Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Year 1 & 2 - Wednesday 20th May

Happy Wednesdays people. I hope it finds you in good spirits! In the last 2 weeks, the blogs have had just over 600 views so it is encouraging to see people are engaging with them. Some parents have also asked if the work from the blogs has to be done or have apologised for not following them closely. Please do not feel compelled to do the tasks here or concerned if you are not. You find the approach that works for you and your children - think of the blogs as a handrail on a staircase: some use it, some do not and some use the lift - but the handrail doesn't mind either way!

English - Story Writing

Today we will finish the planning of our own stories. It is important to note that there is at least 2 or 3 days planning before we actually begin the process of writing the story itself.

Step 3 - Story Mapping



Now we have tried out story mapping before. Have a look at this blog for a reminder:

https://dhps12.blogspot.com/2020/03/year-1-2-thursday-26th-march.html

This time, however, we are coming up with our own ideas. It is important to note here that we are teaching story writing - it doesn't really matter if you feed your child possible ideas for what happens in their story. We are looking for ways to develop your child's use of language through writing - all professional writers borrow ideas from previously published books.

If I were creating a story map, I would consider why the character was on the island, what they were doing to achieve their goal and then a problem that occurs whilst they are doing this.

Problems are the cornerstone of all stories - no problem, no story. What might our problem be? Let's look at some ideas:




Now all problems need their resolutions. How will your character overcome their problem and how might it affect what it was they were trying to do?




So here is my completed story map:





TASK - Create your own story map for your treasure island inspired story!

Step 4 - Writing!

It would be lovely if you could try to write your story out in detail, even if it is just a section of it. Beginning the story is often the hardest part so often in school we give the first line or two to get the children started. Take your time, do a little bit at a time (next week is "half term" so there will be no official blogs but if you want to keep busy, story writing should fit the bill nicely).

A key skill for the Year 2's is proof reading. Here we encourage the children to read back what they have written and:

  • Check for mistakes and make corrections e.g. any simple spelling mistakes, missed punctuation;
  • Add in any extra detail in a section e.g. adding adjectives and adverbs;
  • Improve upon word choices made e.g. changing big to a more interesting adjective.

I really hope you enjoy developing your creative story together. Please remember that this is a very challenging skill. No one ever gets on a bike for the first time and just cycles off. Writing is the same. It is easy to feel like you haven't succeeded if this process is tough going or the end product is not as you envisaged but you have helped a step along the road to achieving success in the future. You learn when you fall off the bike; you do not learn when you give up.

"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
JFK 1962

Geography - At The Port

Further to our work in looking at things we see at the coast, we discuss the nature of a port and the different boats that we see at the coast. Much like vehicles on the road, the different types of boat are linked to the different roles that they undertake. This video, featuring the charismatic Barnaby Bear, focuses on the port of Poole:


It is good to look at the different types of boat we might see at a port:

A fishing trawler:




An All-Weather Life Boat:



If you want to see this ALB in action watch this:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/p01lthns


A ferry:





A container ship:




Incidentally, I find container ships fascinating. It is difficult to get an idea of just how big they are but try this. Next time you are out for a walk, start a timer - you are at the front of the container ship. Walk at a leisurely pace until the timer gets to 5 minutes - you are at the back of the container ship. If you do this at a park and start by a tree you will be able to see just how massive these ships are.

TASK - Choose one of these boats and create a picture of it. It could be just a drawing or you could be more creative in the materials that you use. You might want to approach it with a more scientific hat on - research it and add facts or labels.

Incidentally, the Barnaby Bear clip comes from this programme if you wanted to watch the whole thing:


Have a wonderful day - don't forget; you are all superheroes and all of us are very proud of all your efforts!
Key Stage 1



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