Mrs Bowen brings you a simple art project to try at home. If the picture doesn’t show in the video, download the file here.

Hi everyone

Next week I’m going to attempt a live science lesson for KS1 and Year  3/4 – other years may follow in later weeks if successful. I’m going to keep this lesson fairly simple as it will be a test of the technology as much as anything. I ask that a parent/carer remains around to deal with any technology issues from your end and also to offer hands on support to your child. More information about setting up the software is below. I’ve no idea how many will turn up for the lesson but there is a limit of 100 and roughly 120 children in each of KS1 and LKS2 so apologies if you end up being number 101 – if you have siblings in both those groups both sessions will be the same so take a pick as to which they want to join in with.

– Dr Fishwick

LO: How does sound travel?
LO: Set up and carry out a simple investigation.   

Time/location:  
Y1/2, Tuesday 31/3/20,  1pm, https://zoom.us/j/8168811198 access code 816 881 1198 
Y3/4, Tuesday 31/3/20, 2pm, https://zoom.us/j/8168811198 access code 816 881 1198    

You will need:  
– Some coat hangers made from different materials (eg plastic, metal or wood) or smallish kitchen objects (eg sieve, mug) that you can tie string to 
– String (you won’t need more than 1m, try a shoelace if stuck) 
– A metal spoon

I’d advise setting up Zoom in advance. If you go to the lesson link above it will provide instructions on how to install the app (Apple and Android supported) or PC software. I’ve only used it on an iPad. Once installed and you’ve entered the access code it will probably say I’m not there or words to that effect. You can choose a display name each time you start (tends to default to your device name) – please use child’s first names only. During installation give permission to access your mic, camera, etc, if asked.

The image above shows the basic controls as they are appear on an iPad, they are arranged slightly different across platforms. Tapping on the screen brings the controls up.

Your camera does not need to be on (so don’t worry about tidying the house!) in fact the software will run much smoother if only my camera is on – use the Stop Video button to turn yours off.

Mrs Williams reads ‘Dave the Dog is Worried About Coronavirus‘, a book to help children to understand the current situation a little better and to hopefully ease some anxieties. 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Over the last few days, we have come across lots of online resources that are available to support children’s learning at home during the unprecedented times. This list is by no means exhaustive, nor are we promoting anything in particular, but we thought we’d share some of them with you. All children have different learning styles and interests – maybe something below will click! We will also update our learning packs on the class pages as time goes on.

With very best wishes from the staff of Lickey Hills PSN.

https://www.themathsfactor.com/ THIS IS GREAT!! Carol Vordermann is offering free access to her great website for maths offering games, challenges and daily lessons to support learning. There are motivational medals to earn too… Also lots of fun times tables games at https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/7-11-years/times-tables . Finally – great online, live lessons and follow up activities from Gareth Metcalf at http://www.iseemaths.com/home-lessons/

https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/ – Fantastic resources and games for reading, writing, spelling and maths.

Some lovely reading opportunities to share at https://www.storylineonline.net/

https://www.literacyshed.com/home.html Go to The Literacy Shed for some great ideas for story writing. The Literacy Trust have developed a fantastic portal of resources for families – go to https://literacytrust.org.uk/family-zone/ . Also there’s a list of virtual author activities at https://www.weareteachers.com/virtual-author-activities/

Joe Wicks – The Body Coach is running a daily workout, Monday – Friday at 9am. https://www.thebodycoach.com/blog/pe-with-joe-1254.html?fbclid=IwAR13SHNgsUZEGLVRZYjbFzTf8PDAJvD4I8BxOASuWkVmjSNI6fsKHP1vs40

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zhyb4wx (KS1) and https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zxsvr82 (KS2) to practise your Spanish skills

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/mar/23/10-of-the-worlds-best-virtual-museum-and-art-gallery-tours The Guardian published 10 of the World’s best virtual museum and art gallery tours – but this list is not exhaustive!! The Tate Modern, for example, will give you some ideas for really crazy art to try!!

https://kids.sandiegozoo.org/ Learn about all the animals around the world!

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/ for geography and science ideas and fascinating facts. https://bpes.bp.com/the-emperors-new-clothes Some great science activities on BP’s website for Primary children – including this fun activity to help the Emperor find the right clothes for each season!

More science fun at https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/collections/primary-games/1

Listen to the fantastic Corona Rap homework made by some of our pupils from Years 2, 3 and 4 below…

As part of our Chinese New Year celebrations we made persuasive posters to come to a festival and parade. Look out for the lion dances, warding off evil spirits!

KS1 have been working really hard rehearsing for their big Christmas production and today was the premier of A Wriggly Nativity. The children have been amazing with their singing, dancing and learning their lines and we’re sure you’ll be so proud if you haven’t seen them yet – we certainly are.

(Right click and open an image in a new tab to see large version)

2RF having been investigating how objects can change shape when they are pushed, pulled, bent or twisted. This week we’ve been testing elastic bands to see which stretch the most. To make it a fair test we always hung the same weight from the elastic band before carefully measuring how much longer the elastic band is. We also watched some videos showing how scientists do similar tests on fabrics and metal bars to make sure they can do the job they are going to be used for.

As promised, here a few more photographs of some of the incredible projects our creative children have been bringing in to show us. Thank you so much to our families who provide such wonderful support to their children in producing rich learning experiences at home too.

Year 2 children’s excellent choices in the classroom are rewarded with Dojo points and now there is extra, special recognition each week for the person achieving the most – super Star of the Week trophies for each class. The winner gets to keep the trophy on their desk for the following week for being such model pupils. Thank you children for your superb efforts!