thanks again for all of your incredible work and for being THE most amazing class that a teacher could wish for.

Mrs Petrie

Wednesday, 6th May 2020

I can’t believe that it is half way through the week already.  I know I go on a lot about the weather (whadya mean I go on about everything??!!) but I have seen that it is going to be a cold weekend, so make the most of the sunshine this week. Tomorrow, we (well, when I say we, I mean that I sit on a lounger directing proceedings) are going to plant our own vegetables, and I am really excited as they taste so much nicer than those that we buy from the supermarket.  Fingers crossed that they start to grow soon!

Poppy G sent in a brilliant advert for a wife and she really demonstrated that she understood what it might be like being married to King Henry VIII – no one applying could say that they had not gone into the marriage without knowing what he was like!  Well done, Poppy, and super presentation.

Jack has sent in a picture of a union jack for VE day – how amazing to have a flag named after you!   It is lovely that he is learning out about a very important day and what went on during World War 2, and super to hear that he is working really hard!

Archie sent in his ten commandments – not only were they great rules by which to live (I think we should have these displayed in the classroom when we get back, Archie) but he has also taken the time to put them onto tablets. I love them and I am sure you will, too.

There are two Tudor tasks today.  One is to design your own shield (which you can do in your exercise book) and the other one is to order a timeline.  For the timeline, you can either cut out the cards or, better still, design your own timeline in your exercise books with either just the dates and what happened, or your  own drawings.

Don’t forget the quiz on the Tudors on Friday!  It will all be based on the first sheet of the comprehension from Tuesday.  I hope that you are enjoying finding out about this fascinating period in history, and I remember learning about them when I was in primary school – I wonder who can remember the rhyme about the fate of Henry’s 6 wives? This won’t be in this week’s quiz (although the name of his first wife might be hint hint), as the fate of his wives is on the second page of the comprehension facts, but I think we heard Tristan say it enough to remember (although, of course, his last wife was not fried as Tristan asserted in our production!).

There is also some recap work on Ancient Egypt for those who want something extra to do! You know how I like to keep you all busy....

Have a great Wednesday and enjoy your Tudor activities!  I have been trying to get Douglas interested in learning about Henry's wives, but it looks like he won't be doing the quiz on Friday as he can't remember any of the facts!

Mrs Petrie

Who Misses You Loads.  And Loads.

Tuesday, 5th May 2020

Wow, what a lot of work that you sent in yesterday, Class 2, and lovely to see some of your faces on the photos.

Early on in the morning, I received Kaya's maths assessment and was amazed to see that she had got all of them right.  Way to go, Kaya!

By lunchtime, Rory had sent in some incredible Tudor work that made both his parents and his teacher very proud as there was so much information and super presentation - I am sure you will feel the same when you see it below.

Merryn followed this with her super wife advert, where she even went to the trouble to cut out pictures to stick on - very creative, Merryn!  I had only just finished admiring this when Alex sent in a fabulous advert which really showed me that he had read what King Henry might  be looking for and it was written in the appropriate style - lovely attributes, Alex, I would have applied for the role myself if I was single and looking for a husband.

In the afternoon, Taylor sent in some maths that she has done and yet another super duper advert.  It was so lovely to see her smiling face and I know that you will all enjoy seeing it too in the photos below.  Excellent, Taylor, I have really missed seeing your work.

Before I had time to put the photos onto the website, in popped another advert, this time from Georgina.  Like Alex, she had really put some thought into her audience and purpose and she showed me that had read the information.  She also sent in a lovely picture and details of what she is doing to put a smile on the face of key workers by painting happy pictures on wood and stones.  It certainly put a smile on my face, Georgina.

To finish off my day, Archie sent in an advert which was unlike anything I had seen before and I loved the idea (and may use this in future lessons).  Have a look for yourself to see what I mean.  I am tempted to rename him Amazing Archie in the register.

Phew.

Today, I am attaching a reading comprehension on the Tudors.  You can decide with your parents which one you want to complete (and remember, you don't have to write your answers on the sheet, you can write them in an exercise book) and the answers are there to help you.  On Friday, I will be videoing a quiz based on the information on the first sheet of the reading comprehension, and I am hoping that you will all perform as well as you do in class quizzes.

Thank you for all of  your work, Class 2, I feel very proud to be your teacher and although it makes me miss you more, it is lovely to see your work and photos.

Good luck with today's work!

Mrs Petrie

p.s. still not having any joy with getting Douglas to fetch sticks or do tricks. I wonder where I am going wrong...

This story link may be helpful as it explains what worrying feels like:

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/api/interactives/29765.html

Monday, 3rd May

Welcome back after your weekend break.

This week sees us start the Tudor topic with a bang!  On Friday, I will be quizzing you via video on what you know, and the quiz will be taken from the comprehension information sheet tomorrow (I know, you are all going to go “yay, a comprehension, I LOVE them, whooppeeee!”).  For today, enjoy finding out about Henry VIII in the PowerPoint presentations (two parts as it won’t save in one!) and then have fun designing an advert for a wife for Henry.  Please send in photos of your adverts as I know that your classmates love seeing what you get up to.

If you think this PowerPoint is interesting, check out the one below (in the documents folder) sent in by Poppy G – it was touch and go whether I put Poppy’s as the main learning PowerPoint today as it is so well presented (super spelling, showing me that she has checked it) and has lots of interesting information.  Well done, Pumpkin!

Archie has been as busy as ever and has sent in his drawing of the 5ks of Sikhism, super neat maths with one number per square AND a ruler, and lots of correct spellings.  Please remember the spelling sheets that I put into your pack on the last day and, like Archie, see if you can get them all right.  Lovely to see Archie maintaining neat presentation at home, what a role model!

I know that you are going to love learning about the Tudors and I can’t wait to hear from you about what you have done and to see your amazing work.

I have also made a short video today as well as the Awful Auntie (I have not read this book before and am really enjoying it – many of you say you have the new David Walliams and it is fantastic) just to say hello and remind you of how much I am missing you.  Not that you need reminding, of course...

Happy Monday, happy working hard on the Tudors and happy having fun with your advert!

Mrs Petrie

Friday, 1st May 2020

First day of the month!  I wish you all a merry May and am excited to see that we are due for a few sunny days from tomorrow (I keep defecting from weather websites that predict rain and go looking for ones that say it's going to be sunny).

Thank you for your entries to name my dog.  I cut out the suggestions (yes, that is how desperate things have become, cutting up names for a stuffed dog) and the winner was Jack Dempsey's "Douglas".  So now at least I will be able to shout his name when we are on a walk and I let him off the lead.  Thanks, Jack!

Wowza Poppy Fisher, your Tudor poster is out of this world.  Lots of information and colour, a good balance of writing and pictures and beautifully decorated.  A perfect poster!

Elsie has also produced an incredible Tudor poster using Fun Facts and Did You Know sections, which demonstrates her learning on producing a tip top fact sheet.  Way to go, Elsie (as they say in America - I must stop watching trashy TV!).

I was impressed when I saw that Alex had done a page of super writing, and then even more so when I realised that there was another page to follow!  I am "thrilled" that you used the word thrilled in your writing, Alex, and that you have put some thought into how people might be feeling.  Keep up the great work! 

Isaac sent a lovely email telling me how busy he has been.  As you will see from the pictures below, he has produced a super Tudor poster (what a great collection of work we now have) and he has been busy playing scrabble which is an excellent way to learn spellings and new words. I am very impressed (but not surprised, as he has fantastic recall) that Isaac has come first out of a hundred (yes, you read that right, a hundred) several times on TT Rockstars.  Please please keep learning your tables, Class 2, and one day you may be as amazing as Isaac.

Rory sent in a lovely smiley photo of him with his dog and brought back some lovely memories of my black labs when I was younger (before both world wars).  I hope he enjoys walking Stanley as much as I will now enjoy walking Douglas.

Super talented Summer has provided another lesson in Makaton.  I think I will be out of a job when we get back to school, Summer...

I love that Kenzie is producing a diary entry every day and that he is writing about what he is doing and seeing.  Each page has a photo and I know that Kenzie will look back on these in years to come and see how many memories he created.  A diary is a great way to make sure that you write every day and it lets you remember the good bits and keep a record of them forever.

Have a great weekend everyone.  I shall spend mine doing my most favourite thing in the whole wide world, making videos.  Next week, I shall continue Awful Auntie and there will be a quiz on Friday on the Tudors.  Tune in on Monday to see what you need to learn!

Mrs Petrie With A Dog That Finally Has A Name

Thursday, 30th April 2020

Where oh where did April go?  And why oh why are we ending a month of sunshine with April showers?!  I am confident that we will be back to fun in the sun soon. And woo it gives you all more time to do school work.

Today's challenge is to name my dog (the first photograph below). I have had him for ages but never got round to giving him a name, so if you send in your ideas, I will pick one out of a hat!

For an extra literacy challenge, have a look at the  link below from Oak Academy.  This provides a different learning experience and I know that although it is a Year 4 activity, that all of the Year 3 pupils could tackle it with ease!  Click on the link and give it a go.

https://www.thenational.academy/year-4/english/story-reading-comprehension-word-meaning-year-4-wk2-1

Next week, we are going to start the Tudors with a vengeance to hopefully inspire and re-energise your learning.  This will culminate with a quiz on what you have learned next Friday (oh my favourite, video quizzes, I can't get enough of them!).

So, masses of work has been sent in today, letting me know how busy you are.  Emilie has sent in an incredible Tudor poster with fabulous presentation and lots of facts.  I love this, Emilie!

Tristan and Rosie have been beyond busy.  Rosie has sent in an amazing writing challenge about her superpower dream with typical Rosie imagery and descriptive writing.  Both Tristan and Rosie have sent in the most incredible Tudor posters (these are saved in the documents below, not photos, and are well worth a look) with so many facts and lots of learning for me.  I haven't half missed their writing!  They also sent before and after pizza photos - is it me, or do they seem to be wearing a lot of Liverpool outfits for their photos...

Henry has also been a busy bee and has sent in a super duper poster of his namesake, Henry VIII (only I think that Henry Thomas will be more famous than Henry VIII one day), his maths from today and a lovely photo of sibling harmony.

Archie must get up very early, as mid morning he sent in some maths (all correct), the Egyptian decoding sheet (more ticks) AND a photo of a bracelet that he had made.  Wow, Archie Brear!

Kaya's answer to a question (in the photos below) made me really laugh out loud.  Hmmm, I wonder where her humour comes from?!

Please have a go at naming my poor nameless dog and have a look at the link to Oak Academy.  If you like this lesson, there are plenty more on there.

Missing you does not get any easier, but seeing your work and photos is such a treat, so please keep sending them in!

Mrs Petrie With A Nameless Dog

Wednesday, 29th April 2020

Well, the rain finally appeared after being predicted for a few days, and I hope that you have found lots of indoor games to play like an indoor obstacle course for you and/or your pet.  We will appreciate our gardens all the more when the sunshine appears later on this week (I feel a bit like a weather presenter, as I am so glued to forecasts these days!).  So what have the amazing Class 2 been up to yesterday?

Elsie and Poppy achieved full marks in the quiz, and I know how hard they work to learn spellings or facts for our class quiz.  They both designed posters to help them revise the facts and you will be able to see below just how incredible they are.  It is great to see Poppy and Elsie maintaining their super high standards in terms of presentation even when they are at home and I love the "flip the flap" on yours, Popster, and the wowza illustrations on Elsie's.  One of the funniest photos today was one of Poppy with her mouth taped, as she kept singing and putting Tilly off her maths - that's what siblings are for, surely?!

Yet more smashing writing from Archie, writing about what a frog might be dreaming about.  I know that your writing is inspiring others, Archie, and I note that you retain your neat writing AND have the date and title still underlined - fabulous!

Kaya brought a huge smile to my face when I saw her sitting in her uniform with a huge smile on her face - miss you lots, Kaya!  What a lovely working area, and great to see you toiling away.  Have a look at her photo below, as I am sure it will cheer you too.

Georgina has smashed it with yet another fantastic PowerPoint - I set her the task on the telephone yesterday and pow, there was an incredible PowerPoint all about the Tudors with pictures and information.  I love learning new facts and especially ones about history.  She has also sent in beautiful writing from the challenges and stories - and she too has put the date and title and underlined them, my two favourite things.  Thanks, Georgina!

Alex has sent in a brilliant poster with the five Ks of Sikhism, and he continues to impress me with his neat writing and, yes, gasp, yet another pupil doing my two favourite things.  Have a look below, as I know you will be impressed, too.

Poppy G aka Pumpkin has also been busy writing - this is incredible, Class 2!  She has written a great story about the Secret Door, and I was so pleased to see speech marks being used.  Poppy has illustrated her story, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

Year 3, your maths task today is to pick a table that you don't know and to learn it forwards, backwards and inside out, including division questions about it.

Please keep sending in this incredible work, Class 2, it is not only heartening to see you working so hard and producing such fantastic work, but I know that your classmates love to see what you are doing.  It is keeping us all connected until we are back again in the classroom.

Keep smiling even though it is raining, and keep being kind to everyone in your home as we are all feeling a bit fed up sometimes, but at least you are with those that you love and you are all staying safe.  If all else fails, there is always Poppy's tape....

Have a great day!

Mrs Petrie

Tuesday, 28th April 2020

Well, I am not going to say "enjoy the sunshine, it is about to end" any more as each time I watch a forecast and say that, the sunshine appears again the next day!

I hope you all enjoyed seeing the staff video yesterday.  It was lovely for me to see some of my friends that I have not seen for so long, and I know that you all enjoy seeing your friends on the photos that you are sending in (nearly as much as I enjoy seeing you).  I also had a special treat of seeing a few friendly faces at school today which was a huge lift!

It was great to talk to Year 3 on the telephone today when I was at school, and I will call Year 4 next time I am in (not sure when that is yet).  Please know that if you send an email in, I will reply to it, so if you have sent an email in (or some work) and I don't reply or put it on the website, I have not received it.  Please email the office at Great Casterton and Mrs Mann is very kindly sending them all on to me and then replying to you.

Archie had sent in his Tudor poster not long after the school day started!  He has made great use of colour and even used bullet points!  Have a look below.  He also sent in his electricity quiz (wooo, commas AND full stops, Archie!) where he got full marks.

Another person who got full marks is Jack, and I am very impressed that he has continued to write.  I know that others have enjoyed your writing, Jack, as they told me on the 'phone today, so keep up the hard work as it is inspiring them.

Someone else who is doing lots of writing is Alex, and his Tudor poster came in not long after Archie's.  Alex has also used colour effectively and has included super illustrations and put his information into boxes.  This attention to detail is what makes a great poster, Alex!

Kenzie has not only been RISING to the maths challenges (have you seen the Collective Worship on challenges?) - see photo - but he has also been keeping a diary.  This is a great idea, as it is not only great to look back on in years to come, but it also makes sure that you do a bit of writing each day.  Well done, Kenzie, and how lovely to have a photo of both Daly boys!

Summer has sent in a Makaton video that I have been able to save - have a look below.   My sister taught me sign language when I was in Year 3 and I have never forgotten it, and it is really useful to be able to communicate.

Some of you have really enjoyed BBC Bitesize, and if you have not done so already, check out some of the lessons on there.  They are nearly as good as Callum's lesson on electricity, that I know others in the class have enjoyed seeing, Callum.

Keep up the great work, Class 2!

Mrs Missing You Petrie  

Monday, 27th April 2020

Woo, another week, Class 2!  Hope you liked the video above to let you know that we are all thinking of you and missing you.

What a super weekend of sunshine.  I hope that you managed to get out in it and enjoy the lovely joy of being outside in the spring.  My garden has never had so much attention, although I am better at supervising activities whilst I read a book on the garden swing rather than actually doing anything myself (everyone should stick to their strengths, I always say)!

What a busy lot of bees Class 2 have been on Friday, and I love that I have the photo evidence to prove it.  Tristan and Rosie sent in their photo (below) of them both jumping for joy at getting 10/10 in the electricity quiz - wow.  And yes, Tristan Wade, I did note your attire...

It is sometimes difficult to upload some of your videos, so I am delighted that Callum's amazing video of his lesson on electric switches did indeed upload onto the website.  Smashing explanation, Callum, and so good to see you working hard - I know that your class mates will love seeing the video below.  Miss you lots!

I have recorded two videos today of David Walliams' Awful Auntie.  I have named the videos Awful Faces as the stills of the videos seem to capture my face looking very funny - whaddya mean, it always looks funny?!

After providing us with a Tudor menu last week, Merryn has been making custard biscuits (photos also below), and what a treat to see her lovely, smiling face.  Apparently, the biscuits were yummy, and I am delighted that Merryn got 7 of the quiz questions right as I know how hard she works to revise for any test.

Talking of tests, don't forget to do the spelling activities that went home in your folders!

Emilie sent in the answers to her quiz (well done, Emilie!) and she has also been designing a poster on Portugal AND doing the writing challenge.  Keep up the hard work, Emilie!

This term, we were due to look at the Tudors.  As a lot of history is research-based, I thought it would be lovely if you did an information poster on any aspect of the Tudor era, and then sent them in so that others can learn.  Choose something that interests you and hopefully your classmates (and your teacher, you are never too old to learn, and boy am I old) can learn something, too.

I shall be in Empingham School today, and am going to ring Year 3 this time, and Year 4 next time I am in.    In the meantime, please keep sending in emails of what you are doing as I love to keep in touch and see your photos.

I know that these are unusual times (and gosh, children in the future will be learning about when schools were closed in 2020 when they study history, so we are literally making history) but I also know that you are all super workers and that you appreciate that these are hard times for adults, too, and so you will be kind to your parents and siblings.  OK, I accept that the last one MAY be a little bit tricky ....

Have a great day, Class 2, Miss You Madly!

Mrs Petrie

Friday, 24th April 2020

Wow, the last day of the week already.  I hope you and your family have had a good week and have made the most of this lovely sunshine. It looks like it might be a little bit colder next week, so enjoy every moment!

It is amazing to have so many emails from you and to see your work.  Alex has sent in a photo of his garlic and rosemary focaccia bread (you can see it yourself below) which has made me look at recipes to make it myself.  He has also sent a card to Captain Tom which is very thoughtful of Alex, what an amazing man to raise so much money for the NHS.

Archie has sent in a belated birthday cake  (well, a photo of it which you can also see below) which made me want to get into the computer and try a piece.  Well done Archie on remembering the class rule of birthdays being all about cake for your teacher (along with the class rule of not cutting off your lovely curls if you have them - you know who you are!!).  It was very kind of you to make it and such a lift seeing your beaming smile.

Jack has sent in a fantastic story about a lucky cat, with beautifully neat writing and fantastic illustrations.  Well done, Jack, it is great to see you keeping up with your writing and I really enjoyed reading it - have a look below and see what you think!

Elsie has sent in a lovely rainbow picture, reminding me of what an amazing artist she is.  I love to see your art work, and I know from your emails that you are all enjoying seeing what your classmates are up to.  Thanks for sending it in, Elsie, and now everyone can have a look at it too below.

I adore puzzles and riddles, and so when Emilie sent in some riddles (they are below, too, along with the answers) I was really excited to try to work them out.  Thanks for those, Emilie, it will be interesting to see who gets them all right.

Talking of getting things right, I am attaching a video of the quiz on electricity.  You will need to pause in-between each question to write down your answers, and you can either mark them yourself or ask a sibling/parent to mark them for you using the knowledge organisers.  If you would like, you can send in your quiz scores and I will publish them on the website on Monday.

Have a super duper weekend, and thanks for all of your lovely emails and work that you have sent in.  It makes missing you just that tiniest bit easier.  

Mrs Petrie

Thursday, 23rd April 2020

Thursday already, and what a busy week it has been!

Georgina has produced the most incredible PowerPoints about Georgina, volcanoes and her Granddad - what a fantastic way to learn about history by using evidence from people who lived through it.  I loved finding out more about Georgina (and her Granddad) and also volcanoes.  Have a look at them yourself in the work folder below.

Merryn has also been very busy and she has sent in instructions for Tudor food, a Tudor menu and a mystery story. She has taken great care with the presentation and fonts for the Tudor work and I am very impressed (but not surprised) at her application to the tasks.  Check them out, too!

It was amazing to hear that Charlie has not only been learning his spellings and doing maths, but he has reminded me of what a fantastic artist he is (and why he was the artist in our class production) by sending in photographs of the stages in the MOST amazing pyramid painting - have a look below, and I am sure that you will agree at how fantastic it is!

Talking of spellings, along with the spelling sheets that I issued in your packs, you can access Oxford Owl, which is the scheme that we use for our spellings, and there is lots of learning and activities on there for your enjoyment.  Log onto Oxford Owl, our username is empgcclass 2 and the password is spelling.

Archie was up at the crack of dawn today and has produced marvelous maths and a super wanted poster of Fing (oh, what fun we had reading that book in class).  Both are brilliant, Archie.  I will be reading Awful Auntie on the website next week and seeing Archie's Fing poster reminded me of how much we enjoyed the books of Mr Walliams.  Have a look at both of Archie's efforts below.

How amazing is this, Archie, Alex was inspired by your written challenge and he has also paid great attention to punctuation, neatness and content, although his work in class is always of a super standard so no surprises there at the quality.  Well done, Alex, let us hope others are inspired by your amazing work below.

Sophie has sent in another photo of her experiment, so have a look at her rainbow plate on the photographs.

Class 2, even though we are not in the classroom, I am still in awe of the incredible work that you produce, and even though it is not the same as being in the classroom, it is great that you are still working so hard and taking such care with your work.

Don't forget the electricity quiz on Friday - I will be asking 10 questions all based on the Knowledge Organisers on Monday's work.

Thank you for all of your hard work and for letting me see and share it with others.  I already knew that you are amazing, but it is still nice to be reminded.

More tomorrow!!

Mrs Petrie

p.s. I do feel I have to point out that of course Tristan has not defected to Newcastle United, and whilst I am enjoying not hearing the Liverpool chants on a daily basis, I do admire his loyalty to his team!

Wednesday, 22nd April 2020

Well, Wednesday already!

It was lovely to receive a photo of Rory working in his home office today, along with Rory's Story which not only rhymes, but it is written in chapters!!  It was beautifully presented with illustrations and there were two pages - well done, Rory.  Check them both out below.  Best of all, Rory remains loyal to Newcastle United, so that makes two pupil fans in class, as Tristan has defected to the Mighty Magpies.

Archie also sent in some super art work and his writing challenge which.... wait for it..... not only had the date (UNDERLINED - yes, UNDERLINED), his spelling was fantastic, his writing was joined and he used full stops!  Full marks to Archie!  Have a look at his work below.

Sophie has been very busy with lots of interesting activities, and I have attached a photo of her dinosaur house, 3d model and her experiment with cola which shows what it can do to rust (and you wonder why your parents tell you not to drink too many fizzy drinks!).  Super presentation on all, Sophie!  

There is more suggested work below, but please also look at all of the online material that I have mentioned or that you have been able to find for yourself.  Remember that learning can be fun, and it is great to go over things that you have already covered to remind you.

Speaking of things that you have already covered, don't forget that I will be putting on a quiz on your electricity organiser on Friday!  A copy of the organiser is in your packs, and there is also one on Monday's suggested work this week - who will get 10 out of 10 dern dern dern.  If you send in your scores, I will record them on the website!

How lucky we have been with the sunshine which continues to shine on the righteous (yes, that is all of you).  I hope that you are keeping your bodies exercised as well as your brains.

Miss you loads (and loads)

Mrs Petrie

Tuesday, 21st April 2020

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

What a lot of super emails and photos that were sent in yesterday - if you did not get a chance to read my message yesterday afternoon, please see who has sent things in as I added a paragraph to my message as the day progressed to update you. It is so lovely receiving emails from you and seeing what you are doing.

A HUGE shout out to Rosie and Tristan who have been doing the Joe Wicks workout every day without a shout out from him - and much better to have one from me.  They sent me the funniest letters that I have ever read, and reminded me of what amazing writers they are and what fantastic personalities they both have. 

You won't believe this, Class 2, but Elsie and Poppy have sent in story endings that are less than favourable about their teacher - yes, ME!!!  Have a look at their cheekiness in the folder of work below if you don't believe me!   I laughed so much when I read them and it reminded me of what incredible writers I have in the class.  They have tried to redeem themselves by sending in a photo of them working hard and looking all innocent (great to see you using a ruler, Elsie!) this morning...

Jack has sent in a second story - entitled Super Space Story (as I know that Jack will recognise alliteration).  I loved reading it, and also the fact that he remembered to use speech marks - well done, Jack, it would be amazing to see another one!  The other Jack has seen some amazing animals in his farm visit yesterday, check out his photo below to see!

Another story below - I am reading a David Walliams next week, and started with a Horrid Henry this week as they are small chapters and a story in each one.  This Friday, I will be posting a quiz based on the Knowledge Organiser that I posted on Monday, so brush up on that and see if you can score full marks!!

If there is anything that you are unsure about or you just want to refresh your knowledge, please go onto the BBC Bitesize as their videos and interactive activities are great fun and they will give you a different style of learning.  Remember also that you can look on CAS Barefoot if you have completed Code.Org - if you have enjoyed the coding, why not look at Scratch online?

Thanks again for all of the photos, letters, work and contact from you.  It makes missing you just that little bit easier!

Stay safe everyone and keep up the good work!

Mrs Petrie

Monday, 20th April 2020

Hi Archie, Emilie, Jack, Thomas, Alex, Merryn, Elsie, Taylor, Charlie, Jack, Reuben, Gracie, Poppy, Sophie, Rory, Kaya, Poppy, Tristan, Hayden, Summer, Rosie, Isaac, Sophie, Thomas, Henry, Georgina, Kenzie, Callum and Jayden!

A big shout out to Callum who has put on his uniform today to work - photos on the website, great to see your smiling face - miss you loads, too!  Shout outs also to Alex, who sent a lovely hand-written message; Henry, who sent in a fantastic story ending - would love to see more of your amazing writing, Henry; and Isaac who sent in a super email and lots of photos of the incredible things that he has been doing (his fish had 30 babies, can you believe that?!) - and these messages arrived all before lunchtime today!!  This afternoon, Poppy has sent in some photos of plants and fabulous written work - to see them for yourself, take a look at the photo folder below!

I hope you have enjoyed your Easter holidays and eating lots of chocolate.  Thanks loads for the photos and work that you have sent in - I have opened up a new photo folder and work folder that I will keep near to the top of the page so that everyone can see what you have been up to.  As photos have been sent in in a variety of formats via the office, it has not been possible to move some from sub folders that I set up a few weeks ago (although they are still on this site, just lower down the page), so please re-send any photos if they are not in the new photo folder.  Please continue to send in what you are doing - work or photos - as your class love to see what you are getting up to.

I have also put on some videos of me reading a story each day - you won't believe how much fun it was to do that with my aversion to even seeing myself in the mirror....  The videos will only upload in small sections, and so the chapters are saved in different folders (today there are 4 folders as it was quite a long chapter).  Not quite the same as you all sitting angelically and attentively whilst I read at the end of the school day, but it was nice to read to you all the same.

It was amazing to speak to parents and children on the telephone when I was in school on Friday - what a fantastic job you are all doing (if I did not get through, I will try next time I am in).  It seems that most of you are deciding with your parents which activities that you want to work on, and so I have changed the format slightly to put work on every day so that you can remember which day's work you have completed and you can continue to choose the work that you do and when.

With this in mind, please have a look at homeschooling on BBC Bitesize.  If you select your age range, there are a variety of videos and interactive activities for you to complete, and you can independently choose which ones you want to work on whenever you like.

Anyway, I hope you find the activities useful and especially the BBC Bitesize activities - please let me know how you find them.  Many of you have emailed in, and it has been lovely to communicate with you.  

I still miss you lots (and then some more) but talking to some of you on the 'phone and seeing your photos and videos is the next best thing. 

Be good and remember, North, East, South and West, we all know Class 2's the best!  Can any of you still name all of the continents  on a map of the world?  Have a go and impress your parents!

Mrs Petrie

Hey Class 2

We have yet more birthdays!  Kaya had hers last Sunday, and Jayden has his today (Wednesday).  So much to celebrate when we get back!

Mrs Haggerty has sent in photos of her cycling (she has progressed from photobombing all of our photos), which are in the fun and photos folder - please keep sending your photos in and checking out what new photos have been added (like Archie with his oat biscuits).

I will be in Empingham on Friday, and if any of your parents would like a telephone call, please email the office so that they can let me know.

What lovely children there are in Class2!  Georgina has been busy writing a letter and gathering snacks for NHS staff at Leicester Hospital.  Have a look at our Fun and Photos file to see her amazing activities.  Well done, Georgina.

Well, I never thought that I would be in the same story as Messi, but as you will see from Archie's story ending, miracles do happen!

I have added Alex's amazing story ending to the website (below) and have a feeling that, like Alex, someone else has also sent one in but it got lost when Mrs Mann forwarded it to me.  If you have sent one in but it is not on here, please do so again so that I can put it on here.  It would be amazing to have some more story endings to put onto here so that your friends can see your super writing.

The Fishers have set up their own working wall, which is pretty spectacular, and is in the Fun and Photos folder below.   Please send in any photos that you would like to put on here for your friends to see.

I hope that you have managed to spend a bit of time in your gardens and that you have managed to exercise your bodies and brains.

I still miss you all an incredible amount but I know that you will be making the most of your time at home to learn and have fun.  And I just know that you are being super kind to everyone in your house  .......

Take care and enjoy the Easter break,

Mrs Petrie

Home Learning

Useful Information about Class 2

Our class motto is "Be the Best YOU Can Be!".  We have incentives and initiatives to encourage your child, and a varied curriculum to inspire and engage.

If you have ever wondered what your child gets up to in class, have a look at the photos below!

For Term 4, yoga will be on Tuesdays and PE on Fridays (where possible).  As the weather will vary, can you please make sure that your child has their indoor and outdoor PE kit/shoes in school at all times?

We have DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) most days and your child will also have time to read their reading books.  Can you please make sure that reading records are in school every day?

Every week, those pupils who show great strength and determination are named as Weekly Work Warriors.  If five or more pupils are awarded this prestigious title in any given week, the whole class is allowed Weekly Warrior Time.  You will be notified if your child is a warrior so that you can celebrate their achievement.

Pupils are always encouraged to drink lots of water, and they will be able to refill their bottles throughout the day.  Taking them home at the end of each day is a little more challenging.......

Please come and see me if you have anything that you would like to discuss!

Mrs Petrie

Class 2 Teacher