Homework due Friday, 15th December

Homework due Friday, 15^th December

We have had a lot of fun this week discussing the heroes/heroines and beasts you might find in a legend. For your homework, I'd like you to write four sentences to describe your hero or heroine and four sentences to describe your beast.

Have a look at this example:

The ferocious dragon roared menacingly. (adjective- noun- verb-adverb)

You might like to practise using this sentence structure. Have a look at the word bank for ideas and the pictures for inspiration. I'm looking forward to reading your descriptions!

Homework due Friday, 8th December

Your homework this week is to use the story map to write the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. You don’t need to write it word for word- use what you remember from the story. Can you include description of the hero, villain and setting? Can you include some adverbials to describe when, where or how something happened? Eg, ‘Early one morning’, ‘At the top of the hill..’ ‘Maliciously,…’. 

Blogging homework due Friday, 1st December

Our next topic in Literacy is 'Myths and Legends.' Your homework is to read the myth below and answer the questions in full sentences.

A Greek Myth – Apollo and the Chimera

Long ago in Ancient Greece there was a strong and muscular soldier called Apollo. Apollo had a wonderful wife called Athena, who had been kidnapped by an ancient king called Minos. Apollo was devastated and vowed to rescue Athena. He knew that the king would have taken her to his palace in Crete but a monster called the Chimera guarded this palace.

The Chimera was a ferocious monster with the head of a lion, the body of a goat and a long serpent as a tail.  Many heroic people had travelled to his cave and tried to beat the Chimera, but had been burnt to death by his fiery flame breath. Although Apollo was a brave man, he did not know how to kill this menacing monster. His father told him to go to Mount Olympus and ask the great God Zeus for advice. 

Apollo set off immediately and soon reached the great mountain, where the twelve gods lived. Apollo called for Zeus and begged for his advice. Zeus appeared before him and explained that although the Chimera was fierce and strong, his heart was full of poisoned blood. If Apollo could pierce his heart, the blood would leak into his body and the monster would die an agonising death. Zeus then gave Apollo a shield to keep the Chimera’s flames away, a sharp sword to pierce the evil heart and a pair of shoes. These shoes were shoes of swiftness that made the wearer as fast as the speed of light. Apollo thanked Zeus and set off on the long journey to Crete.

Apollo walked on dry roads, climbed mountains and sailed the great sea until at last he reached the palace of King Minos.  He entered the cave that was home to the monster and could hear his blood-chilling roar. Apollo crept through the tunnels and edged closer to the monster’s lair. When he was close enough to hear the serpents hissing, he put on the shoes of swiftness and got his sword and shield ready. With a deep breath he ran towards the Chimera with his sword in the air.

The Chimera roared and flames surrounded Apollo. He held up his shield and ran in every direction trying to confuse the monster. The serpent hissed, the lion’s head roared and the flames soared into the air. He kept darting around and soon the Chimera was dizzy. Apollo ran forward and plunged his sword into the monster’s heart. The Chimera let out a furious roar and fell to the floor. Finally, the monster was dead!

          Apollo ran past the body and found his way to the tower where Athena was being held. He knocked down the door and saw her chained up. Quickly, he cut the chains and with the help of the shoes of swiftness, Apollo whisked Athena off to his kingdom and there they lived together happily for the rest of their lives.

Apollo and the Chimera

Read the given text carefully, then answer the questions in full sentences.

1.      What was Apollo’s main job before he found the Chimera?

2.     a) What verb helps us to understand how Apollo must have felt when he found out that Athena was gone?

2.     b) Can you think of another word meaning the same thing?

3.     Describe the way the Chimera killed the heroic men who travelled to kill it.

4.     Three gifts were given to Apollo by Zeus. What were they and how would they help him?

5. Zeus told Apollo how to kill the Chimera. Identify the part of the sentence that told him how to kill it.

6.     In what way did Apollo confuse the Chimera as he fought it?

7.     Describe how the Chimera died.

8.     Pretend you were Athena in the tower. Describe what you heard and how you felt.

Homework due Friday 17th November 2017

This week your homework is to produce a 'WANTED' poster for the dragon you created in Literacy today. It must include: its name, a brief description, information about where it lives, what it eats, a detailed description of what it looks like and a warning! Have a look at the example below as a guide. You can do your poster on the paper we provide you with, on your own paper or on a Word or Powerpoint document.

I can't wait to see what you produce! :-)

Homework due Friday, 10th November

Over the next few weeks we week we will be writing a report about a dinosaur.

Your task this week is to find out information about a dinosaur of your choice. You must gather information that you can include in your report, such as:

• where they lived
• when they lived
• what they ate
• what they looked like
• any interesting or unusual facts

You may find these websites useful. Please ask for a parent's permission before using the internet.
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/kids-only/dinosaurs/

http://www.kids-dinosaurs.com/

http://www.kidsdinos.com/

Homework due Thursday, 2nd November

After half term, homework tasks and spelling sheets will be given out on Thursdays and will be expected in on the following Thursday. Spelling and times tables tests will take place on Thursdays after half term.

Homework due Thursday, 2nd November 2017

What is your favourite poem? Mine is 'The Magic Box' by Kit Wright.

The Magic Box
I will put in the box
the swish of a silk sari on a summer night,
fire from the nostrils of a Chinese dragon,
the tip of a tongue touching a tooth.
I will put in the box
a snowman with a rumbling belly
a sip of the bluest water from Lake Lucerene,
a leaping spark from an electric fish.
I will put into the box
three violet wishes spoken in Gujarati,
the last joke of an ancient uncle,
and the first smile of a baby.
I will put into the box
a fifth season and a black sun,
a cowboy on a broomstick
and a witch on a white horse.
My box is fashioned from ice and gold and steel,
with stars on the lid and secrets in the corners.
Its hinges are the toe joints of dinosaurs.

I shall surf in my box
on the great high-rolling breakers of the wild Atlantic,
then wash ashore on a yellow beach

the colour of the sun.                             

   by Kit Wright

I love it because Kit Wright has described some truly wonderful things. Some of them only exist in the imagination and could never really be put in a box. He has used wonderful vocabulary to describe these images and you can really imagine what they would look, sound or feel like. I also love the way the poem sounds when you read it aloud. Especially the first line, 'the swish of a silk sari on a summer night.' The alliteration (repetition of the 's' sound) really helps it to slip off the tongue.

You may choose one of the following tasks:

1) Can you continue the poem? What would you put into the magic box? Write three verses that describe what you would put into the box.

2) What is your favourite poem? Choose your favourite poem and write it up neatly on paper. You may decorate it if you like. Can you also explain why you like it? Which are your favourite words, images or sentences?

Literacy homework due Friday, 20th October 2017

Literacy Homework due Friday 20^th October 2017

Have a look at this boring list poem.
In the blue dream jar you might find:

a parrot,
a butterfly,
the sea,
the sky,
a precious stone,
a gift.




How can you improve it? Maybe you could add some exciting adjectives (gargantuan, ferocious) or some powerful verbs (pounced, erupted). You could include some alliteration (the menacing monster was munching his meaty meal) or a simile (its skin was a cold as ice, it crawled like a snail).

Write your own, improved version of the poem. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Literacy homework due Thursday, 12th October

Literacy homework due Thursday 12th October

For homework this week, I would like you to post six super sentences containing suspense. 

When writing your sentences, remember to include the following techniques used in class:

• Short sentences to build up tension
• Ellipsis (…) to create the ‘what happens next?’ moment
• SHOW how the character felt (His heart pounded, sweat poured from his face.)
• Similes
• Dramatic sentence starters  (At that moment.....)
• Use the senses to describe, particularly SOUNDS!

You may use the following short openers as a starting point:

1. Dougal spotted
2. Dougal was sleeping
3. In the distance…
4. Dougal turned around…
5. Dougal opened the door
6. Cautiously, Dougal crept inside

Alternatively, you may wish to create suspense sentences about a completely different adventure!  I'm already looking forward to reading your work.

Blogging homework due Friday, 6th October

Literacy homework due: Friday 6th October 2017

A or an ?

This week in Literacy we have looked at when to use a or an.

Can you remember the rule for when to use which one?

Below are a list of sentences. It is your job to type or write these sentences out in full and complete them by either using a or an.

1. I am going to ___ park today.

2. We saw ___ elephant at the zoo today.

3. George has ___ TV in his room.

4. Yesterday, it was raining so I took ___ umbrella out with me.

5. Who wants to go for ___ run?

6. It was ___ cold and miserable night.

7. ___ announcement was made reminding us to be respectful to others.

8. Honesty is ___ school value of ours.

9. It is ___ community project.

10. The play was ___ absolute disaster.

Blogging homework due Friday, 29th September

Stories of mystery and suspense!

Have a look at the settings above and imagine you are there. Write the introduction to a mystery story, using between 50 and 100 words. Think about describing the SENSES in your opening. What could you see, hear, smell? What did you touch and how did you feel? 

Click the comments button under here to add your comment. Remember that it will say 'sent for moderation' and will disappear but once your teacher has published it then it will be posted. When posting put your first name only at the top of your work!

Blogging homework due Friday, 22nd September

In a couple of weeks we will be writing a letter to the Palace of Westminster, which is where Big Ben lives! Therefore, your task this week is to do some research into the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben and complete the three tasks A, B and C below:

 A. Find out the answers to the following questions. Please write your answers in full sentences.

1) Who built the clock tower and when was it built?

2) How tall is the clock tower?

3) What is 'Big Ben' and what is it used for?

B.   What other amazing facts can you find out about Big Ben, the clock tower and the Palace of Westminster?   Find at least three facts.

C.  What would you like to know about Big Ben? Write three interesting questions that you could include in your letter.

I can't wait to see what you find out!

Blogging homework due Friday, 7th July

Explanation Texts

This week we have been learning about explanation texts. Your homework this week is to write a 2-3 paragraph letter to your teacher explaining why you have NOT done your homework. 

Can you include some CAUSAL CONJUNCTIONS (because.....due to the fact that....owing to the fact that......since....as a result....so......subsequently.....consequently.....therefore.....this meant that.....this led to.....) to help to link your ideas.

I am looking forward to reading your excuses and explanations!

Blogging homework due Friday, 30th June

What can you find out about the Romans?

Next week, in Literacy and History, we will be learning about the Romans. Your homework this week is to research the Romans in order to answer the following questions:

1) What were Roman roads like? Why did they build them? Can you find any examples of Roman roads that still exist today?

2) How did the Romans stay healthy? What can you find out about Roman gymnasiums and baths? What is an aqueduct and how was it useful?

3) How did the Romans organise their army?

4) What were Roman forts used for? Can you find any examples of Roman forts that still exist today? What and where is Hadrian's Wall?

I hope you have fun finding out about the Romans!

Blogging homework due Friday, 23rd June

Discussion Texts

We have been learning all about discussion texts and balanced arguments. For your homework this week, I'd like you to write a discussion of the following question: Do dogs make better pets than cats?

Remember to:

-Write an introduction that explains what you are discussing.

-Write arguments FOR and AGAINST, backed up with good reasons.

-Include a conclusion that sums up and explains your decision.

-Include conjunctions to add information to your argument (Furthermore, In addition, Indeed, Moreover).

-Include conjunctions to introduce a different side of the argument (However, On the other hand, In contrast).

-Include generalisers (some people, many pet owners).

-Include interesting words to introduce opinions (think, claim, suggest, believe).

I'm looking forward to reading your discussions!

Half term homework, due Friday, 16th June

SCIENCE COMPETITION

The first week back after half term is Science Week! As usual, there will be a science investigation competition. Your homework is to plan, carry out and write up your investigation. The competition will be held on Friday,16th June, so you have plenty of time. Please could you investigate a scientific problem or a science question that interests you. Ideally, you will carry out an experiment, survey or test, rather than researching the answer to a question in books or on the internet. You can present your work on up to A1 (84cm x 59cm) paper and can bring in objects or photographs to show the results of their experiments. The work will be displayed in classrooms on Friday 16^th June, with classes opening at 3.15pm for parents and carers to come and see your work. 

Don't forget our 'scientist for a day' dress up on Wednesday, 7th June. You can come to school dressed as a famous scientist. Be prepared to tell the class who you are and what your biggest achievements were.

Have a lovely, relaxing half term break.

Homework due Friday, 26th May

Homework due Friday 26^th May 2017

Your homework this week is to write a diary entry for the day you went on your school trip.

You need to include:

·         The events in chronological (time) order

·         Time conjunctions (Before, when, while, as)

·         Details about the day and the activities

·         First person (I, me, my)

·         Adverbs (sensibly, amazingly)

·         Different sentence starters

·         Opinions, thoughts and feelings (What was the best part? What was interesting? What could be improved?)

Here is an example of a diary entry to show you the writing style:

Friday 30th November 2012

Dear Diary,

                          I had the best day EVER today. I woke up this morning, the sun was shining through the curtains and I could smell breakfast cooking downstairs.  I jumped out of my bed, threw on my school clothes and skipped down to the kitchen.

                A delicious breakfast of pancakes with syrup was waiting for me on the table and I greedily gobbled it down as quick as a flash. I grabbed my school bag, shouted, “Bye!” to my mum and dashed out of the door to school.

                When I arrived at school, my teacher handed my homework back to me and a huge grin spread across her face. Guess what? I got 20 out of 20! I couldn’t believe it! We had my best lessons in the morning (Literacy and Geography).

                Before I knew it, it was lunchtime. The menu today was my favourite: spaghetti bolognese followed by chocolate pudding – yum! The afternoon flew by, and we ended the school day with a really fun game of dodgeball, and we all cheered our teams on (of course).

After school, I came home and was met with the most amazing surprise; my mum told me that we were going out to the cinema and to Pizza Hut for dinner. We had a fantastic time!

I’m sitting on my bed writing this, remembering all the fun things that happened today. I hope tomorrow is just as good!

Ben

Homework due Friday, 19th May 2017

This week we have been looking at biographies and autobiographies. Your homework is to find out as much as you can about the life of someone you admire. It could be a family member or somebody famous that you have heard about. Please make notes about their life on paper and bring it in to school on or before next Friday. Try to sort their life into sections.

For example,

1)Date and place of birth/early years/ family life
2) Life at school
3) Early adulthood and first job.
4) Marriage? Children?
4) Later jobs
5) Life now or date and details of death

Remember to include any important and interesting events and achievements.

I'm looking forward to seeing who you have chosen to research and what you have found out.

Have a look at the biography of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England during the Tudor period, for an idea of things to include.

Queen Elizabeth I: Good Queen Bess?

Most people are amazed to know that Elizabeth I ruled England for forty four years during the turbulent Tudor period. This highly intelligent, shrewd and strong-minded woman reigned successfully during this time. However, some people wonder if she really deserves the nickname, Good Queen Bess.

Childhood Years
Princess Elizabeth was born on September 7, 1533 and was daughter to the notorious Henry VIII and the infamous Anne Boleyn. When Elizabeth was just three years old, her father cruelly demanded that Anne Boleyn was beheaded. Later, when Elizabeth was just thirteen years old, her father tragically died, leaving the throne to his son, Edward.

Young Adult Life
After Edward died at the heartbreakingly young age of thirteen, Elizabeth's half-sister Mary became Queen. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, Mary sent her to the Tower of London as a prisoner, for being Protestant.  Elizabeth was still a prisoner when Mary died. Shockingly, in just a few moments, she went from being prisoner to becoming Queen of England!

Elizabeth as Queen
Throughout Elizabeth's reign, many people tried to have her assassinated, including Mary Queen of Scots. Finally, Elizabeth had her captured and put to death. In order to know who was plotting against her, Elizabeth set up a spy network throughout England, keeping her position on the throne safe.

Interestingly, in 1562 she became sick with smallpox. Unlike many people who died from the disease, she managed to survive! As a result of the smallpox scars, Elizabeth started wearing thick, white make up in order to conceal them.

Death
Eventually, Queen Elizabeth died on March 24, 1603. After she died, her men removed a locket ring from her hand; inside was a miniature portrait of herself and her beloved mother.

Legacy

Impressively, Elizabeth managed to keep the throne despite attempts to remove her from it. Although there were plots against England, Elizabeth kept the country safe and prosperous throughout her reign. Above all, she is remembered for being a strong and fair ruler.

Homework due Friday, 12th May

Year 3 Homework due Friday, 12^th May

We want to find out all about YOU! Your homework for this week is to make notes about you and your life so far. You may have to ask family members to tell you about what you were like when you were smaller. Do your best to get as much information as you can. You DO NOT have to answer all of these questions, they are just there to guide you. Please complete your notes on paper and bring them to school on Friday.

Birth – 4 years old:

1)   Where and when were you born?

2)   What did you weigh and what did you look like at birth?

3)   Did you have (or get) any older or younger siblings?

4)   When did you learn to walk?

5)   What was your favourite toy/game?

6)   What were you scared of?

7)   What was your first word?

8)   Were there any big/interesting events like moving house, travelling to different countries or getting a pet?

9)   Are there any funny stories from this time of your life?

10)What is your earliest memory?

Starting school – end of Year 2:

1)   When and where did you start school?

2)   What do you remember from your first day/week?

3)   Who were your friends?

4)   What was your favourite thing to do at school?

5)   Did you go on any exciting trips or visits with school or family?

6)   Were there any big/interesting events like moving house, travelling to different countries or getting a pet?

7)   Are there any funny stories from this time of your life?

Year 3 and life now:

1)   Who are your friends now?

2)   What are your hobbies?

3)   What are your favourite subjects at school?

4)   What are your favourite foods?

5)   What has been the best day of your year so far? Describe it.

6)   What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

Homework due Friday, 5th May

POETRY

Have a look at the following poems. One of them is a shape poem, one is a narrative poem and one is a haiku poem. Can you decide which is which?

TASK: 

Firstly, choose one of the poems and explain whether it is a narrative, shape or haiku poem. Give reasons for your answers. 

Next, describe any poetic techniques you have found in the poem. (Rhyme, repetition, rhythm, descriptive language, simile, metaphor, personification, onomatopoeia, alliteration).

Then, find another example of a narrative, shape or haiku poem, copy it or print it and bring it to school.

1)

2)                                                        Beaches by Kaitlyn Guenther

Sand scatters the beach

Waves crash on the sandy shore

Blue water shimmers 

3)                                        The Broken-Legg’d Man by John Mackey Shaw

  

 

 

I saw the other day when I went shopping in the store

A man I hadn't ever, ever seen in there before,

A man whose leg was broken and who leaned upon a crutch-

I asked him very kindly if it hurt him very much.

"Not at all!" said the broken-legg'd man.

I ran around behind him for I thought that I would see

The broken leg all bandaged up and bent back at the knee;

But I didn't see the leg at all, there wasn't any there,

So I asked him very kindly if he had it hid somewhere.

"Not at all!" said the broken-legg'd man.

"Then where," I asked him, "is it? Did a tiger bite it off?

Or did you get your foot wet when you had a nasty cough?

Did someone jump down on your leg when it was very new?

Or did you simply cut it off because you wanted to?"

"Not at all!" said the broken-legg'd man.

"What was it then?" I asked him, and this is what he said:

"I crossed a busy crossing when the traffic light was red;

A big red car came whizzing by and knocked me off my feet."

"Of course you looked both ways," I said, "before you crossed the street."

"Not at all!" said the broken-legg'd man.

"They rushed me to the hospital right quickly," he went on,

"And when I woke in nice clean sheets I saw my leg was gone;

That's why you see me walking now on nothing but a crutch."

"I'm glad," said I, "you told me, and I thank you very much!"

"Not at all!" said the broken-legg'd man.