Primary 5 Miss McQueen Class Newsletter Term 2: October – December 2017 We are all settling in well to the new term and excited for the learning and challenges we have ahead of us in the lead up to Christmas. IDL: Our focus this term is a comparison of Scotland and Germany. We will look at Food, Sport, Flags, population, currency, Capital Cities, famous landmarks and people. We will also aim to learn about the land in both countries, including weather, climate, native species, habitats, mapping, mountains, castles, rivers and farming. Literacy: Listening and Talking Pupils will use ICT to create a film and become presenters to promote Scotland and Germany as holiday destinations. Reading As well as reading books being read in small groups in class and at home, we will be continuing working on our comprehension skills and show how we can read for understanding. Writing We have used Halloween and Bonfire Night to write poems using onomatopoeia, alliteration and similes. We will continue to work on our poetry techniques throughout the term. We will also be learning to write reports and will focus on our IDL to create these, using key headings such as statistics, facts and a conclusion. Maths: This term we are having a big focus on division. We are finding out just how important times tables are and we will continue to work hard on learning them in school and at home. We will also be learning about money and finance and will plan a budget for an end of term class celebration. Health and Wellbeing: This term we will be learning more about having a growth mindset and changing our thoughts and words to be more positive and proactive. We will also have a focus on substance misuse including understanding the risks of smoking and also the difference between a medicine and a drug. We will also perform role plays to show how and when to contact the emergency services. PE: Our PE days are a Wednesday and Friday. Please ensure your child has a PE kit in school for these days. All jewellery must be removed and long hair tied back. This term we have a focus on team games. Art: Could all pupils please bring in an old (large) t.shirt or shirt to use as an art apron to protect their clothes. Homework: Homework will be in the form of a project this term, alongside usual maths and spelling. Reading is given separately via a bookmark, please ensure your child brings their reading book to school each day.