The children explored what life was like during the early days of the Benin Kingdom. They explored what it would be like to trade items with other members of the community. After realising that trading in small communities would be difficult, the children began to trade with other groups in the class. They understood that this was how small villages grew into large settlements like the Benin Kingdom did.
Our KS2 School Council attended the Armistice Day service in Monkton Village this morning. We laid a wreath and a cross at the war memorial. Mrs Redfern and Miss Gibson were so proud of the respect that they showed throughout.
A fabulous first week back! We have been looking at China in our Learning Means The World theme ‘Come fly with me Asia’. We have been looking at Chinese artefacts, writing our names in Chinese and we even made a Chinese restaurant in our home corner! We also talked about Remembrance Sunday and made poppies, our tree is looking amazing!
In our theme of ‘Zero To Hero’ we have been looking at Thomas Eddison who created the lightbulb and how we use this invention daily. We then looked at how we can make lightbulbs and other equipment work using electricity with mains power and battery power. We looked at different batteries and thought about what toys we had at home that needed batteries to work.
The children in 2 Blue have had a great start to the year. We have made messages with counters and flags and looked at various ways of communicating. We have worked on working out the tens and ones in any given number and what it looks like. We have settled in to our new routines and even though there is a little bit more to do, we know we are going to smash Year 2!
In LMTW, we created our own weapons to act out The Battle of Stamford Bridge.
We visited Bede’s World last Friday and had an awesome time! In the morning, we learnt all about crime and punishment and reacted a battle between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. First, we took part in an Anglo-Saxon village moot – acting out real cases! This helped us to understand the Anglo-Saxon justice system and identify several types of punishment. Then we examined and practised using Anglo-Saxon weaponry and armour. After that, we re-enacted an Anglo-Saxon battle. In the afternoon, we explored a working Anglo-Saxon style farm. We then discussed the different uses of animals and animal products in farming, food, textiles and culture. To finish off the day, we experienced the importance of storytelling in Anglo-Saxon life.
WOW! What an incredible day we have had.
Unfortunately, we arrived too early so we just HADÂ to keep ourselves entertained in the park whilst we waited!
Then the fun really began, from start to finish we were learning every step of the way. First we learned all about Saxon life by looking around the Saxon farm. The animals were excellent, the geese and goats were our favorite because they were so cheeky!
Then, we went to the village and we saw how Saxons built their houses, sheds and even their craft rooms! Whilst we were there, we experienced life as a Saxon and we heard the story of Beowulf as we sat around the fire.
After lunch, it was time to get down to the important business of law and order in Saxon times. We acted out court scenes and learned about what punishments were given for what crimes.
Finally, the time had come where no court could settle this dispute and we had to go into battle. We reenacted The Battle of Brunanburh and the Saxons were victorious!
This week we have been learning about life in a hospital during Elizabeth Blackwell times. We found out that it was very dirty, had uncomfortable beds, not enough care givers and unsafe operations. We recreated a hospital ward in our class and the children took turns being the patient and the doctors. It was very noisy and most of our patients died because we had no clean equipment. We even had protesters telling us that women were not allowed to be doctors!
We have had a very busy week in Reception. We have been learning about the Easter Story and the build up to Easter. The importance of Easter for Christians and what symbols represent Easter.  We have been making chicks, eggs, baskets, chocolate nest, retelling the story of Easter and so much more! Ask us to tell you about Easter and when you are supposed to have Easter eggs!
