Classes
Coots Computing
Last week in our Computing lesson we used the BeeBot. We had already used the virtual beebot in our computing lessons, so the children enjoyed applying what they know about the virtual beebot to the actual Beebot. The children had time to ‘tinker’ with it and explore the different buttons before they set themselves a challenge to make a trail using building blocks for the Beebot to follow.
Coots History
This term in Coots we have been learning about toys from the past and comparing them with modern toys. Last week, we had the opportunity to play with two pinball games. One is about a hundred years old, the other is about 40 years old. We compared what they are both made from and how they work. We spotted that the newer one is electronic with lights and sound and is made from plastic. The older one is made from wood with metal pins. We had great fun using both of them and tried to get a high score.
Gogo Giraffe
An exciting week for the Bitterns, as we got to sand and prime our Gogo giraffe and work in collaboration with our artist, Josie Smyth.
Block Coding
The Bitterns used Scratch to design a musical instrument and program code to run ‘on tap’. They selected appropriate blocks for their purpose and were incredibly creative!
Coots History
In our history, Coots have been learning about old toys. This week we had a play on toy old pinball games. A much older wooden one and an electronic one from the 80’s. The children had great fun playing these games and spotting the similarities and differences between the two toys.
Anglo-Saxon Building
In History Grebes have been pondering the question “How hard was it to invade and settle in Britain?” Focusing mainly on invasions by Anglo-Saxons, we attempted to build using the Anglo-Saxon wattle and daub technique. These miniature walls are made from frames of pipe cleaners or paper straws (the wattle) with a mixture of clay, straw and water (the daub). All children agreed that this building technique has many challenges, but makes for surprisingly strong construction. It would have been more authentic but very smelly if we had used manure instead of clay!
This week at Fledglings…
This week we are celebrating Chinese New Year! The children have listened to stories all about the traditional celebrations, made dragon masks and used them for our dragon dances, using musical instruments too. We have also been trying noodles and prawn crackers!
