Walnut Class Blog Term 2, 2023-2024

This term 2 has been filled with boundless learning and creativity. In the spirit of the festive season, we’ve immersed ourselves in preparing for the Christmas show. From sewing and painting to creating and mastering dance routines, Walnut class has worked tirelessly to bring a touch of magic to the stage.

Maths

This term, we’ve been mastering column addition and subtraction. From handling remainders to tackling borrowing, we have shown incredible determination and skill. It’s been a rewarding period of honing our abilities, and we’re excited to share the progress and achievements in the world of numbers.

Our exploration of shapes has been comprehensive. We have immersed ourselves in the world of 2D and 3D shapes, mastering the skills of sorting, identifying, and creating patterns with them. We’ve delved into counting faces, edges, vertices, and more. It’s been an enriching learning journey.

Literacy

We had an exciting term in Walnut class filled with different stories, including one by Dick King-Smith from the ‘Sophie’s Adventures’ collection. Next, we explored works by authors Rosemary Wells and Kes Gray—’Eat Your Peas’ and ‘Bunny Money,’ respectively. Their favourite was ‘Bunny Money,’ where the characters buy a present for Grandma. Learners shared their opinions about these stories and others, retelling them, engaging in role-play, and innovating on texts to create their own versions. To enhance punctuation skills, students learnt and practiced Punctuation Karate, assigning a karate-based sound and action for each punctuation symbol, making it more enjoyable and memorable. We also had Spelling and Grammar learning stations, practicing various sounds and grammar concepts such as nouns, adjectives, and verbs. Later, we started Unit 2 on how to write instructions, reading, analysing, and composing our own.

Reading Workshop

Walnuts are enjoying two very different books at the moment, the wordless Journey by Aaron Becker and the colourful Man on the Moon by Simon Bartram. Both books have great scope for observation and discussion. Walnuts have compared Bob’s daily routine with their own, talked about the challenges of working in zero gravity and written a poem about the aliens that are all around but of whom Bob appears unaware. Journey uses colour to imply mood and significance and Walnuts are making their own interpretation of the picture story.

French with Joanna

This term we continued our adventures with ZIG & ZAG Unit 2 with the theme ‘La Ferme’. The students learned the names of all farm animals, they also learned specific details about them & new vocabulary (mammifère, becs, dents, pattes, nager, sauter, voler) and we read an article about les poules et les oeufs and what to look out for when buying eggs (free range etc) . They worked more closely this term on their French oral skills by reading short texts out loud, answering questions, working on the French sounds/syllables. We are beginning to understand that words in French can be either masculin/féminin by sorting words out under the articles un/ une/ le/la (ex: une vache, la poule, un mouton, le canard). We finished off the term with some fun & educational Christmas activities by learning about traditions around the world and making our own carte de voeux.

Science

In Science we’ve uncovered the wonders of simple machines. From exploring pulleys to experimenting with levers and wheels, we have actively engaged in hands-on activities, unravelling the secrets behind these ingenious mechanisms. This journey of discovery has not only broadened our understanding but also sparked excitement for the intricate workings of the world around us.

Art

With Lucía:

In our Art classes creativity knows no bounds. We kicked off the term by crafting our own treasure maps with coffee, setting the stage for a journey filled with artistic exploration. Throughout the term, the festive spirit took hold as we dedicated our time to Christmas-themed crafts. Using a myriad of materials, paints, and techniques, we immersed ourselves in creating unique masterpieces. Additionally, we poured our creative energy into crafting decorations for the Christmas Show.

Coding and Programming Workshop

This term, Walnuts class continued to learn how to do Coding and Programming in ScratchJr by: choosing a background, choosing characters, writing titles and changing colours, making programs to make the characters move, grow, shrink, move to the left, to the right and have conversations. The themes were the following:

*Spooky Forest

*Dribble a baskbetball

*Dance party

*Meet and Greet

*Classroom conversation

*Christmas scene which included flashing lights and a star

Design and Technology

This term Birch and Walnut students became robotic scientists and engineers as they got engaged in creating electric circuits and designing their own toys. We investigated with various materials to find out which ones are conductors and insulators. We learnt about different electrical components (e.g. bulb, motor, buzzer, switch, battery) their role and how they need to be connected to make an electrical circuit. We used imagination and gained knowledge to create our very own buzzing-drawing robot and burglar alarm.

Music

During our Music lessons, we’ve been attuned to the nuances of rhythm and beat. Through engaging sessions, our students have delved into understanding the distinction between rhythm and beat. Exploring various musical genres, they’ve not only heard but felt the pulse and cadence that define these elements.

Throughout this second term, our students dedicated time to perfecting the songs for the Christmas show. Engaging in lively rehearsals, we not only sang with enthusiasm but also added an extra flair by incorporating dance moves. The classroom was alive with festive tunes and joyful steps as we prepared to showcase our musical talents in the Christmas show.

Finally, we performed the “Light, Camel, Action” show.

With Marie:

Simultaneously, they studied the musical tale of ‘The Nutcracker.’

Forest and PE

In our Forest Exploration and PE sessions, the classic game of hide and seek has become a must. The children eagerly embraced the thrill of hiding and seeking amidst nature, adding an extra layer of joy to our outdoor adventures. These sessions have not only kept us active but also fostered a strong sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Forest Exploration and PE have truly been a highlight, with hide and seek adding an extra dash of fun to our outdoor escapades

Halloween

In Halloween, our class buzzed with excitement as kids dressed up, crafted slime, carved pumpkins, and enjoyed a scavenger hunt. Parents pitched in for a laid-back Halloween party with music, snacks, and games, making it a memorable celebration for everyone involved.

15/12/202315/12/2023

Chestnuts class Term2, 2023-2024

CELEBRATIONS ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Autumn has arrived, fallen leaves have begun to cover the ground, the days have become shorter and the cold has set in. It was time for us to address the theme of celebrations around the world with the Chestnuts.

In the forest, in the classroom, through new experiences every day, the children have developed their knowledge and have learned more and more about each other. The atmosphere in the classroom is serene and the children have found their feet.

Young and old alike learn from each other and everyone has found their place.

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY

Throughout this term, we’ve talked about celebrations all around the world. It has been an opportunity to travel virtually throughout the different countries and continents.

The parents of the class also took us on a journey, thanks to the presentations they made about their origins. We discovered wonderful celebrations steeped in history and good manners.

So we have travelled through Europe, Asia, America, Africa and talked about other continents. This led us to talk about the different populations, the various customs and typical dishes.

France/Poland

Thanks to Victoria and Antoine, we traveled to France and Poland and learned more about these two European cultures. Many thanks to their parents for the presentation 🙂

Mostra Celebration Greece

With Georgios’ dad, we flew to Greece and discovered the festival of Mostra celebrated according to the history of the country. Thank you so much for this journey through the island and through time.

VENEZUELA/SCOTLAND

Then Cameron’s mum introduced us to the dual culture that represents them through Scottish customs and beliefs and the discovery of Venezuela. What a wonderful trip. Many thanks!

CRAFTS

During this term and throughout the year, the children touch different materials, create and develop their imagination as well as their fine motor skills.

Through painting, drawing, modelling clay, colouring and using natural elements such as painting with leaves, the children used their imagination and have created works about autumn and the various celebrations that we have discussed throughout this term.

CREATING A MAN WITH LEAVES

After going into the forest to collect raw materials, the children were given a role model that they were free to follow or not to follow. They had different kinds/colors of leaves available and they shaped their figure.

The children were also happy to give free rein to their imagination and create, through recycled papers, unused leaves, scraps of leftover fabric, all kinds of art and imaginary creation.

PRACTICAL LIFE

Practical Life is a key component of the Montessori educational approach. It involves providing children with hands-on, real-life experiences that contribute to the development of physical, intellectual, and social skills.

During this term, we focused on skills related to self care, such as closing/opening but also preparing a snack by pressing oranges (transforming oranges in juice), breaking chestnuts and eating them.

We also spent time practicing the abling frameworks that make it easier for children today to sit on their own, enabling more motor skills. Cleaning the classroom has also been part of our daily concern.

And care of the environment such as cleaning and composting – as part of the school’s Eco project .

Social skills such as pressing oranges for snack, cooking and breaking chestnuts and co-operating with others.

During one morning, we created cookies with the Birch class. This activity enchanted young and old alike and we were happy to taste these cookies together 🙂

These activities help children develop their independence, coordination and fine motor skills along with concentration and a sense of responsibility. In repeating the same gestures children reinforce their self-confidence and acquire the necessary maturity related to their age and growth.

SENSORIAL

Sensorial life refers to our ability to experience and interpret sensory stimuli from the world around us. We focused on using our five senses. Our brain processes this sensory information and enables us to perceive, understand and respond to our environment. Sensorial life is crucial for our survival and helps us communicate, learn and connect with others. It is constantly evolving as we interact with the world, and can be enhanced or impaired by various factors such as genetics, environment and experience.

This was provided through a number of our activities.

Touching/feeling

FINE MOTRICITY

In order to develop and work on children’s motor skills, we have, among other things, made a lot of use of scissors and carried out various cutting sessions.

LITERACY/PHONICS AND WRITING

This term we are also focusing on spoken language thanks to our discussions during circle time about different subjects such as talking about their weekend, the books we are reading in class and putting the stories into the correct order. Children also enjoy the time reading in class or at the library, chosing and reading books.

NUMERACY

Regarding numeracy, we work each day on a different matter such as counting from 1 up to the current date, working on bigger than, smaller than, identifying different shapes and numbers.

Shapes

SHOW AND TELL

Every Friday, the children are happy to share an object from home. It’s an opportunity for them to talk about what they like and introduce the class to their favorite object.

FOREST ACTIVITIES

Since the beginning of this term, the children have explored the forest and have become more comfortable and creative when playing with all of the forest materials at their disposal.

They also have gained more confidence during this term when it comes to climbing and balancing on trees.

CLIMBING

EXPLORING THE FOREST

During this period, we did a lot of walks through the forest to study the different changes related to the change of seasons.

CYCLING

Cycling is a great way to develop motor skills and every child is happy to practice the function of balance. It is a real JOY to ride a bike with the children through the forest because the children have a lot of fun.

JUMPING INTO THE PUDDLES

BUILDING A HOUSE

MUSIC

During this term, we practiced singing and playing instruments through walks in the forest but also for the preparation of our show .

SPECIAL DAYS

Electricity.

During this term, we worked on a joint project at the school about electricity. We have understood how electricity arrives in our homes, by what means. We also had the chance to do electrical experiments with Vlad.

HALLOWEEN

After the All Saints’ Day holidays, we celebrated Halloween with costumes and activities organized in the forest and in the classroom. A true shared happiness!

FIREWORKS

Then we talked about the holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Guy Fawkes whose history we talked about. We then prepared fireworks based on paint and the creativity of each of the children.

DIWALI

The following week gave way to the Diwali lights in India during which we created beautiful candle holders and evoked this wonderful country.

THANKSGIVING

For Thanksgiving, in relation to the history of the United States, we created headbands of Indians and turkeys. The children also listened to the story about Thanskgiving.

SAINT NICHOLAS

During the following week, the children got to know St. Nicholas and had a small cardboard St. Nicholas on this occasion.

CHRISTMAS

On the occasion of Christmas, many activities have been planned. Among them, an advent calendar that allows children to follow the progress of the days and to look for the corresponding day each day. So each child had the chance to have a little chocolate to taste!

Advent Calendar

Santa Claus

In all his forms, Santa Claus has invited himself into the classroom….

Christmas’ decoration

PREPARATION FOR THE SHOW

The children and the teachers put a lot of effort into the preparation of the Christmas show. We prepared the backdrop all together, chose the songs and adapted the gestures so that everyone could feel good and be an integral part of this beautiful show. A great progression over the weeks, always with a smile and with willing children. Well done!!:-)

SHOW

What a wonderful day! Joyful and enthusiastic children arrived. We helped them to change, to review the course of the show and presto…. The show flew by, at lightning speed. The Chestnuts and Maples can be proud of their performance as it was so successful… Beautiful songs, beautiful gestures and a beautiful choreography. Enough to make mom and dad proud, who came to applaud them, and their teacher happy to have shared this exceptional moment with them!:)

Dear Parents, I hope you enjoyed this page describing your children’s activities throughout this second term, which we had the pleasure of sharing together.

Have a nice time with your family and MERRY CHRITMAS hohoho….

See you next year

Dina

French with Marie

Durant cette deuxième période de l’année, nous avons principalement lu 6 albums de jeunesse (en lien avec les fêtes tels que Halloween, Noël, les formes, l’hiver…) :

De ces ouvrages, ont découlé différentes activités qui ont permis l’exploitation de ces histoires. Nous avons donné du sens à l’apprentissage, une façon plus ludique et une approche plus concrète.

A chaque début de semaine, vos enfants ont appris et chanté une nouvelle chanson (7 semaines = 7 chansons) :

La sorcière Gribouilla, La pluie qui mouille, Pétrouchka, Loin du froid de décembre, Vive le vent, J’ai planté un sapin, Petit garçon.

En parallèle, nous avons répété les chansons pour le spectacle de Noël.

Les objectifs de cette période ont été de :

– se familiariser avec la langue française

– retenir de petits mots en français

– oser s’exprimer en petit groupe

– découverte du monde

– reconnaître et nommer les formes simples (rond, carré, triangle et rectangle)

– réaliser des activités artistiques

– comprendre les albums lus en classe

– participer à des projets artistiques

– faire de la cuisine

– fêter Halloween

French Topic with Marie

The theme for this period is “Let’s celebrate.” We studied the differences between celebrations around the world and how each one organizes the festivities. We’ve read these books:

They played the bingo themed Celebration

They learned two songs: “Quand les pieds font la fête” and “Noël”

Finally, they prepared, decorated, rehearsed and performed the Christmas show.

15/12/202315/12/2023

Maple class Term2, 2023-2024

CELEBRATIONS ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Young and old alike learn from each other and everyone has found their place.

HISTORY/GEOGRAPHY

Throughout this term, we’ve talked about celebrations all around the world. It has been an opportunity to travel virtually throughout the different countries and continents.

The parents of the class also took us on a journey, thanks to the presentations they made about their origins. We discovered wonderful celebrations steeped in history and good manners.

So we have travelled through Europe, Asia, America, Africa and talked about other continents. This led us to talk about the different populations, the various customs and typical dishes.

France/Poland

Thanks to Victoria and Antoine, we traveled to France and Poland and learned more about these two European cultures. Many thanks to their parents for the presentation 🙂

Mostra Celebration Greece

VENEZUELA/SCOTLAND

Then Cameron’s mum introduced us to the dual culture that represents them through Scottish customs and beliefs and the discovery of Venezuela. What a wonderful trip. Many thanks!

CRAFTS

During this term and throughout the year, the children touch different materials, create shapes, objects, characters and animals according to the themes addressed and also develop their imagination as well as their fine motor skills.

CREATING A MAN WITH LEAVES

The children were also happy to give free rein to their imagination and create, through recycled papers, unused leaves, scraps of leftover fabric, all kinds of art and imaginary creation.

PRACTICAL LIFE

During this term, we focused on skills related to self care, such as closing/opening coats but also preparing a snack by pressing oranges (transforming oranges in juice), breaking chestnuts and eating them.

And care of the environment such as cleaning and composting – as part of the school’s Eco project .

Social skills such as pressing oranges for snack, cooking and breaking chestnuts and co-operating with others.

SENSORIAL

This was provided through a number of our activities.

Pink tower/ Brown stairs – Putting into order

PLAYING IN THE WIND

Opening/Closing

Magnets /Testing the attraction

Doing/Undoing

Touching/feeling

COOKING

During one morning, we created cookies with the Birch class. This activity enchanted young and old alike and we were happy to taste these cookies together 🙂

FINE MOTRICITY

In order to develop and work on children’s motor skills, we have, among other things, made a lot of use of scissors and carried out various cutting sessions.

LITERACY/PHONICS AND WRITING

This term we have reinforced our knowledege and understanding of phonics and began to read little words.

We have explored a range of new letters and sounds through actions, songs, story telling and games.

Jolly Phonics phase 2 introduces the sounds ck, e, h, r, m and d. We have learned these sounds whilst using new games about phonics

Through action of these sounds, children begin to use their knowledge of letter sounds to blend and segment words and listen more carrefuly in sounds that compose the words.

We also reviewed the sounds learned in the first term and strengthened our knowledges a, t, i, p and n.

The children also continue to write their names, the date and the sounds learned in class, using different matters to trace the letters in, and also practising with drawing shapes.

We are also focusing on spoken language thanks to our discussions during circle time about different subjects such as talking about their weekend, the books we are reading in class and putting the stories into the correct order. Children also enjoy the timereading at the library or in class, choosing and reading books.

NUMERACY

Regarding numeracy, we work each day on a different matter such as counting from 1 up to the current date, working on bigger than, smaller than, identifying different shapes and beginning to introduce the notion of addition.

Additions

Numbers and counting

Counting/How many/Ordering….

Shapes

SHOW AND TELL

Every Friday, the children are happy to share an object from home. It’s an opportunity for them to talk about what they like and introduce the class to their favorite object.

FOREST ACTIVITIES

Since the beginning of this term, the children have explored the forest and have become more comfortable and creative when playing with all of the forest materials at their disposal.

They also have gained more confidence during this term when it comes to climbing and balancing on trees and tree trunks.

CLIMBING / BALANCING

EXPLORING THE FOREST

During this period, we did a lot of walks through the forest to study the different changes related to the change of seasons.

CYCLING

JUMPING INTO THE PUDDLES

BUILDING A HOUSE

MUSIC

During this term, we practiced singing and playing instruments through walks in the forest but also for the preparation of our show .

SPECIAL DAYS

Electricity.

HALLOWEEN

After the All Saints’ Day holidays, we celebrated Halloween with costumes and activities organized in the forest and in the classroom. A true shared happiness!

FIREWORKS

Then we talked about the holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Guy Fawkes whose history we talked about. We then prepared fireworks based on paint and the creativity of each of the children.

DIWALI

The following week gave way to the Diwali lights in India during which we created beautiful candle holders and evoked this wonderful country.

THANKSGIVING

For Thanksgiving, in relation to the history of the United States, we created headbands of Indians and turkeys. The children also listened to the story about Thanskgiving.

SAINT NICOLAS

During the following week, the children got to know St. Nicholas and had a small cardboard St. Nicholas on this occasion.

CHRISTMAS

Advent Calendar

Deers

Lovely deers have been created

GARLANDS

The children were introduced to garlands, which helped them learn how to fold and repeat the gesture.

Santa Claus

In all his forms, Santa Claus has invited himself into the classroom….

Christmas’ decoration

PREPARATION FOR THE SHOW

SHOW

Dear Parents, I hope you enjoyed this page describing your children’s activities throughout this second term, which we had the pleasure of sharing together.

Have a nice time with your family and MERRY CHRITMAS hohoho….

See you next year

Dina

French with Marie

Durant cette deuxième période de l’année, nous avons principalement lu 6 albums de jeunesse (en lien avec les fêtes tels que Halloween, Noël, les formes, l’hiver…) :

A chaque début de semaine, vos enfants ont appris et chanté une nouvelle chanson (7 semaines = 7 chansons) :

La sorcière Gribouilla, La pluie qui mouille, Pétrouchka, Loin du froid de décembre, Vive le vent, J’ai planté un sapin, Petit garçon.

En parallèle, nous avons répété les chansons pour le spectacle de Noël.

Les objectifs de cette période ont été de :

– s’initier à la pratique de la langue française

– construire des phrases simples mais correctes

– oser s’exprimer en petit groupe

– tracer le bonhomme de chaque mois

– reconnaître et nommer les formes simples (rond, carré, triangle et rectangle)

– apprendre la lettre O et la lettre U

– reconnaître son prénom (et savoir l’écrire pour certains enfants)

– apprendre les nombres 3 à 5 (savoir dénombrer une collection)

– reconnaître de petits mots

– réaliser des activités de graphisme

– comprendre les albums lus en classe

– participer à des projets artistiques

– faire de la cuisine

– découvrir les fêtes de Thanksgiving et Saint Nicolas

– fêter Halloween

French Topic with Marie

The theme for this period is “Let’s celebrate.” We studied the differences between celebrations around the world and how each one organizes the festivities. We’ve read these books:

They played the bingo themed “Celebrations”

They learned two songs: “Quand les pieds font la fête” and “Noël”.

Finally, they prepared, decorated, rehearsed and performed the Christmas show.

15/12/202315/12/2023

Birch Class Blog Term 2, 2023-2024

During the second term, we continued to make amazing progress. We have played, explored, learned, sang, danced and made Christmas crafts. We all worked as a team to create the magic that was our Christmas show “Light, Camel, Action”.

Maths

Birch class has been immersed in foundational concepts. From understanding number bonds to 10 to mastering addition and subtraction within 20, we have shown commendable progress. Using practical activities and engaging resources, we’ve delved into the world of mathematical operations, fostering a solid understanding of basic arithmetic

At Birch class, we’ve ventured into the captivating realm of shapes. We have been actively engaging with learning objectives, including recognizing and naming common 2D and 3D shapes, as well as exploring their properties. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, we’ve brought shapes to life, fostering a deep understanding of their characteristics.

Literacy

In this second term we continued to progress with the Jolly Phonics method (we have now practiced 37 out of 42 sounds). We read “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” and the students continued working on their handwriting skills, we read our books out loud to our classmates, we learned when to use Capital Letters/full stops in a sentence, we started to write sentences & and we played educational games to make learning fun. Lastly, the students worked so hard to learn their lines for the Christmas Show.

French with Marie

Durant cette deuxième période les enfants ont continué les activités et les apprentissages. En effet, nous avons principalement lu 6 albums de jeunesse (en lien avec les fêtes tels que Halloween, Noël, les formes, l’hiver…) :

De ces ouvrages, ont découlé différentes activités qui ont permis l’exploitation de ces histoires. Nous avons donné du sens à l’apprentissage des voyelles et des consonnes. Une façon plus ludique et une approche plus concrète d’étudier la langue française.

A chaque début de semaine, vos enfants ont appris et chanté une nouvelle chanson (6 semaines = 6 chansons) :

La sorcière Gribouilla, La pluie qui mouille, Pétrouchka, Loin du froid de décembre, Vive le vent, Noël, Petit garçon.

Les objectifs de cette période ont été de :

– pratiquer la langue française

– construire des phrases simples mais correctes

– oser s’exprimer en petit groupe

– compréhension d’histoires lues

– connaître les voyelles et les consonnes (s, r, t, c, ch, n, m) ainsi que le principe du code alphabétique

– associer le nom de la consonne au geste et surtout au son qu’elle produit.

– réciter une poésie “Mois d’automne”

– chanter collectivement une chanson

Science

At Birch class, we’ve taken a fascinating dive into the theme of ‘Explorers and Adventures.’ We have actively delved into the diverse habitats of our planet, discovering the incredible animals that call them home. Through hands-on experiences and captivating lessons, we’ve ignited a sense of wonder about the world. Birch students have eagerly embraced the tales of renowned explorer Jane Goodall, gaining insights into her impactful work with primates.

Design and Technology

Forest and PE

Topic

French Topic:

The theme for this period was “Explorers and adventurers.” We explored and studied how people discovered the world, the tools they needed and they used to embark on a journey to the ends of the earth. We’ve read these books:

They primarily rehearsed for the Christmas show.

They learned the songs for the Christmas show.

Finally, they performed the “Light Camel Action” show.

Music

With Marie:

During this second period, the children rehearsed the songs for the Christmas show.

Simultaneously, they studied the musical tale of ‘The Nutcracker.’

With Lucia:

Art

With Marie:

During this period, the children prepared and painted the backdrop for the Christmas show.

They also made Christmas decorations out of salt dough.

With Lucia:

Coding and Programming Workshop

This term, Birch class continued to learn how to do Coding and Programming in ScratchJr by: choosing a background, choosing characters, writing titles and changing colours, making programs to make the characters move, grow, shrink, move to the left, to the right and have conversations. The themes were the following:

*Spooky Forest

*Dribble a baskbetball

*Dance party

*Meet and Greet

*Classroom conversation

*Christmas scene which included flashing lights and a star

Cooking

At Birch class, the festive season brought the sweet aroma of Christmas delights. Together with Maple and Chestnut classes, we rolled up our sleeves to create delicious Xmas cookies, spreading joy and a sprinkle of creativity in the kitchen. As a delightful collaboration, we also whipped up a delectable cake for the whole school’s Christmas party.

Halloween

20/10/202321/10/2023

Chestnut Class Term 1 – 2023

On this day we got to bring our favourite clothes and accessories to showcase our style

This term we got to know each other through our learning topic “All about me.” We got to showcase many important aspects of ourselves, such as our physical features, our family, our school, our community, our interests, and our style. We had the opportunity express ourselves in different ways and explore our differences and similarities.

All about me project

We created a portrait of oursleves by first drawing an outline of our body and decorating it with paint, Monet cut outs, and making prints of our hands and feet. During the following weeks we added images relevant to the theme of the week.

We got to show our class lots of photos of our family members during circle time. Each students had a turn to show their peers their family members and talk about their families. We also discussed what a family tree was and each student worked with the teacher to complete their own family tree.

The students often visited the hallway where their family trees were posted and talked to each other about their work.

One of the standout moments from our term was our fashion show day. The Chestnuts class had a chance to showcase their unique styles by wearing their favourite outfits and accessories. This not only allowed them to express themselves but also offered the Maple class an opportunity to get to know them better. The Chestnuts shared the reasons behind their preferences and for these items, which also helped their older classmates to also learn more about them.

During the last week of the term we reviewed everything we discussed regarding our topic and we completed some paper puzzles using our photos.

Here is the final result of our personal portrait project!

Exploring colour in different ways

We started our colour unit by defusing painted circles using water and a thin paint brush. It was great to practice our fine motor skills as we enriched our vocabulary and sensory perception.

We also created two colourful art pieces using different materials and techniques. One of our pieces included colour matching, attempting to colouring inside the lines and neatly placing the colour pencils back in their respective places . The other art piece included being messy and mixing paints, sparkles, glue and gems with full agency and self-expression.

Ms. Marie worked on colour mixing during one of her French activities too.

Montessori inspired classroom activities

Many of the classroom daily activities are inspired by the Montessori approach. This helps our young students to build many of their skills in an independent way: The students are shown how to work with the various activities presented on the classroom shelves and then they are encouraged to choose what they want to practice during the morning activity times.

The students are encouraged to playfully take responsibility and care for their classroom environment by tidying after they are finished using the activities, having snack, or working on an art and crafts project.

Wednesday Art Workshops

The school participated in an arts project on Wednesdays in which we explored three famous painters: Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. We hosted the older kids in our classroom to create our own posters inspired by these artists. We worked in a team with students from Maple, Birch, and Walnut students which gave us an opportunity to interact with our older friends and collaborate with them. During our first workshop we created a mixed collage using images of Monet and Van Gogh’s works as well as paper, paint, glue, and other materials. During our second workshop the teams were assigned a specific era from Picasso’s extensive career and they got to create a poster based on the pictures and materials provided.

Wednesday Water experiments

During our Wednesday projects we got to see how jelly beads expand as they absorb water, we played with water pumps such as water bottles and syringes, and we made water balloons that we got to take home!

We also experimented with mixing water with different colours and textures using sparkles and food colouring. We used our pinching skills to carefully place gems inside our bottles and also used our fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination to pour sparkles from a small container into the mouth of our bottles.

We enjoyed playing with our water bottle shakers when we were all finished and we had a nice new sensory toy to take home!

We also got together with the older students to learn all about the exciting experiments they had been working on with Mr. Kralka.

Learning and playing in the forest

We are so lucky to be able to explore our forest everyday and this term we had the perfect weather to participate in some organised activities that targeted our gross motor skills and sensory perceptions. We also worked some of our art projects and we played Math and Language games.

Swimming class

We practiced many of our swimming skills this term and we made great progress. We began this school year with a very shy group but every week we built confidence and by the end of the term we were able to practice many skills such as floating and swimming on our backs, moving forward using floaties, getting in and out of the water, blowing bubbles under water, and rolling down the slide and into the water.

More outdoor activities gallery

Working together with the Maples gallery

More classroom activities gallery

20/10/202320/10/2023

Birch Class Blog Term 1, 2023-2024

What a fantastic start! This term we learned all about ourselves and made new friends. We took advantage of the nice end of summer and autumn weather to spend as much time as possible outside and in the forest.

Maths

In our Year 1 Birch class, we’ve embarked on an exciting journey through the world of Mathematics this term. We’ve been focusing on foundational concepts such as Place Value, Addition, and Subtraction.

We understand that the value of numbers is crucial, and this term, we’ve delved into the concept of Place Value. We’ve been working diligently to grasp the significance of each digit within a number, helping us develop a strong numerical understanding.

Year 1 is all about building a strong mathematical foundation. We, in the Birch class, have been dedicated to enhancing our skills in Addition and Subtraction, using a combination of hands-on activities and engaging exercises to solidify our grasp of these fundamental operations.

Literacy

What a busy start to the year our class has had! Year 1 is a big leap from kindergarten so consistency and continuity are key factors in making sure that our students feel less daunted when starting this important stage in laying down the groundwork of literacy success for our young learners.

Phonics: In terms of continuity we will be keeping with Jolly Phonics (introduced to your children in Maple class last year) which is a multi-sensory method to learning the 42 letters sounds (alphabet sounds: 1 sound = 1 letter & digraphs: 1 sound = two letters). It is a fun and very much child centered approach to teaching phonics with actions for each of the letter sounds & songs to learn. We begin the class with a new letter sound : we sing the song (do the actions) then we follow the adventures of Inky the Mouse and his friends with a story per letter sound to then sit down and individually concentrate on our Jolly Phonics pupil book.

Handwriting: is also a key element in our class this year which the students work on every day in Literacy. It is fundamental in helping our students develop their fine motor skills which began in Maple class (holding pencil properly/using right amount of pressure on their pencil) yet it is a complex skill that develops over time and demands a lot of concentration and effort but which is very rewarding too as it helps children to develop their spelling and reading skills.

Reading & writing: We have read the book The Tiger Who Came to Tea, an absolute gem of a book which was actually my favourite as a child too! We read this book numerous times and the children have done a variety of writing/reading/sequencing activities and they even acted out the parts of this very cheeky tiger with their tiger masks.

French with Marie

Cette première période a été riche en activités et apprentissages. En effet, nous avons principalement lu 6 albums de jeunesse (en lien avec la rentrée des classes, l’école en générale et la saison de l’automne) :

A chaque début de semaine, vos enfants ont appris et chanté une nouvelle chanson (6 semaines = 6 chansons) :

C’est la rentrée, Chanson de l’alphabet, Colchiques dans les prés, Si tu as d’la joie au coeur, Ani couni, La maison citrouille.

Les objectifs de cette période ont été de :

– se familiariser avec la langue française

– construire des phrases simples mais correctes

– oser s’exprimer en petit groupe

– compréhension d’histoires lues

– connaître les voyelles et les consonnes (a, é, e, i, o, u, l) ainsi que le principe du code alphabétique

– associer le nom de la voyelle au geste et surtout au son qu’elle produit, qui est complètement différent de celui en anglais (confusion entre « e » en anglais et le « i » en français/ entre « i » en anglais et le « a » en français…)

– réciter une poésie “L’écureuil”

– chanter collectivement une chanson

Science

This term has been all about exploring the fascinating topic of Everyday Materials. We’ve delved into the world of materials we encounter in our daily lives and the properties that make them unique.

We’ve embarked on a journey of discovery, learning about the materials that surround us – from glass and plastic to wood and metal. Understanding the properties of these materials has been an exciting adventure, and we’ve had hands-on experiences to learn more about them.

To bring science to life, we’ve engaged in hands-on experiments. We’ve tested materials for their hardness, flexibility, transparency, and other properties. It’s been a fantastic way to explore the world of materials and understand why certain materials are used for specific purposes.

Design and Technology

Collaborative project : Eco-Logs Press

The children continued to develop their carpentry skills while constructing ‘Eco Logs Press. We soaked our shredded paper and saw dust to create a magical mix that we used for creating our eco-logs. The children worked on solving real life problems while weighing the raw materials mix and then compared it with the weight of the compressed and dry log. Our small step to reduce the carbon footprint and look after our planet. We are ready to heat our homes or will simply use these logs on the 5th of November.

Woodworking projects are extremely important for developing children’s creative and critical thinking skills. Through these projects, not only do children get to handle and smell the wood but also learn how to use the different carpentry tools. They develop their mathematical thinking, broaden their scientific knowledge and, most importantly, acquire a ‘can do’ mindset.

“Water wheels/ Water Pump” Project

“Water – Oil Timer” Project

“Survival Kit – Water Filtering” Project

“Recycled Materials/ Boat construction” Project

Forest and PE

In our Forest Exploration sessions, we’ve been on a thrilling adventure of climbing, jumping, and exploring the great outdoors. We have ventured through the woods, honing our skills in orienteering and developing a deep appreciation for nature. It’s been a fantastic journey of discovery and physical activity.

In our PE classes, we’ve been dedicated to improving our motor skills. Through a variety of fun and challenging activities, we have enhanced our coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness. It’s been an opportunity for us to grow physically and develop a lifelong love for staying active.

We’ve also made significant strides in improving our swimming skills. The pool has been our playground for honing water confidence and essential swimming techniques. We have taken to the water with enthusiasm and have made great progress in our swimming abilities.

Topic

French Topic:

The theme for this period was “Houses Around the World.” We explored and studied the various styles of houses across the planet, as well as the materials used in their construction. The children learned the difference between a house and a building and they also learned the vocabulary associated with a house, including its rooms and the objects or furniture that make up a home. We’ve read these books:

They played the house-themed bingo.

They learned two songs: “Ma maisonnette” and “Ma maison monde” d’Aldebert.

Finally, they constructed an African hut and a house.

La semaine du goût / The Taste Week:

Every year in France, one week in October is dedicated to taste. Through the Kim game, children have the opportunity to discover various flavours (salty, sweet, sour, bitter). The game involves tasting various foods with your eyes closed and guessing what it is by describing the texture and the flavour it provides.

The children then baked a yogurt cake with pieces of apple.

Music

With Marie:

During this initial period, the children explored various music styles, ranging from classical music to French and English pop, jazz, pop, rap, and more.

Then, they discovered the various families of musical instruments through the musical tale Piccolo, Saxo & Cie.

They played miming musical instruments, a sound and noise quiz, as well as a musical instrument bingo.

With Lucia:

During our Music lessons, we’ve been on an exciting journey to grasp the distinctions between long and short sounds. Through hands-on exploration with a variety of instruments, we have been able to truly feel and hear how different durations create rhythm and melody in music. It’s been a fun and engaging way for us to discover the world of sound.

Art

With Marie:

During this period, we studied the painter Kandinsky. After several observations of his paintings and the way he painted, the children had to recreate a “work” in the style of Kandinsky.

With Lucia:

In Art this term, we’ve brought our dream homes to life and ventured into treehouse designs. Exploring lines, colours, and the enchanting world of watercolours has added depth and charm to our artistic creations.

Project

Wednesday Projects have been a whirlwind of artistic exploration. In our recent sessions, we’ve delved into the enchanting world of Impressionist painters, specifically Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. It’s been an educational journey where we’ve not only learned about these iconic artists but also applied their techniques to create our own masterpieces.

Our students have been captivated by the works of Monet’s water lilies, Picasso’s abstract genius, and Van Gogh’s vibrant sunflowers. We’ve delved deep into their unique styles and brushwork, which has inspired our own artistic endeavours.

Using different techniques and materials, we’ve created art pieces that reflect the spirit of these Impressionist masters. It’s been a hands-on experience, allowing us to truly understand and appreciate the artists’ techniques.

What makes our Wednesday Projects even more exciting is that we’ve had the chance to collaborate with Walnut, Maple, and Chestnut classes. Working together has not only expanded our horizons but also fostered creativity and teamwork.

In a separate project, we delved into the theme of ‘Water.’ Our students had a fantastic time creating art using soap bubbles and paint, delving into the enchanting world of colours and patterns. Furthermore, we crafted a variety of clay containers designed to hold water, aligning with our ongoing exploration of materials in Science.

Felting Project

Coding and Programming Workshop

This term Birch class was introduced to ScratchJr. The term was divided into three blocks:

Drive across the city – Students learned how to pick a background and a character, resize it. Use a motion block to make a car drive across the city.
Run a race – Use the speed block to speed up or slow down a character.
Sunset – Learn how to make a character disappear.

Cooking

In a cooking class with Emily, we learned how to make deviled eggs. With her guidance, we discovered how to create a simple piping bag to fill the egg whites with a delicious mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, egg yolks, pickles, onion, paprika, and more. It was a practical experience that allowed us to appreciate the precision and creativity involved in cooking.

20/10/202320/10/2023

Oak Class Blog , Term 1, 2023-2024

English

This term Oak class have read The Last Viking by Terry Deary, the story of a Viking raid on an English village and monastery. The story complements our History topic of the Viking era in European History. The class learned about the genre of Historical Fiction and besides enjoying the story, focused on figurative language in the book as well as characterisation. They discussed the events in the story, reflecting on the feelings and motivation of the main characters.

Never lost for words. Oak learn how to use a thesaurus.

To celebrate the beautiful season of Autumn, Oak class learnt the poem ‘Autumn Fires’ by Robert Louis Stevenson.

History

This term’s focus was on the Vikings. The class learnt about their skills as sailors and the distinguishing features of the longships that made them so effective when raiding neighbouring countries. The class learnt what motivated Vikings to leave their homelands, their reputation as fearless warriors as well as the Viking way of life, customs, food and culture.

Geography

In Geography, Oak class learnt about the Continent of Europe and its 50 countries from East to West. The class also learnt how to read grid references on a map and how to find individual countries in an atlas, using the index. They learnt about the concepts of latitude and longitude, locating places using these coordinates, and discovered some of the important lines that delineate specific areas of the Earth – the Equator, the Hemispheres, the Poles and the Tropics. Looking at the lines of longitude, the class learnt about time zones.

Testing their knowledge of Europe by filling in a blank map. Identifying countries using coordinates of latitude and longitude.

Mathematics – Number and Measures

Oaks worked on counting, reading, writing and ordering four- and five-digit numbers. The children ordered, rounded and compared three-digit and four-digit numbers and positioned them on the number line. ‘Crocodile Charlie’, who is really greedy, always eats the largest numbers. He showed the children where to use greater than > and less than < signs. The children practised and refined their written methods for addition and subtraction and then solved one-step and two-step addition and subtraction problems involving numbers, money and measures.
Oaks also investigated the different shapes and calculated their perimeter and area. We probed further into this topic while calculating the area and perimeter of the compound shapes.

Science – Forces around us

Oaks investigated and described different types of forces and now understand their effects on moving objects. Oaks discovered that we cannot see the forces that act on objects but that we can measure them with the newton meter. Oaks carried out various friction, air- resistance and water-resistance experiments and practised asking scientific questions. During these experiments, Oaks put forward their hypotheses, tested them, recorded their findings and then made conclusions.

ICT

This term, our students in the Oak class explored the world of networks and the importance of internet security. They developed a deeper understanding of the internet as a vast network of networks, emphasizing the need for its security.

During their exploration, the students came to realize that the World Wide Web is just one part of this interconnected internet. They were provided with valuable opportunities to navigate the online world independently, allowing them to identify content owners and understand what they can access, add, and create on the web.

To organize and internalize this newfound knowledge, they created mind maps on paper. These visual representations helped them grasp and define each concept while making meaningful connections. Well done, Oaks!

French with Marie

Durant cette période, les élèves ont étudié plusieurs notions:

en grammaire: la phrase et ses caractéristiques (formes et types), la phrase simple et complexe (1 seul ou plusieurs verbes), la phrase verbale et a-verbale, le nom et le groupe nominal, les déterminants, les pronoms, l’adjectif, les mots invariables ainsi que la nature/classe grammaticale des mots.

en conjugaison: les temps du passé, présent et futur, le verbe et son infinitif, les verbes d’action et les verbes d’état, le présent de l’indicatif de tous les verbes, l’imparfait des auxiliaires être et avoir ainsi que des verbes du 1er groupe.

en vocabulaire: le champ lexical du mythe et du conte autour du monstre, utilisation du dictionnaire.

en orthographe: 3 dictées ont été effectuées.

en mémorisation: apprentissage de 2 poésies “Ponctuation” et “mois d’Automne”

en littérature: 2 livres ont été lus et étudiés:

Gare à la maîtresse de Blandine Aubin
Cromignon de Michel Gay

French with Joanna

French with Joanna

We have had a very busy start to the year in French class. The students are delighted to continue learning about the adventures of their favourite French characters Madame Bouba, Félix, Lila, Pirouette & Tilou in the third and final series of this méthode de français specifically geared towards teaching French in a fun and educational way to French as a Foreign Language students. In this final series Félix (the reporter) takes the students on adventures in France and other countries. We have been working on our grammar and conjugation skills by revising verbs and learning knew ones (through weekly spelling tests & worksheets) and we are developing memory & pronunciation skills by learning and reciting poetry about l’automne (see videos hereunder).

French Topic

The theme of this period was “renewal.” Through the Renaissance period, the children discovered and learned about the lifestyle of people as well as the major revolutions through numerous discoveries. We covered several points:

The origin and birth of the Renaissance movement
The difference between a medieval castle and one from the Renaissance.
Significant advancements in various fields like art, sculpture, literature, engineering…

The students played a board game named the “Goose chase” on the Renaissance.

Then, the children constructed a part of the façade of Chambord Castle with its famous “double helix” staircase. (l’escalier “à double révolution”)

The objectives of these themes were:

To understand the characteristics of specific time periods and societies.
To recognize that the study of history relates to both the past and the present.
To have knowledge of the history of the studied periods.
To understand the ideas, beliefs, attitudes, and experiences of people from the past.
To comprehend the social, cultural, religious, and ethnic diversity of the studied periods.
To be able to use historical terms associated with the studied periods.
To be capable of investigating historical questions and their impact on people’s lives.
To be able to select and record information related to a historical topic.
To be able to place events, individuals, and changes in the studied periods within a chronological framework.

Spanish

This first term, the Oak class embarked on an exciting journey of learning Spanish. The students made significant progress in mastering the basics of this language.

They began by learning how to greet one another and engage in conversations about their names, well-being and age. They also tackled the numbers from 1 to 20 and had fun practising addition with these numbers. The classroom came alive with the joy of memorising and singing various songs and simple rhymes in Spanish.

We are incredibly proud of the progress the Oak class has made so far. Good job, Oak!

D&T Felting Project

The process of felting is very hands-on! The children had to tease the merino wool, layer it, apply hot water and soap and manipulate it together with their hands and feet as well as rolling pins.

Inspired by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Oak and Elm classes collaborated as one to recreate the Japanese bridge in Monet’s garden in Giverny. The techniques of felting mastered, we dived into the artistic worlds of Vincent van Gogh and Picasso and recreated their famous masterpieces.

Art and Artists

Oak wrote stories inspired by figures in Picasso’s paintings.

Design and Technology – Topic Water

Students learnt about different liquids, their density and how some liquids do not mix. We then constructed a Water-Oil Timer and discovered that it takes 52 minutes for water and oil to ‘switch places’. Come and see for yourself if you have 52 minutes to spare.

Machine de Marly

Students learnt how King Louis XIV needed a large water supply for his fountains at Versailles and how he solved this problem.

Machine of Marly, a large hydraulic system in Yvelines, built in 1684 to pump water from the river Seine and deliver it to the Palace of Versailles.

Hydraulic press

Linked to our science topic on forces, we discovered how forces are multiplied in the hydraulic press. (Hydraulic press, rebuilt by Elm Class.)

Learning about water pumps and hydraulic press. On our Eco quest, now ready to crush empty Coca-Cola cans. Would you like to borrow it?

As part of the Water theme, the class studied the Water Cycle and learnt a short poem, ‘A Sunstroke’ by John B. Tabb, which sums up this crucial process in just six lines.

Oak class replicated the Water Cycle process using a plastic bag, water, food colouring and a marker pen.

Trip to the Musée de la Grenouillère

FISP classes Maple, Birch, Walnut, Oak and Elm visited the Musée de la Grenouillère in Croissy. The museum is the site of a popular ‘guinguette’ or open-air café where Monet and Renoir painted five impressionist masterpieces. These cafés were fashionable in the 19th century and are described in the writing of literary greats Maupassant, Zola and Simenon. The trip tied in with our recent study of painters, in particular Claude Monet.

Coding and Programming workshop

This term Oak class was introduced to Scratch. Students worked on two projects:

Animate a name – learners inserted a code to animate the letters of their name. They practised the following features: colour clicker, spin, play a sound, dancing letter, change size, press a key and glide around.
Pong game – Made a bouncing ball game. They learned how to bounce around and move the paddle.

20/10/202330/10/2023

Maple class Term1, 2023-2024

All about me

In this wonderful setting, this first term, we worked on the theme “All about me”.

In the forest, in the classroom, through new experiences, every day, they develop their knowledge and learn to get to know each other and to live in a community together.

In the classroom, the children had the opportunity to dress up and become any character they wanted to be.

CRAFTS

During this term and throughout the year, the children touch different materials, create shapes, objects and animals according to the themes addressed and also develop their imagination as well as their fine motor skills.

Throughout this term, we’ve talked about who we are, what makes us unique, the different parts of our bodies. We made lungs out of balloons and straws and worked on how to brush our teeth properly.

We also talked about our feelings through role play and what we like best…

Through painting, drawing, chalk work, using natural elements such as painting with leaves and apples, the modelling clay that we created in class, the children used their imagination and created characters in the image of themselves.

Then we talked about the theme of houses. We built our own houses out of lego, painted a house in the forest, designed a house out of chalk, and created a house out of paper using the different shapes provided. Then we created houses in the forest. The children very much enjoyed these activities.

Finally, the children created cards and bracelets for their friends.

The kids also created beautiful snails with clay and deers with wood and chestnuts.

PRATICAL LIFE

During this term, we focused on skills related to self-care, such as dressing , brushing teeth and toileting.

And care of the environment such as cleaning and composting – as part as of the school’s Eco project .

And social skills such as cutting apples for snack and cooking and co-operating with others.

These activities help children develop their independence, coordination and fine motor skills. Along with concentration and a sense of responsibility. In repeating the same gestures children reinforce their self-confidence and acquire the necessary maturity related to their age and growth.

SENSORIAL

Sensorial life refers to our ability to experience and interpret sensory stimuli from the world around us. We focused on using our senses. These senses include sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Our brain processes this sensory information and enables us to perceive, understand and respond to our environment. Sensorial life is crucial for our survival and helps us communicate, learn and connect with others. It is constantly evolving as we interact with the world, and can be enhanced or impaired by various factors such as genetics, environment and experience.

This was provided through a number of our activities related to the theme All About Me such as feeling the different parts of our bodies, walking on chestnuts, tasting and smelling many different flavours and looking and listening to birds.

FINE MOTRICITY

In order to develop and work on children’s motor skills, we have, among other things, made a lot of use of scissors and carried out various cutting sessions.

LITERACY/PHONICS AND WRITING

This term we have developed our knowledege and understanding of phonics.

We have explored a range of new letters and sounds through actions, songs, story telling and games.

Jolly Phonics phase 1 introduces the sounds s, a, t, i, p and n. We have learned these sounds whilst using different objects in the classroom and in the forest to represent these different sounds.

Through the introduction pf these sounds, children begin to use their knowledge of letter sounds to blend and segment words and listen more carrefuly in sounds that compose the words.

The children also began to write their names, the date and the sounds learned in class, using the sand to trace the letters in, the playdoh, the chalk, and even natural resources from the forest.

NUMERACY

Numbers and counting

Bigger than/Smaller than….

Shapes

Writing numbers

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

As the weather was so warm, we had the chance to spend a lot of time outside playing with water. This gave us an opportunity to expand our learning about different matter, especially liquid matter. We were able to compare liquid matter to solid matter and we also experimented by pouring water!

FOREST ACTIVITIES

Since the beginning of this term, the children have explored the forest and have become more comfortable and creative when playing with all of the forest materials at their disposal.

They also have gained more confidence when it comes to climbing and balancing on trees and tree trunks.

BALANCING

CLIMBING/ BALANCING

CYCLING

JUMPING INTO PUDDLES

LOOKING FOR INSECTS

COLLECTING MATERIALS FROM THE FOREST FOR ART ACTIVITIES

MUSIC

During this term, we practiced singing and playing instruments.

JUMPING OVER THE ELASTIC

SWIMMING

The children enjoyed their swimming lessons very much. They played different games with the teacher, used the water slide and it was evident that they had a lot of fun in the water in general. The teacher challenged them with new exercises and they showed a lot of progress over the last few weeks. The students were confidently jumping into the water and swimming on their backs without floating devices.

SPECIAL DAYS

Painters

During this term we learned every Wednesday about the painters Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. We learned about the lives of these painters as well as their works. The children used different processes to reproduce the works of the painters. And the notion of Impressionism was introduced.

Claude Monet and trip to the Museum de la Grenouillère in Croissy sur Seine

Vincent Van Gogh

Pablo Picasso

Park

During this first term, we organised an outing to the nearby park.

After a short walk, the children were delighted to discover the small watercourse that runs along the park. Then they were able to enjoy playing in the park.

What a beautiful morning 🙂

SCHOOL’S WATER PROJECT

The school’s water project brings the whole school together. For example, we talked about the water cycle, reviewed the differences between liquid and solid, and discussed the water treatment process.

We created sensory water bottles, studied the path of water through pipes, made bubbles thanks to straws and shared fabulous experiences with the other classes.

I hope you enjoy this page describing your children’s activities throughout this first term, which we had the pleasure of sharing together.

Have a nice holiday!

Dina

French with Marie

Durant cette première période de l’année, nous avons principalement lu 6 albums de jeunesse (en lien avec la rentrée des classes, les couleurs, l’automne…) :

A chaque début de semaine, vos enfants ont appris et chanté une nouvelle chanson (8 semaines = 8 chansons) :

C’est la rentrée, Un jour dans sa cabane, Colchiques dans les prés, Si tu as d’la joie au coeur, Ani couni chaouani, Jean petit qui danse, Pomme de reinette et pomme d’api, La maison citrouille

Les objectifs de cette période ont été de :

– se familiariser avec la langue française

– construire des phrases simples mais correctes

– oser s’exprimer en petit groupe

– tracer le bonhomme de chaque mois

– reconnaître et nommer les couleurs (rouge, bleu, jaune, vert, noir, blanc, orange, rose…)

– apprendre la lettre A et la lettre I

– reconnaître son prénom (et savoir l’écrire pour certains enfants)

– apprendre les nombres 1 et 2 (savoir dénombrer une collection)

– reconnaître de petits mots

– réaliser des activités de graphisme

– comprendre les albums lus en classe

– participer à des projets artistiques

– sortir en forêt

– semaine du goût

La chanson “Dans sa maison un grand cerf” et du “Petit escargot”

French Topic with Marie

The theme for this period is “Houses Around the World.” We explored and studied the various styles of houses across the planet, as well as the materials used in their construction. The children learned the difference between a house and a building, and they also learned the vocabulary associated with a house, including its rooms and the objects or furniture that make up a home. We’ve read these books:

They played the bingo themed house

They learned two songs: “Ma maisonnette” and “Ma maison monde” d’Aldebert.

Finally, they constructed an African hut and a house.

20/10/202320/10/2023

Elm Class Blog, Term 1, 2023-2024

English

Elm class are reading the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Treasure Island, a novel full of outlandish characters, excitement and adventure. The class are becoming accustomed to the more complex language of the 19^th century novel, not to mention the vocabulary and peculiarities of speech of some pretty rough pirates. Alongside this renowned example of an adventure novel, the class are studying other examples of the genre and have written their own adventure stories.

The class also tried their hand at Black Out Poetry, taking the poem ‘Sea Fever’ by John Masefield and removing all but a few carefully chosen words to create their own poems.

History

History this term has focused on the circumstances leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, culminating with The Battle of Hastings, the defeat of Harold II and the victory of the Duke of Normandy, otherwise known as William the Conqueror. The class first learnt about Anglo-Saxon England before the arrival of the Normans and the reign of Edward the Confessor, who died without a direct heir. Elm learnt that there were several claimants to the English throne and examined their eligibility and suitability. They assessed the tumultuous events of 1066 and, in an essay, put forward their arguments for why William was the victor at the Battle of Hastings.

Geography

Geography this term focused on floods, the causes, consequences and potential solutions. The class learnt about the geographical factors that can lead to flooding as well as the impact that human activity and developments can have on the ground’s ability to absorb water. The class chose to focus on Bangladesh as a case study of the devastating effects of flooding; they learned that this riverine country is one of the most flood prone countries on the planet and that it faces further challenges as a result of climate change.

Mathematics

In Algebra: Expressions /Formulae/Algebraic Fractions/ Equations

Elm worked on simplifying algebraic expressions, used simple formulae and wrote formulae from the problem to identify how it could be applied in real life. We worked on solving problems while substituting specific values into expressions and formulae and then probed further into algebra while finding solutions for the equations. Students also investigated how to expand brackets and factorise expressions. Elm then used their newly gained knowledge and calculated area and perimeter of 2D shapes where sides and angles were expressed algebraically.

In Number:

Elm class students identified Positive and Negative numbers and then followed the BODMAS rule to find the order of operation. We worked on finding and remembering Prime and Square Numbers and then used them while solving various problems with powers and roots.

Science

Elm investigated and described different types of forces and now understand their effects on moving objects. Elm discovered how to construct their own newton meter and how to create a correct scale. Elm solved science questions with balanced and unbalanced forces and calculated the resultant force acting on the object.
Elms dived into 3 Laws of Motion and just like Isaac Newton asked scientific questions related to inertia, 2^nd and 3^rd law of motion. Elms worked on calculating the speed and acceleration of different objects and then practised converting harder formulae.

Elms stretched themselves further while studying the Hooke’s Law and didn’t waste a moment while calculating the ”moment of a force”.

Elm also solved density and pressure problems and found a practical use of a Hydraulic press in everyday life. Linked to our Design and Technology projects we worked on our own version of a Hydraulic press and improved our first version of an Eco-log press. We can now crush our cans and make our own fire logs out of recycled paper and saw dust.

French with Marie

Durant cette période, les élèves ont étudié plusieurs notions:

en vocabulaire: utilisation du dictionnaire.

en mémorisation: apprentissage de 2 poésies “La rentrée” et “Automne”

en littérature: 1 roman a été lu et étudié:

Les Trois Mousquetaires d’Alexandre Dumas

French with Joanna

We have had a very busy start to the year in French class. The students are delighted to learn about the adventures of the characters Madame Bouba, Félix, Lila, Pirouette & Tilou in the third and final series of this méthode de français ‘Zig Zag+ 3’ specifically geared towards teaching French in a fun and educational way to French as a Foreign Language students. In this final series Félix (the reporter) takes the students on adventures in France and other countries. We have been working on our grammar and conjugation skills by revising verbs and learning new ones (through weekly spelling tests & worksheets) and we are developing memory & pronunciation skills by learning and reciting poetry about l’automne.

French Topic with Joanna

The first topic of this school year is ‘renewal’ therefore in our French topic we have been learning all about the incredibly interesting ‘période de la Renaissance’ in Europe through famous names such as Léonard de Vinci, Michel-Ange, Gutenberg, Christophe Colomb, Copernic, Henri IV, François 1er.

What better way to understand this fascinating period than to prepare a ‘frise chronologique’ (historical timeline) of the important dates of this period. The students learnt about the important link between Leonardo da Vinci and France (where he was invited to work by the King François 1er & where he lived and died in the Château du Clos Lucé, Amboise). They listened to the beginning of a gripping podcast series on the famous art heist of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting ‘The Madonna of the Yarnwinder’ in 2003 , stolen from Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland.

We ended the term learning all about the incredible région du Val de Loire and its world famous Renaissance Châteaux (Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise, Villandry, Blois and Fontainebleau).

ART and D&T Project- Felting

The process of felting is very hands-on! The children had to tease the merino wool, layer it, apply hot water and soap and manipulate it together with their hands and feet as well as rolling pins.

Inspired by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet, Maple, Birch, Walnut, Oak and Elm classes collaborated as one to recreate the Japanese bridge in Monet’s garden in Giverny. The techniques of felting mastered, we dived into the artistic world of Vincent van Gogh and Picasso and recreated their famous masterpieces.

Art and Artists

Elm researched the lives of Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso and observed how their paintings changed as they developed their own individual styles.

Topic – ”Water”

Studying the history of sanitation systems in London and Paris, the class learnt that there were regular outbreaks of cholera in both cities in the 19th century, as a result of squalid living conditions. The class learnt about Dr John Snow, who pioneered the theory that the disease was carried by contaminated water rather than vapours in the air. Dr Snow plotted the addresses of victims on a map and it became clear that they were concentrated around a particular water pump. The class replicated his simple but effective research on a grid map.

Machine de Marly

Students learnt how King Louis XIV needed a large water supply for his fountains at Versailles and how he solved this problem.

Machine of Marly, a large hydraulic system in Yvelines , built in 1684 to pump water from the river Seine and deliver it to the Palace of Versailles.

Hydraulic press

Linked to our science topic on forces, we discovered how forces are multiplied in the hydraulic press. (Hydraulic press, rebuilt by Elm Class.)

Learning about water pumps and hydraulic press. On our Eco quest, now ready to crush empty Coca-Cola cans. Would you like to borrow it?

Trip to the Musée de la Grenouillère

Coding and Programming Workshop

The Elm class polished their creative and artistic skills through Microsoft Design. They edited a Monet image and created their own versions of Kandinsky’s art, inspired by Monet. This artistic task allowed them to showcase their imaginative talents and express themselves through digital art.

Next, the class dug into the world of robotics. They followed meticulous building instructions to construct a simple project with the Lego EV3 robot. Attention to detail, teamwork, communication and collaboration were essential elements for their success. The students demonstrated great dedication and completed the task with flying colors, creating robots that moved effortlessly.

In the subsequent phase, the learners started to write programs to control their robots. While encountering some obstacles along the way, they approached these challenges with a growth mindset, understanding that such hurdles are a normal part of working with technology.

ICT

This term, Elm class embarked on an interesting journey to understand the evolution of networks and their profound impact on society. The students realised that we have grown increasingly reliant on the services networks provide, transforming the way we learn, work, play, and communicate.

They began by defining what a network is and explored the numerous benefits of networking. They also explored the world of data transmission across networks using various protocols. Additionally, they revisited the types of hardware required for network communication.

Students reflected on their learning when they used the Canva app to create a mind map. These visual aids helped them to organize information, define key concepts and make important connections. These themes allowed them to gain a deeper understanding of the everyday tool we all use—the Internet—and how it continues to shape our lives.

SPANISH

This term, our Elm class continued their exciting journey of learning Spanish.

They have dug into questions, both aurally and in written form, regarding their personal information, such as their age, name and last name, among others. They have mastered the recognition and writing of number words from 1 to 31, and they can now create phrases using the verb “llamar” while sharing their personal preferences. Additionally, they have explored the months and seasons of the year, broadening their language skills.

An engaging project saw our students creating posters that showcase their personal information. This activity not only allowed them to express themselves but also helped in the development of their language skills, including reading, writing and listening to their classmates’ stories.

3D Design and Technology

Students began with a starter project that allowed them to showcase their capabilities and interests. They then embarked on the exciting task of designing a hydraulic press. From sketching the concept to creating a working model, they demonstrated their developing skills. To enrich their understanding, they researched historical examples and thoughtfully considered materials and potential applications for their machines.

As the term drew to a close, the students initiated an exciting project centered around a greenhouse design. This venture required them to make decisions regarding material selection, structural design, ventilation, heating, cooling, shading, layout, plant arrangement, automation, environmental impact, safety, research, and documentation. In the upcoming term, our learners will continue their greenhouse project and explore ways to elevate their designs even further.

01/07/202301/07/2023

Chestnut Class Term 5 – 2023

Congratulations graduates!

Our topic this term was ‘Green fingers’. We spent a lot of time in the forest exploring plants and insects and we discussed their importance for the planet. We also observed how our plants continued to grow and give us fruits and flowers. We also replanted our zucchini into the school garden and watered them as needed. As part of the school’s chicken project we welcomed some fertilised eggs and watched a couple of them hatch. We observed as one of the chickens grew and changed.

As the school year came to a conclusion we also used a lot of our time preparing for our Summer Fête by preparing or show and also making our artistic creations to contribute to the Art auction.

This term we spent lots of time outside enjoying the warm weather; some of our outdoor activities included swimming, playing in water, playing games in the forest, visiting different parts of our neighbourhood, and finally enjoying Sports Day.

Replanting zuccini

We started this project by planting zucchini seeds during term 4. We nurtured and cared for our growing plants until they outgrew their pots and needed to be transferred to our community garden. We had wonderful activity in which we worked together to help our plants make that transition; we were mindful of being gentle with the roots, we discussed why we needed to make this change, and we made predictions as to how the plants would change and wether they would give us a zucchinis.

Preparing for the art auction

We worked really well together to put together our beautiful art pieces. We made a big Eco friendly canvas, a sparkly clock and our individual art pieces inspired by our favourite day of the year visiting the zoo.

For our main group piece we decided to use an old canvas that has been previously painted but was no longer being used. We used paper scraps that were leftover from other projects and leaves from the forest. During Terms 1 and 2 we learned about Van Gogh and this was our version of an impressionist style landscape. We worked together on this piece over the course of three sessions inside the classroom and in the forest.

For our clock project we decided to use a mixture of messy paint; we experimented with mixing different colours and finding new shades. Over the paint we used lots of glue and a mixture of beautiful sparkles. We hope whoever took this shiny piece home is reminded of how precious time is and to make each moment sparkle!

One of our favourite topics this year was learning about animals. A major highlight was going to the zoo together and getting to see our favourite animals up close. The best part of the day at the zoo was getting to see the lionesses come right up to us and jumping on the glass roof above us!
For our individual art pieces, each one of the students chose an animal, they painted their canvas and coloured their animal with crayons and pencil crayons.

Summer Fête presentation

We worked together with the Maple class to put together a fun show for our end-of-the-year presentation. Our French teacher, Marie, helped us a lot with her musical expertise and lovely guitar sound. The Chestnuts are still a little shy when singing in front of a lot of people so we decided to have our main song to be “5 little monkeys swinging in tree,” This musical game has been a favourite throughout the year and we knew it would be fun as it’s interactive and funny. The Maple class students helped us to get organized and confident for the big show.

Chicken project

This term we spent some time talking about chicken and engaging in activities inspired by chickens. We welcomed a few fertilised eggs and for twenty five days the eggs stayed in an incubator that we could visit daily. We visited them and discussed what was happening inside them. One of the eggs hatched and a cute little chicken demonstrated how chicks eat, what kind of noises they make, what they look like, how their feathers changed, etc. It was really lovely to have a school pet for a few days before it had to relocate to a place where we can still go visit.

We complemented our theory learning by creating chicken and egg inspired a 3D project. We made a nest using a bowl, paper, and a flour and water paste; once our nest hardened we painted with our colours of choice. We also created big eggs using balloons, lots of paper and glue, and we decorated them with paint and paper mache. Finally we used the big egg as the body of a chicken by making a chicken head and adding it on top.

Special adventures

We had a very special opportunity to walk thought the orchards with a beautiful white horse. We also got to visit his home and we took turn to pet it.

We also took a long walk to a different part of the forest where we found a big natural jungle gym; lots of old hollow trunks and trees served as a great play area where we could engage in dramatic play as well as climbing, balancing, and crawling.

Sports day

We had a lovely day competing with the Maples in our teams. We had a spoon and egg race, a bowling competition, high jump, a jumping race, and a parent-child tie breaker.

THANK YOU!

What a wonderful journey we have had together this year! It has been an incredible privilege and joy being the Chestnut class teacher, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of you. You have all welcomed me into your child’s life with open arms, which really means the world. The trust you placed in me as your child’s teacher is a responsibility I have held close to my heart every single day. Your support, understanding, and cooperation have made our classroom a nurturing and loving environment where your children have thrived and blossomed. I am so incredibly proud of what we have all accomplished together this year. Thank you!

Swimming gallery

Water play gallery

Fun in the forest

Fun in the classroom

Father’s Day Presents

Mother’s day Presents