Mrs. Ward's Class

Have a wonderful Summer Y5.5 class of 2011

2011-07-14T07:39:00.002+03:00

Dear All,
I know it has taken me a week to put this good bye message on the Blog but in my defence, I have packed up my whole house and flown to the other side of the world since school ended on 6th July.
I was so touched by your generosity on the last day and I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your wonderful words and my very special gifts. I will treasure those memories.
You have been a great class. yes, you DID drive me NUTS at times, but we also had a very special year and I have seen you all grow as people. I hope you will remember Year 5 with fondness.
I will continue my Blog with my new class but of course, it will be somewhat different!
At least you can keep track of what I am doing and see my new victims (pupils).

Lots of love to you all and may you all have a fabulous summer.
Think of me as I start work on 20th July! and Hannah and James start school on 1st August!!!

Bye for now,
Mrs. Ward
XXXX
PS the picture is of our new house in Cebu. xXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-06-26T13:41:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Nice to see Nisha back with us today after her short trip :-)
Today it is Arabic homework day, so just do the Daily Maths part 2 please.
If you are leaving early (the ones who have already given me a letter or email about this) can you make sure your return any outstanding library and text books to me before you leave please?
Thanks and have a wonderful evening.
Mrs. Ward.
XXX
PS for those who had very good reasons for not completing yesterday's homework, please do it tonight.
X

Today's Homework

2011-06-25T16:37:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today was such an emotional day with my surprise first thing this morning. I couldn't believe the presentation. I was blown away by your lovely comments. XXX
Today was also Hannah's last day which was very sad :-( But I KNOW we will keep in touch.

Yes, there is homework as we still have a few things left to do to round off the year.

Daily Maths 1
Spelling Activity
PCM was it 98??? It's the one about using known facts... Sorry I am at home now and can't quite remember the page!

Anyhow. Good luck. I am not going to give you new reading books as we have to have them all re-shelved this week, but I will let you borrow from the class library.

Love,
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Final Day: Competition Day!

2011-06-21T19:08:00.005+03:00

HI Folks, Well, you know what they say: All good things must come to an end. Today marked our last day on the beach and it was another brilliant day. You had to work as teams this morning for a series of tricky challenges. Everyone was trying their best for the team which was great to see. Enjoy the pictures...
Tomorrow: Back to reality. POETRY RECITAL day. If you didn't do yours last Wednesday you will have to do it tomorrow as we have to choose the class winner tomorrow.
See you then.
Mrs. Ward XXX

Day Three: Reef expedition and MAN hunt.

2011-06-20T17:28:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Another amazing time was had by all today. You kayaked out to the fore reef and did some amazing snorkelling this morning, then came back to the beach for a well earned lunch. After lunch you had to hunt the teachers. I thought I was so smart swimming out to the other side of the island but you spotted me from the beach and Ryan and Faisal jumped in a kayak to catch me. Enjoy the pictures. Tomorrow we will have a great Competition Day and the Barbeque, so make sure you know what you are bringing along...
Mrs. Ward XXX

Day Two.. Developing Kayak skills and reef snorkelling

2011-06-19T18:54:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Another super day at the beach! Working as a team, making a raft and sailing it back to shore, snorkelling the reef and more..... See you tomorrow for Day Three...
Mrs.Ward. XXX

Outdoor Education Day 1: Kayak skills and snorkelling

2011-06-18T16:59:00.005+03:00

Hi Folks,
GREAT first day. Well done to all of you, we had lots of compliments from the staff. :-)
Enjoy these pics of day 1.
Mrs. Ward.
XXX

Poetry web sites

2011-06-12T11:52:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Here are a couple of good web sites if you need inspiration for the Poetry Recitation Competition. If you have poetry books at all, all the better, but here are some ideas if you are stuck:

http://www.poetry4kids.com/poems
http://www.pitara.com/talespin/poems.asp
http://www.michaelrosen.co.uk/poems.html

Have fun. Please choose your poem BY this Wednesday and give me a printed out hard copy. We will do the class competition NEXT Wednesday on 22nd June.
Good Luck and be INSPIRED!

Mrs. Ward
XXX

One week until we hit the BEACH!!

2011-06-11T06:56:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Just noticed on the countdown that this time next week we will be packing our bags for the beach. It has finally come around. The week you've been waiting for all year!
You'll get a letter this week reminding you of what to bring (and what not to bring) with you each day.
Mrs. W. XXX

Poetry Recitation Competition

2011-06-10T22:12:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
You may have seen in the Primary Post that we are having a Poetry Recitation Competition at school. We will talk about this in class this week but I wanted to give you some words of inspiration from my favourite living poet, Michael Rosen. Recently, he visited a Primary School in the UK and the Year 6 children interviewed him. One question they asked was:

Can you give us a tip on how to read and perform a poem aloud?

If you're reading and performing on your own, you have to think that you're an actor. You're making the sounds and pictures of the poem live in other people's heads. You have the words to do this with,which means that every word and phrase has to have the right sound. You have to think of these words as flying into people's heads. If you say them too quietly or too quickly, they won't fly. You have to think of your voices, faces and bodies as part of the way in which people will enjoy what you're saying. This means thinking about how you stand, how you look, and what movements you make. If a poem is very rhythmic, you may want to make your head or your hands or your body carry the rhythm. If it's several of you performing a poem, think how you can use your different voices. It's possible for a 'chorus' (that's a group of people who aren't saying the main part of the poem) can carry emotion, rhythm and feeling. They could do this by repeating words as an echo, by being the voice of say the last line of each verse, or the first line, or single words that you want to emphasise. It might be good to mime some of the poem or alternatively to turn some of the moments into a 'tableau' or a still photo shot. A chorus can also make a rhythm behind the main voice by whispering a sound or a word. This could start before the poem begins, carry on through the poem and carry on afterwards. It's a good idea to play around with many of these ideas just to see which effect sounds best.

That should give you something to think about!

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Happy Weekend (after a teary end to the week!)

2011-06-08T14:48:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
A huge thanks to Luke who helped me get to the end of 'The Butterfly Lion' this afternoon. I got to the very last page and the tears overcame me and I couldn't finish it. As I said, it gets me every time.
Some people said they did not get the story as we were leaving and I did not have a chance to explain...

The author Michael Morpurgo wrote this as an introduction to the book (preface):

The Butterfly Lion grew from several magical roots: the memories of a small boy who tried to run away from school a long time ago; a book about a pride of white lions discovered by Chris McBride; a chance meeting in a lift with Virginia McKenna, actress and champion of lions and all creatures born free; a true story of a soldier of the First World War who rescued some circus animals in France from certain death; and a sighting from a train of a white horse carved out on a chalky hillside near Westbury in Wiltshire.

The small boy in the story is HIM (Michael Morpurgo). He did try to run away from his boarding school, that bit is true. There was a pride (family group) of white lions which Chris McBride wrote about. There is a woman called Virginia McKenna who is an actress and who was really a huge supporter of lions (Google Her!) He used SOME true things and then intermingled it with fiction parts to make it into a great story.

Was Michael really met by the ghost widow of Albert Andrews, who took him into her old house, gave him tea and scones and told him about Bertie, the white lion and her life as they grew up? And she did all this even though she had died over ten years before? That's the magic of great storytelling...
Somehow or other Michael knew that she wanted him to keep the chalk lion clean and clear, so that he (and Bertie) was never forgotten.

Hope that helps you to appreciate it a bit more.

By the way, at the end of the day one of you walked off with the book. Can you please bring it back on Saturday as I need to return it to the library. you can fight over it on your library day.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Mrs. Ward XXX

Tuesday already!

2011-06-07T13:41:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Here is your homework for today:
1. Daily Maths 3
2. PCM Page 82 (Rounding Decimals)
3. Decorate the TWO separate covers for the Plants and Feelings topics. You need to do one that has the word FEELINGS on it somewhere prominent, and the other one must have the word PLANTS on it somewhere. You can do it on a computer as long as you have the words on there. You can draw or import images which you think match with the theme of the topic. Stick the FEELINGS cover on the outside front cover of your new ITU book. Stick the PLANTS one on the back cover. It's as simple as that folks! You MUST remember to bring your books in to school tomorrow as we need to finish the 'scream' work and other work in that book.
4. Read and work on Log tasks.
5 Spelling test tomorrow.

Plus if you have not yet brought in your instrument, the deadline for those is BY Wednesday 15th June, just so you know.

See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Ward xxx
PS hope you like the new green look of the Blog to go with 'Plants'. Actually it also goes with 'Feelings' as I love trees and they make me feel happy. :-)

Today in Y5.5

2011-06-06T13:28:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
We finally had the rest of our presentations today about Vision Aid and Sightsavers. They were very impressive, so well done to all of you. I can see how much you have grown in your awareness of the issues faced by many countries in the world who are not lucky enough to have good eye care available.

Today's homework is Daily Maths Part Two
A Comprehension about NOISE
Reading and reading log tasks.

You all did really well with your rounding of decimals today and your homework tomorrow will be about that, so don't forget how easy it is, and what to do!!!

Keep those straggling musical instruments coming in guys.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Welcome Back! and today's homework

2011-06-05T19:44:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks, Well I hope you all made the most of your day off yesterday! The Ward family had 12 hours of people packing boxes of our stuff ready for shipping to Cebu. I can tell you I have gone right off the sound of brown parcel tape (and I wasn't that keen on it to begin with!!!)
Today is officially Arabic homework day, BUT you still have daily maths and some of you have a spelling activity and your handwriting sample to finish. (Some people managed to finish it in class).
Sorry to those who still have not had a chance to do their Vision Aid or Sightsavers presentations. Time ran away with us on Wednesday and also today, as we had to fit in changing everyone's reading books and new spelling lists which we normally do on Saturdays. It's always busy in Y5.5.
Tomorrow we WILL do the remaining presentations so be prepared.
Quite a few people have now brought in their musical instruments now and I have been VERY impressed with the quality. I will add some pictures tomorrow so the rest of you know what you're aiming for.
Until tomorrow...
Mrs. Ward.
XXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-05-29T11:38:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today is Arabic homework, but please do Daily Maths 2, READ, look at your spellings and make sure you are getting prepared for your Vision Aid/ Sightsavers presentation.
We have had a few instruments in, so thanks to you guys...I hope others will soon follow.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Today's Homework

2011-05-28T19:39:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Just in case you forgot:
Daily Maths 1
Finish 'Never Mind the Watermelons'
50 Red Caps comprehension. Finish if not finished in lesson time today.
Reading and log tasks.
Spelling list (revision list this week) make sure you know them and their meanings.

Don't forget you need to have your Vision Aid/ Sightsavers presentation ready for this Wednesday. If you are ready early we will do some on Tuesday to break it up.

Plus your musical instrument. Remember it should be percussion,

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
X

Eye, Eye!

2011-05-28T19:18:00.006+03:00

HI Folks,
So, can YOU guess whose eye is whose?
When I was downloading these, it really struck me not only how different our eyes are, but how beautiful they are. Have you ever looked closely into your eyes? It's worth it. Sorry some of them are not in focus, we had quite a few attempts and it was really difficult to get good shots...
Mrs. W.
X

Sunday in Y5.5

2011-05-22T14:29:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
It must have felt like a tough day today, what with me being whisked off to star in the BISJ Phonics Video and you have a few maths assessments and a science assessment to do, but hey, you can handle it!!!
Today is Arabic homework, plus Daily Maths part 2 and reading/ log tasks.

Also, remember we agreed that you would be making your musical instrument at home that we designed last week. Tomorrow I will give you your sketch books,and you will need to complete your instrument at home, then bring it in finished, next week. I will give you some formal instructions tomorrow, but if you know what you are doing, you can make a start.

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. Ward.

By the way, Rio won the vote for Upper Primary cinema night.

Another week begins...

2011-05-21T19:24:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
The day started with a lovely reading test to get you in the mood for the working week. I was really pleased with the results of the class as a whole and it made me feel that it HAS been worth all the nagging to get you to read your book and do you reading log tasks as it DOES pay off!

Today's homework.
PCM p48 it is about decimals. We did this today. Look at the hundredths.
Daily Maths part 1
Do the spelling activity if you did not do it in class.
Reading/ log tasks.

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
X

Cinema Night is coming....

2011-05-19T18:17:00.001+03:00

Hi Folks,
We have another Cinema Night coming up shortly. Details will be announced soon. Mr. Belfield has sent the list of movies to choose from and wants each class to vote on the one they want to see.
We're lucky we have a Blog! As you can see I have added a poll. Please vote on which movie YOU would like to see on Cinema night and let's hope we get the one you want.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Mrs. W.
X

Today in Y5.5

2011-05-17T13:54:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
We had more fun with electric circuits today, testing conductors. Enjoy the photos. You are getting much better at recording your work more scientifically, so well done on that.
Today I am only giving you Daily math4 and Reading/ Log tasks, plus to be ready for your presentation/ talk about magnetism tomorrow if you didn't do it today.
Apologies to Kareem and Nisha who volunteered to do theirs today but then we ran out of time.

Dylan started off the whole thing with a fantastic PowerPoint Slide show explaining how the Bullet Train works. A hard act to follow. Aboudi and Ryan also showed that they had worked hard to gather the relevant information and all of the boys spoke clearly and confidently. I'm very impressed so far. We will see the rest tomorrow.

Thanks,
Mrs. Ward
X
PS a huge bucket of good luck to Kareem who performs tonight in the Roots and Shoots talent show in the Russ Law Hall. All tickets are SOLD OUT, so I hope you've got yours!

Sunday in Y5.5

2011-05-15T09:07:00.006+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today we had a look at all the lovely photos Ryan's mum took of our assembly. Yes, we are STILL going on about it. I have added a few of them below.

I've put a few pictures on of you working today. It has been VERY challenging coming up with your own fair test for investigating magnetism. I think you are getting there. Tomorrow we hit electric circuits...

It is an Arabic homework day. So do Daily Math Part 2, don't forget to read and do the log tasks, as well as working on your research task. Be ready to talk on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week.

Mrs. W.
X

Back to reality!

2011-05-14T12:24:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks, It was hard coming down from the high of our assembly last week but you all did such a super job!
Today we have been busy with our magnetism investigations. You have a short research task this week, due Tuesday/ Wednesday. I gave out a printed sheet of instructions but here it is again for those people who lose papers on the way home!

Research task: Y5 Magnetism
Investigate an example of how magnetism is used in everyday life. Either prepare a short explanation of how the Earth’s core is a magnet and how this affects us OR a short explanation about how the BULLET TRAIN works, using magnetism.
You only need to talk to the class for 1-2 minutes. You do NOT need to make a PowerPoint presentation OR a poster, but you may do so if you wish. You need to show where you gathered your information and you should show your understanding of what you choose to research, not just read from notes copy and pasted from the internet.
The following web sites may be of use, but you can find your information from anywhere you think appropriate.
The Earth
http://www.universetoday.com/14382/10-interesting-facts-about-planet-earth/
http://www.geography4kids.com/files/earth_intro.html
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5505940_magnets-magnetic-poles.html
The Bullet Train
http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/maglev-train.htm
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_a_the_bullet_train_work
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maglev_train
http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/00450/bullettrains.htm

We will do the talks on Tuesday/ Wednesday of this week. Remember keep it short, just summarise the main points and show what you have found out.

You also have Daily Maths part 1. I am not giving you a new spelling list this week, as we need to do more work on last week's words before you have a new set.

Don't forget to READ!! and make a start on your log tasks.

Mrs.W. XXX

Congratulations and have a lovely weekend!

2011-05-11T15:00:00.006+03:00

Hi Folks,
You were amazing this morning! So confident, yet controlled and you were all masters of your talents! So many people spoke to me during the day and said how well you did. I was, as I knew I would be, so VERY proud of you all and I know your parents felt the same. Thanks for making my last assembly at BISJ very special.
The roses are beautiful, and what a lovely idea, so thanks to Mrs. B. and Mrs. M. for organising that. A lovely surprise.

Next week it is full steam ahead and we have some science to catch up on, but we will get there.

Have a rest this weekend, you deserve it.

See you on Saturday. We will do the spelling test from this week on Saturday, AND Pupil of the Week. (I have a surprise up my sleeve for that!)

Love,
Mrs. Ward XXX
Thanks to Mrs. Tabsh for the photos.

Assembly minus 2 days...

2011-05-09T20:39:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Hooray!!!! You learned the song. Tick the box!
Now we have to get the rest of the assembly up to performance standard! I am sure you can do it!

Today you have a page of problems which use multiplication and division. For the division ones, try using the new method you learned today. It was PCM p 78, but you ALL know that as you wrote it down.
Remember to READ and work on your log tasks, have a look at your spellings and do Daily Maths 2.

See you tomorrow for the penultimate day before the BIG day..... that's right. ASSEMBLY DAY!!!!
Mrs. W.
XXX

WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN!

2011-05-08T20:12:00.002+03:00

The song starts with the soloists who sing the verse. Then you all come in with...

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own

Then the other 4 solosits sing verse two. After Dylan's line, you come in with...

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what you're worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe-awe-awe"

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
It's always been inside of you, you, you
And now it's time to let it through

Cause baby you're a firework
Come on show 'em what your worth
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y

Baby you're a firework
Come on let your colors burst
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em all in awe-awe-awe

Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon
Boom, boom, boom
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

Come on guys. You CAN do this, there is a lot of repetition. WORD PERFECT TOMORROW!!!

Here's hoping.
Mrs. W.
X

Assembly minus 3 days...

2011-05-08T19:55:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
NO there is NO homework tonight! Did I say NO homework? well actually that is not quite true.
Apart from reading and your spelling words... YOU NEED TO LEARN THE WORDS TO THE SONG!!!!!!!! You are driving me CRAZY with this...
Tomorrow, we will do it as handwriting as we HAVE to get it into your Skulls before Wednesday... It will look terrible if you have this coooooooooool song going on, and you don't know the words. Embarassing, embarassing, embarassing.

PLEASE LEARN IT as if it was the words you are speaking on your own.

Tomorrow is judgment day!!!!

Mrs. Ward (not a happy bunny)

Assembly minus 4 days...

2011-05-07T20:38:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Assembly FEVER has hit the class. We can't WAIT to get up there and SHAKE IT!!!!!! You are going to be so awesome, I just know it. IF IF IF IF IF IF You learn the song properly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on guys, lets get those choruses RIGHT!

Today's homework is the angles work, just making sure you know how to find those missing angles. You don't need a protractor for these.
You all have new readers and log tasks, and we had three promotions today. Kareem and Maria up to Pale Blue and Aqilah up to Purple. Well done guys, you've been working hard.
You have a spelling list about electricity and magnetism and your activity if you did not finish it in class.

LEARN that song guys... our reputation as an awesome class depends on it!
Mrs.Ward
XXX

Get those photos in asap please so I can complete the PowerPoint Presentation.

Do YOU ever feel like a plastic bag?

2011-05-03T15:28:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
What a busy day preparing for our assembly. So we have settled on a song now. 'Firework' by Katy Perry. Sooooo cool compared to the High School Musical one I chose originally. I'm sure it will sound AMAZING, especially when we have polished up the soloists!!! I will try and get some CDs to those 8 people to get practising but you can listen to it on YOuTUbe. Do not watch the video, but use the link I gave you today which just shows the lyrics.
Don't forget, I will need at least one photo of you doing your 'talent'. Thanks to Nouri, who brought his today. I will be putting together the PowerPoint over the weekend, and although I can add the pictures in after that, I would like them asap please.

Today's homework is an angle sheet, practising estimating and measuring angles using a protractor. those who did not have their own were ALL given a protractor so there are no excuses for not doing your homework!

Also please learn your assembly words and the bits you need to do in the song.
Don't forget to read and work on your Log Tasks too. (due by Saturday)

Tomorrow, we hit the Russ Law Hall for the first practise in there!. Bring it ON!.

Mrs.Ward
XXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-05-02T13:56:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,

Today please learn your words for the assembly. We will finalise the song tomorrow, so then you will have that to learn.
Today also please do Daily Maths part 3. Tomorrow there will be some angles work too!
Also, read and work on your log tasks.

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Y5.5's Got Talent!

2011-05-01T13:56:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
I am so excited about our assembly! You are SUCH a talented bunch, we are sure to WOW the crowds next week. Thanks for all your hard work on coming up with some good words to say about your various talents. I just need to string it together now with an amazing Powerpoint and some music. If you have a photograph of you DOING your activity, can you please bring it in on a memory stick so that I can include it in the powerpoint. Strong visuals will help our assembly to look better,in fact if you don't have a picture, can you take one THIS WEEK. Save it as a jpeg and I will use it.
Thanks for that. Also, if you are talking about a sport, you need to dress in the gear AND bring the equipment i.e. tennis racquet, football, basketball. If you are going to be performing on your instrument, you can dress up in your best Concert outfits!

Today, it is Arabic homework day, so please just do Daily Maths 2 and READ tonight for me.

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Welcome Back!

2011-04-30T14:39:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Wooooo Hoooooooo! It's great to be back! What a great start to the term with EVERYONE in today as we started making preparations for our class assembly (which is on Wednesday 11th May).
We are going to showcase everyone's special talents in the assembly, and you will be preparing what you want to say about your skills, talents and interests outside of school as part of today's homework. We have an extremely talented class this year and it will be lovely for everyone else to see you shine at what you are good at.

Other homework for today is the angles work on PCM page 121 (remember you either subtract from 90 or 180 depending on the example to find the missing number)
along with Daily Maths 1 which is revision of multiplication facts.

You also all have a new reading book today and log tasks for the week, and a new spelling list! Phew, we must have worked hard today!

See you tomorrow and we will start to put your amazing talents together into some sort of structure for the assembly.

If the 4 guitarists would like to start bringing their guitars to school, that would be helpful, as you need to practise together if you are going to perform together as a group. Same with the two violinists.

Thanks,
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Goodbye Book Week, hello Holiday!!!!

2011-04-13T21:53:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
What an incredibly exciting and busy week we have had!!
Here are some pictures to remind you of Book Week.
Just to say have a wonderful Spring Break and stay safe.
See you on April 30th.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Book Week is HERE!!!!

2011-04-09T12:22:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today's homework is related to our Book Week Activities.

Finish your Book Recommendation, Book report and Book Cover. Make sure you colour the cover and make it look attractive so they can be displayed.

Daily Maths 1.

We are having to collect the reading books in this week, so no reading homework, but I am sure you will all have plenty of books to keep on reading over the holidays.

Mrs. W.
XXX

End of 'Show Week', sorry for the disruption in service!!!

2011-04-06T15:20:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
You may well have noticed a lack of attention to the BLOG this week. Well, after Mr. Hugo said it was OK to give no homework out to anyone, and being the Granny in the show, I have not really had the time to come on here!!

Next week is not EXACTLY back to normal as it is BOOK WEEK, but there WILL be homework. Talking of which, one of the important things that you need to complete for Book Week is the Library Competition. I gave you the sheets today. You need to design a monster, then list its powers and say HOW they would use their powers. Ignore the reference to Greek Gods. The description sheet is for your MONSTER. Be original. I know our class can win this.

If you want to take part in the performance reading competition, you need to learn The Lion by Roald Dahl off by heart by Saturday! I will do the try outs at lunch time.

Our Classroom Door is looking amazing for Book Week, I will add a photo when I get home. Everyone made a contribution, and it is looking awesome. We have already had a lot of compliments from other teachers and students.

Last night of the show tonight. See some of you there. Everyone else have an amazing weekend.

Mrs.Ward.
XXX

Show Week at BISJ

2011-04-02T14:53:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well, this is the start of show week. No doubt you have already ntoiced that there will be some unusual things happening not to mention that tomorrow night is the first night of 'Ali Baba and the 37 and a half Thieves'. I hope you've all got tickets. Actually, most of our class have followed in my footsteps and are IN the show, but 6 people aren't, so we hope they will come and lend their support.We had a very successful dress rehearsal this morning!

There will be no homework for show people this week.
In addition, a letter has gone home today from Mr. Hugo, giving permission for show people to come to school at 9:30 on the days of the show, as you will be VERY tired.

Everyone else for today has new reading books and Daily Maths 1 and a new set of spellings. If you did not finish your spelling activity, you can also do that.

Have a good evening.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

It's Show Time!

2011-03-30T15:20:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
I think we have all be pretty preoccupied with the preparations for the show this week. We only have a handful of students who are not in the show, and the SHOW PEOPLE are excused from homework (apart from reading) for the time being as they have to spend such long hours at school they won't have any time to relax or eat if we give them homework!! You will find that I will not over burden the non show people either this week, as I don't want to give you stuff that I really need everyone to do.

Just a note to all our free readers. Whatever you may have told your parents, even if you are a free reader, it does not mean you are FREE from having to read aloud to your parents. Whatever your reading level, you should practise reading aloud. I do, when I read you books in class, and I enjoy it very much. It is a skill that even the best readers need to develop. It will help you with any reading aloud opportunities that will come your way; performance reading, assembly, public speaking, reading to your little siblings, reading to your own children in the future.

Please make sure that you STILL read aloud to your parent and that they sign your record to show that you have done it, whatever your reading level.

Thanks. I will see most of you tomorrow at rehearsal at 10 am. Everyone else have a super weekend.

Mrs.Ward
XXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-03-26T13:38:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today please do Daily Maths 1. Round the numbers to the nearest WHOLE NUMBER, not the nearest 10 as the instructions say.
Also, you have an activity to go with the spelling list for this week.
All of you have new readers and tasks as well.

Have a lovely evening and don't forget to switch off your lights tonight in support of EARTH HOUR at 8pm. You will ALL be in bed by then anyway I hope so your lights should be out anyway!

Have a look at this link to learn more about Earth Hour.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mxjbip6y04&feature=relmfu

See you tomorrow.

Mrs. Ward XXX

Great Swimming 'Carnival'!!!

2011-03-23T19:59:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
WHAT an exhausting morning, many of you swimming in lots of events, up to 16 races for one brave swimmer!
NO HOMEWORK THIS WEEKEND. Have a lovely rest. Spelling test, we ran out of time for today, so be prepared to do this on Saturday.
Have a brilliant weekend.
Mrs. Ward XXX

Meeting our Book Week Buddies

2011-03-22T14:35:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
We had a lovely time today visiting Y2.5 and meeting our book week buddies. I will post some pictures later after I get home. I was very proud at how responsible and mature everyone was. You were a real credit to me! and to YOURSELVES!

Today you have the mystery number page to do in the PCM book, which is page 99, and don't forget to read, work on your log tasks and have a last look at your spelling list.
Tomorrow is the Swimming Gala, but we will still have lessons in the afternoon. Please wear your PE kit to school and remember to bring everything you need. There is a note in your diary in case you forget what you need.

See you tomorrow for a morning at the pool!
Mrs.W.XXX

Today's Homework

2011-03-21T17:32:00.002+03:00

HI Folks,
It is so exciting, we are going to Year 2 tomorrow to meet our buddies!

Tonight, a few of you STILL have your story plans to finish from yesterday. Also, you have your 'About the Author' section of your book to do (see the sheet). Try to make it sound interesting. Your Book Week Buddy will remember you forever.

Maths today is page 98 of the PCM book. It is a spiral number grid. Follow the pattern from the centre. Colour all the square numbers (1x1, 2x2, 3x3 etc... up to 10x10) then see what pattern they appear in and write what you see. Simple.

Reading and Log tasks and spellings to look at too please.

See you tomorrow.

Mrs. W.
xXX

Today in Y5.5!

2011-03-20T20:09:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
We got our Year 2 buddies today. We are sooooo lucky as we get to be paired with Mrs. Sowerby's Y2 class as there aren't enough Y1 classes to go around. We started preparing our myth by writing a plan today (some of you are finishing off at home. Remember ONLY the plan, not the whole thing. We are going to work on each section to make it a really good myth for our buddies.)
Instead of daily maths today you have PCM p 65, (except Hannah who could choose from 65.66 or 67 as she has some catching up to do from when she was away).

Reminder: It is our Swimming Gala on Wednesday. EAST won the Y3/4 Gala today! Remember this is a SCHOOL EVENT which you are ALL expected to turn up to school for and participate in. If you don't come to school, we WILL call and check on why you are absent. Anyway, I am sure that won't be an issue as you will all have a great time and enjoy swimming and supporting your house.

GO TO BED now, if you haven't already. I know I will be soon (very soon).

Here's hoping Nizar brings back some good news for us from the BSME Games in Qatar!

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Today's homework etc...

2011-03-19T16:46:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
I just typed this all out at school, then the internet crashed, so I rushed home and I am hoping it works this time!

There WAS going to be daily maths but there was a problem, so we had to collect them in again... so no daily maths today.

You have a coordinates activity where the coordinates are on one sheet and the grid is on the other. The little square represents the HORIZONTAL AXIS, the little triangle represents the VERTICAL AXIS. You plot the points, then join up the dots to reveal a picture. I am sure you can guess what they picture will be by the theme!!!

You all have new reading groups today. Sorry Thumara, Ryan and Hannah missed their ACTUAL reading time, but I still gave you the books and task and you can read tomorrow.

You have new spelling words too.

Also, for those people who did not manage to do the Gravity sheet for the Wet Day Wednesday homework, you NEED to do this as I want to talk about it in class tomorrow. I gave everyone who wasn't able to print it out a copy today.

Have a fun evening.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Creating our own theme park!

2011-03-17T13:52:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Here are some pictures of the fairground rides our class invented this week. Most groups went for a rollercoaster theme, but one group had the original idea of having a merry-go-round theme with a difference. Have you ever been on a merry-go- round that you need to wear a wet suit and a snorkel for? Yes! It's true, the ride not only dips you in water on the way round, but also drops you under the water at the end in your riding capsule where you are taken through the water to the ride exit, and the inevitable ride shop!!! Good thinking!
We also have a couple of death defying roller coasters with lethal drops and perilous loops, completely designed and made by the groups. Those art straw tracks were tricky, so well done!.
We then had a very exciting Whale themed roller coaster which takes the riders shooting up on the whale's water spout, squirted by the black ink from a giant squid, then washed off and cleaned before you get off. Sounds thrilling.
Lastly but not leastly we had the Christmas themed roller coaster, taking you along the track in a reindeer-pulled sledge. This ride is also so unique; you even get snowed on during the ride!
Well done to you all.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Y5 Sports Star in OUR class!

2011-03-15T20:11:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Nizar Naamani in our class is THE ONLY Y5 student travelling to Qatar this weekend to compete in the BSME games. Here's wishing him and ALL the squad a very successful trip!
Mrs. Ward XXX

Here Comes The Rain Again! and GOODBYE Henri!!!

2011-03-15T14:34:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
WHAT a weird day, people going home early, school being closed tomorrow and all before a single drop of rain had fallen. It IS raining now though, so I wish you all a very safe long weekend. Apart from your normal homework from class today which is PCM pages 67 and 68 about negative numbers, you have your reading and log tasks plus an extra weekend of learning your spellings.
In addition, in case you are feeling bored at home tomorrow, we are putting some work on the school website for you. there will be two maths activities, a reading comprehension about earthquakes and a piece of topic work. Try your best to do these, especially the topic work, as we would have been doing that in school tomorrow if you had of been here.
Today also ended up being Henri's last day, we thought it would be tomorrow, but with the school suddenly closing... it was TODAY. I would like to thank Henri for his hard work this year and wish him and his family all the best in South Africa.

Have a lovely (unexpected) long weekend.
Mrs.W. XXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-03-12T16:37:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today we saw Dylan come to school under the weight of all his medals after he and Riad had swum their hearts out at the 'Jeddah Classic' this weekend. I will attach a picture tomorrow as I forgot my camera, So both boys, if you bring your medals in tomorrow I will make sure you appear in the Y5.5 Blog Hall of Fame! We are always proud of our class members when they take part in extra activities and especially if you have done your best. Medals are a bonus. The main thing is that you show your commitment every week to the team and that you have a sense of personal achievement. Well done to both of you!
Today's homework:
If you didn't complete your spelling activity, you need to do that! (Even though it was class work) Make sure you write decent sentences. I do not want ANY that are as simple as 'I am a writer.' Add details, adjectives, ambitious vocab., the WORKS!
Daily maths 1 is straight forward vertical addition.
Make sure you have a go at writing the poem tonight if you haven't already done it. Tomorrow morning we will be coming up with a class poem, either choosing the best from our class or joining people's ideas together to make a joint class one. Read the instructions I gave you on Wednesday.
You also ALL have new Reading Books and two new tasks to do for the week.
Pace yourselves, don't rush them all tonight.

See you tomorrow.
Mrs.Ward
xxx
PS Don't forget your cinema night money if you want to come on Wednesday to 'Despicable Me'. It's a great movie and well worth watching.

Happy Weekend!

2011-03-09T17:23:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Here are some pictures from the trip yesterday. A good time was had by all! We also learned a lot about the forces that were throwing our bodies around on the rides. We will be doing some investigations at school to look into this further next week.

Try having a look at the poetry task stuck in your diary, even though it is really homework for Saturday. Remember to have a lovely weekend with your families.
Mrs. Ward XXX

Parents' Evening Part Two

2011-03-07T20:28:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Another very successful evening of happy parents. It is lovely to share the success of the class with their parents. It not only reminds ME of how much progress we have made as a class, but also shares the good news with the mums and dads.
I hope everyone had time to do their homework and that you had all written in down properly as I have only just had time to sit at my computer and post it on here.

You had Daily Maths 2, PCM I think 56 and 57 (I am at home now and don't have the book but it was two subtraction pages)
Reading and reading log tasks.

It's the trip tomorrow which I am really looking forward to. You can bring a camera if you wish, but I will have mine and will take pictures, so you don't need to bring one.

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-03-06T17:15:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,

Today is an Arabic homework night. So just do your Daily Maths part 1, and make sure you READ!

Just a quickie today...

Mrs. Ward
xxx

Parents' Evening, part 1

2011-03-05T20:12:00.002+03:00

HI Folks,
Well sorry it's late but as you know I have been at school since 7:30 am and have just had time to get home, have a snack and a good old cup of tea. It was the first round of the PTCs tonight, and it was lovely to see the 9 sets of parents that came. Fortunately mostly it was good news, so that made the evening a lot more enjoyable for everyone. It made me realise how you have come a long way since September which made me very proud (and your parents I am sure).

Tonight I know you did not have Daily Maths due to technical difficulties, but you do have a new Spelling list and two new reading books and activities to get your teeth into. I will give you extra Maths on Monday to make up for it ;-)

I was very pleased to give out your certificates today for your presentations. You all worked so hard on them and you deserve to get good feedback. I am sure if you keep them, in the future you will still be proud to look back on your achievement.

Enough now, we ALL need to get to sleep and be fresh for tomorrow.
Goodnight.
Mrs. W.
XXX

It's the WEEKEND!

2011-03-02T15:21:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
It is hard to believe that we have only had 4 days of school this week isn't it? Everyone was shattered this afternoon.
Needless to say YET AGAIN, we did not get to 'Pupil of the Week' because it took too long to get our other stuff ready or finished. Saturday morning we will discuss it then.
You will also have your spelling test on Saturday AND change your reading books. Busy day on Saturday!
Next week we have an interesting time as we will go to the Year 1 concert rehearsal on Monday and our Trip is on Tuesday, which is the launch of our new unit 'The Physical World' More news on that soon...

Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs. Ward.
XXX

Today's Homework

2011-03-01T11:30:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today please do Daily Maths 3. If you did not do PCM page 106 in class please do that as well. It is more practice on perimeter.
Your reading should be done every day but you have until Saturday to finish your tasks as that is when I will change your books. We will also do the spelling test on Saturday.

Last week we listened to the music of 'The Firebird Suite' by Igor Stravinsky which was a piece of classical music composed about the myth of the Firebird. See if you can find out the names of any other pieces of music which have been composed to go with a myth or legend. Find out the name of the music, the composer and which myth or legend it is about. If you can't find any, don't worry, but challenge yourself.

See what you can find out.

Mrs.W.
XXX

Today's Homework etc.

2011-02-28T21:12:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Of course you are all tucked up fast asleep in bed by now, but just so you can check in the morning. You should have done your Daily maths part 2 tonight. Plus PCM page 107 which is a perimeter page. Well done to the people who checked with me again before they went home what to do. You will notice that some of the shapes have decimal values for the lengths in cm. If you have rounded up or down to the nearest cm, I will except your answers as long as you have shown that you understand HOW to calculate perimeter.
Everyone has two reading log tasks, and two books to read, not to mention spelling words that you have chosen yourselves this week. So plenty to keep you busy!

REMEMBER YOUR RECORDERS TOMORROW FOR MUSIC!!!
Mrs. W.
X

Short break but we're back!

2011-02-27T19:44:00.001+03:00

Hi Folks,
Sorry for the lapse in service recently. Welcome back after the long weekend!
It felt very strange coming back on a Sunday today!
Today you should all be in bed by now, but as it is an Arabic homework night, you only had Daily Maths part 1 and reading to do.
Everyone has chosen their own individual spelling list this week. You should also have written ten decent length sentences from the words. If you haven't you need to get them done this week. We will do our spelling test on Saturday next week as you have 20 words and some of your have chosen very challenging ones!
See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Ward
XXX
By the way, let's all wish Riad and Dylan the very BEST of Y5.5 luck as they had their Grade 1 theory exams for Music today. They were both a bit nervous, but came back happy, so let's hope that's a good sign. We LOVE it when people in our class achieve extra things, so well done to both boys for having a go and we all look forward to the results!

Internet problems!!

2011-02-18T20:03:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
We have just got the Internet back on our compound after a weekend of not being connected. I had great plans to type up my notes about your presentations, so that your parents could read all about your success! Now it's 8pm on Friday night, so it's not going to happen today. We still have 3 more presentations to go, Riad and Ryan tomorrow then Nizar's on Monday. I will start adding the reviews tomorrow.
Needless to say, I was very impressed with the ones we have seen so far...
Hope you had a good weekend.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Today's Homework

2011-02-15T12:35:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Here we are at Tuesday already! Phew the weeks fly by don't they? (When you're having fun!)
Later on I will be writing about the wonderful presentations we had today. but for now, here is today's homework:

1. Do the area worksheet.
2. Reading and reading log tasks
3. Practise your spellings
4. If you are doing your presentation tomorrow, please practise it again tonight.

If you get time, visit the area website and have a go at some of the more complex shapes, it's good for you!
More news later on the presentations...

Mrs. W.
XXX

Mr Hugo checks in with Y5.5

2011-02-14T16:34:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today's homework is to visit the area and perimeter site I have given you think link for, it is stuck in your diary, but here it is again

http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/maths/perimeter_and_area/index.html
Some people tried this out in class. Level 1 is pretty straight forward, but Levels 2 and 3 are quite advanced, so see how you get on and challenge yourself.

Read and do your reading log tasks.

Practise your presentations about your home country myth or legend.

Thanks to all of you who volunteered to do your tomorrow. You know who you are. Everyone else will do theirs on Wednesday.

Mr. Hugo came in today to help Mrs. Nasseif teach you about geometric designs in Islamic Art. He was quite pleased with our class as most of you could use scissors properly and could draw an Islamic design. (He found a lot of children in other classes who did not know how to cut out properly, so I did feel proud of you !)

Have a great Valentine's Day (evening)
Love,
Mrs. W. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Today in Y5.5

2011-02-12T17:20:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
You are still working on your presentations, so I am not overloading you today.
Just do Daily Maths 1 and make a start on your new reading books and log tasks. Also IF you did not finish your anagram spelling task from class today, please finish it.
Tomorrow, I will give you a checklist which you can use to help you practise your presentation at home, then I will use the same checklist when I am watching you when you do your performance at school. This will help you to focus on all the things that will make your presentation GREAT.

Today Sam and Arman from Y5.3 came in to show us their presentations. They were both really thorough and did a super job of showing you exactly what you can achieve with a bit of effort and the right attitude. Use them as your inspiration!

Riad had a very special day too, in his role as Deputy Student Councillor, he got to interview the three prospective Head teachers today. Wow!!! When I asked him who he would give the job to, he answered "It's so hard, they are all so nice." What a lovely thing to say. I am sure all the candidates would have appreciated that.

Have a lovely evening.
Mrs. Ward. XXX

Have a great Weekend!!!

2011-02-09T20:42:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well done on a very productive first week back to proper school after the flood closure. We've almost finished our mythological creatures and I will take photos of the finished ones over the weekend, so that everyone can see how great they are!
Some of your descriptions were amazing. Extremely creative! Well done on those. We also had a look at some pictures this week depicting parts of myths and legends. This was quite hard as I don't think you have spent much time discussing paintings before, but most of you had a pretty good attempt at analysing the artists' work.

I have put a few more links on the web site links which might help you with finding information about your home country myth or legend. Remember, if you can't find a story from your specific country, find one from the region where your country is.

On Saturday, two students from Y5.3 are coming to present their stories to us, to inspire you and give you confidence for when you do yours on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

Have a lovely weekend.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Tuesday already!

2011-02-08T10:50:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,

Phew! how this week has zoomed by...
Today you can continue to try to research your home country myth. Remember, you need to be completely ready to do the presentation by next Tuesday, although it might be Wednesday that you do it! (We will have to split them over the two days.)
If you can't find a story actually from YOUR country, do the region that your country is in.

Also today please do PCM page 39, more multiplying from this week's class work.

Enjoy.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Today's Homework

2011-02-07T16:30:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
You should have stuck this is in your diary:

Homework Y5
Researching a myth or legend from your home country.
We are going to do two different tasks about this. This week is the FIRST part.
Find a myth or legend which comes from your home country, or the region of your country.
If possible print out some pictures from the story or save them on your flash drive, or as slides on a powerpoint. NO TEXT.
Next week, you will be asked to tell the story to the class as an oral presentation. You are allowed to show pictures via your printed pictures or show images on a Powerpoint presentation on the Interactive white board.
You can have a whole week to get ready for this. We will do the presentations next Tuesday and Wednesday.

I have spent a long time explaining this research task so there should be NO confusion. Basically, I am trying to get you to do two things by giving you this task. Firstly, find out about a story which is from the same part of the world as you, to increase your knowledge of myths and legends. Secondly, to improve your presentation skills when addressing the whole class. So NO reading off slides or notes. Just you speaking with the aid of images. You can use key words, like character names or place names on your slides if using Powerpoint, but no other text.
let's see what you come up with for next week!

Also, please do PCM 38 tonight. Don't forget to read!

Mrs. W.
XXX

Mrs. Ward is getting old!

2011-02-06T15:09:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
You know how you sometimes have the feeling that you have forgotten something, but you can't think of what it is? Perhaps you are far too young to feel like that. Well, I get that feeling all the time....like today, when I had said goodbye to my dance group, sat down at my classroom computer and loaded up our Blog.....it hit me....SPELLING TEST. I said yesterday I would test you on the words given out last week on the online pack.....BUT I forgot to do it. Not surprisingly, no-one in the class reminded me either. I blame the fact that we were so involved in our Art this morning and then we had to spend longer on our maths, time just flew away, and before we knew it, it was story time and then clubs!!!
TOMORROW....Hopefully I won't be saying tomorrow again tomorrow, because as you know, tomorrow never comes, but the spelling test WILL!

Tonight is Arabic homework, so just do Daily Maths 3 and your reading for me.

I'm hoping to post some pictures of your creative mythological monsters when you've finished. They are looking good so far.

See you at the pool first thing tomorrow.
Mrs. W. XXX
PS Remember to bring your BOOK ORDER, last day tomorrow! Also bring in your application for the 'Festival of Football' if you want to join in on the day.

Welcome back!

2011-02-05T19:03:00.003+03:00

Hi folks, This is not ideal! I have no Internet at home since the floods, so I am typing this from my iPhone. Please excuse typos! It was great to see you all back today, no doubt having backache after carrying all that homework Ms. Harries set you last week when the school was closed. At least you can't blame me!!!! Actually I was proud of all of you that did attempt the homework. We all went through the maths today and most people had a good go at that. I am now sitting here reading through the ITU work. I may be some time! Again, I can see that many of you have worked very hard on the tasks, so well done. Tonight's homework is to make sure you know the spelling list given to you on line last week for a test tomorrow. Do daily maths parts 1 and 2 and start your new reading books and log tasks. Some of you are also finishing your description of the mythological creature you have created. Please bring all this in tomorrow. Have a good evening. Mrs. Ward xxx

School Closed!

2011-01-29T20:28:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Wow! Can you believe what a coincidence it is that the week I am away in London, the school is actually CLOSED because of the floods in Jeddah?!

I sincerely hope that none of you or your families have been affected by the floods.

I am writing this from a VERY cold London. It is only just above freezing here. Fortunately, Mr. Ward and I have many meetings to attend, so we do not have to go out much!
To keep you busy whilst the school is closed, please visit the Myths and Legends website and read/ listen to as many stories as you can. If you feel VERY industrious, you could always submit your OWN version of one of the stories to the website.
You can also use the maths and literacy web links to keep your skills sharp, and don't forget to do your reading and reading log tasks that I gave you on Wednesday.
Keep busy, and have a great week.
See you on Saturday 5th February.
Mrs. W. XXX

While the cat's away....

2011-01-26T14:58:00.002+03:00

...the mice do play!

Hi Folks,
Half the class went home today with the rain so I did not give you homework. Anyway a lot of you said you'd got a lot of Arabic to do.

NOW...I am asking you very nicely to be excellent next week when the supply teacher: Mrs. Wardle will be teaching you. Her name is ALMOST the same as mine, and she's young, intelligent and pretty, so it will almost be like having me here (don't laugh!)

SERIOUSLY, I want good reports, please, when I get back. She knows exactly what do do, and which nights you have homework, and what work to give you, so no trying to trick her. (Not that you would!)

See you in just over a week. Enjoy yourselves.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Woooohoooooo We reached 6000 visitors!

2011-01-25T21:25:00.001+03:00

Just that really! Keep using the Blog everyone! Thanks for your support.
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Some of our recent creations...

2011-01-25T17:36:00.005+03:00

Hi Folks,
I hesitated over putting the constellation myths and painting photos on here as they do not do justice to the work. To see how good they are you need to be able to see the painting and read the stories. Still, your parents will get the idea.
The plates are looking good though. Inspired by 'the Willow Pattern story', we designed plates with a different myth or legend on them. Can you guess the story from the plate design?
What was really nice is that one or two people designed their plate around their OWN constellation myth. Nice one!

Uniform free day tomorrow!

2011-01-25T16:19:00.002+03:00

Hi AGAIN Folks,
I forgot to remind you today that tomorrow is NON UNIFORM DAY!!!! Yay! I might wear my pajamas!
Anyway you're supposed to bring in a small gift (instead of money) which will go to be a prize on the Spring Fair day. (17th February). You had a letter earlier in the week, re-read it, and double check.
See you tomorrow in your (sensible) own clothes!.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Mr. Ward's Blog

2011-01-25T16:15:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Rumour has it that Mr. Ward's Blog also has some very informative and fun web sites about Myths and Legends. I was going to go there, and steal the ideas for our class, but then I felt guilty so instead I will tell YOU how to go there, then you can have a look. I want spy reports please...
Mrs. Ward

The address is: www.mrwardsclass.blogspot.com

Chewsday in Y5.5!

2011-01-25T15:44:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well a lot of chewing did go on today, as we did have the North House bake sale, so I thought I'd go with 'Chewsday' instead of the rather predictable 'Tuesday'. No? Oh well...

I was really pleased with the Pandora's Box stories yesterday. I think that particular story grabbed a lot of people's attention. Great retelling! DO have a look at the web site on Myths and Legends and listen to a few more when you get spare time. Those of you who have been on the site have told you how good the stories are.

Wasn't it funny about yesterday's probability homework. Will there be a storm tonight? We hardly EVER get storms, but last night, we DID!! That's one important thing to remember about probability. It often depends on who you are, or where you are as to the likelihood of events.

A special mention and well done to Maria, Sabrina and Luke who actually did the WHOLE task and came up with their own 10 suggested comments to decide the likelihood of. However, 3 out of 21 (one seventh) is not good in terms of a perfect homework record!!!
I can see I am going to need to clamp down on a few people(you know who you are!), and I'm not saying a WORD about the spelling homework!

Today please do PCM page 42. We have pre-decided on the numbers in the boxes. This is to help me make sure we get a spread of 1 digit numbers (and 10) used on the multiplication questions. Not to mention the fact that we can check everyone's work at the same time. I'm not daft you know!

Reading and Reading Logtasks. Please work on these tonight, I will have a look tomorrow.
Now, let's see who reads this and takes it in... As you know, I won't be here next week, so I WILL be giving you new books tomorrow and helping you select appropriate tasks, but these are for the NEXT school week (to work on from Saturday 29th. Jan to Wednesday 2nd Feb.). You will get more new books/tasks NEXT Wednesday(2nd Feb).
Does that make sense?

Spelling test tomorrow. They were quite hard this week, so good luck revising the words.

Today's Homework

2011-01-24T17:05:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
I must be getting boring in my old age...
Anyway:
Today do the probability page at the back of your PCM book (is it p 137) I am home now and don't have the page number in front of me. You can't mistake the page though. It's the one that asks you the likelihood of certain events.
Also MAKE sure you have completed the 15 sentences for the spelling words, I will be checking these tomorrow...
You've all got your TWO reading log tasks and reading to be getting on with too. Last week too many people did not make much effort with their reading log tasks, while others are spending a lot of time and effort.... We need to sort this out folks.
Take PRIDE in your work.
We had some great retellings of Pandora's Box today, so well done. Keep having a look at the myths and legends web site.

See you tomorrow. Remember your 1 riyal notes to buy cakes at the bake sale.

Mrs. W.
XXX

Today's Homework

2011-01-23T16:48:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
It's Arabic homework day as you know, so just make sure you READ and do Daily Maths 2 for me.
Why not visit the Myths and Legends site and listen to a new story. We had fun with it today in class, and know you know how to find the stories.
Mrs. W.
XX

Great web site for Myths and Legends!

2011-01-22T19:21:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
I have added a link on the web site section but I wanted to tell you about it here too, to make sure everyone sees it!

http://myths.e2bn.org/mythsandlegends/

There is a brilliant web site where you can listen to, read and watch an animation of many, many myths and legends. I advise you to spend a few minutes each night, listening to one of the stories, to build up your repertoire. (That means the number of stories you know of in this genre/ type).
The text should be fine for all of you, but if you turn the sound on, a narrator reads (very nicely) to you, so you can count it as story time... It's a good idea to find out about as many myths and legends as you can as it will help you when we talk about the features of these types of stories and to help you make comparisons between them.

Happy reading/ listening.
Mrs.W.
XXX

Today's homework etc...

2011-01-22T18:41:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well that maths challenge certainly sorted you out last weekend!! Of course, there are hundreds of ways to make 50 when using the four operations, the question was...WHO was going to put the effort into finding the most?
Well, the responses ranged from 14 correct answers to 520!!!! I did feel sorry for Aqilah, who actually found 580. The problem was, she made a little error in the subtraction pattern she was using, and started making all the answers 51 by mistake, then carried on making them 51, for 16 more pages!!!! She showed a lot of dedication though, to keep going for so long (She still got 273 correct answers). But beware, if you use a pattern (which is really sensible) CHECK your work, because once you go wrong, you STAY wrong.
Others also did a sterling effort making over 200 questions, Dylan and Sabrina, and a few did 100 or more; Faisal and Xander. BUT the Maths Meister himself, Luke, was the run away winner with 520! Well done Luke, and well done to everyone who tried their best with this activity.

TODAY:
You should have done it by now as it's about bed time but:
1. Finish your spelling activity if you did not complete it in school.
2. Daily Maths 1.
3. Reading and reading Log activities - Make a start.

4. Some of you also needed to complete the Willow Pattern storyboard from today.

Have a good night's sleep, and I'll see you in the morning.

Mrs.W.
XXX

Tricky, but rewarding Maths this week...

2011-01-19T21:20:00.006+03:00

Hi Folks,
Hope you enjoy these action shots of everyone concentrating very hard on making 3D shapes out of kebab sticks and elastic bands. It was NOT easy. But easy things are boring, so at least you can say you weren't bored. Well done for persevering. The finished ones look great, and everyone managed to label the correct number of faces, edges and vertices. (Smile)
Mrs. W. XXX

Maths Challenge! Are you up for it?

2011-01-19T14:52:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
I am setting you a maths challenge for the weekend. You can spend as little or as much time you like on it, but I will reward your efforts if I can see you've done a lot of work. Here it is:

In your maths homework book, write down as many maths questions as you can that have the answer 50. You can use +,-, X or divide. There are MANY possibilities.

Don't spend your whole weekend on this, but try to challenge yourself. You might enjoy it!

The CAS students seem to be so busy these days, so we will do reading workshop on Saturday. make sure you've read and completed your tasks and PLEASE all of you bring your reading folders.

Have a lovely weekend with your families.
Mrs. W.
XXX

It's Official: Mrs. Ward's BRAIN has turned to mashed potato!

2011-01-18T15:55:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Not only was I totally distracted by the fact that I had to be 'Mr. Ward's wife' yesterday and go out for the evening to celebrate his birthday, carelessly NEGLECTING our class Blog and not putting up the homework, but now I have discovered another piece of evidence leading me to the conclusion that my brain has COMPLETELY TURNED TO MASHED POTATO!!!!
Thanks to SABRINA, who is on the ball, and is at home right now doing her homework, I have discovered that you have ALREADY DONE PCM Page 37!!! (I really should have checked, but I just looked in MY copy which of course is not filled in). So sorry, but nobody spotted it in school!! (Maybe you all had a plan to trick me and then you'd get less homework!)
Don't try and do a different page. Just learn your spellings and make sure you have completed the tasks for both your reading books by tomorrow.
If the CAS students come, we will be doing reading workshop, so you will get your books changed. I am looking for EFFORT, not just the minimum, but CARE over presentation, DETAILED written responses, coloured illustrations where appropriate. NOT just rushed, untidy work please! I know you can do it.

Thanks for noticing the PCM Sabrina.

See you tomorrow,
Mrs. W.
XXX

Today's Homework

2011-01-16T19:04:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Back to (almost) normal today with everybody in school!
Today is Arabic homework day, but just do reading and Daily Maths 2 for me.

It was the first rehearsal for the Upper Primary Show today with (I think) 13 of our class out of 21 in the show!!! What a dramatic, creative, talented class you must be!

I hope some of you get good parts at the auditions!

See you tomorrow. Remember Swimming lesson 1, so meet at the pool for registration.

Mrs. W.
XXX

Rain, rain, what a pain!

2011-01-15T13:36:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
What a weird start to the day with the car park being flooded and so many people being delayed with flooded roads! It was almost like a snow day in the UK!

Today it may SEEM as though you have a lot of homework, but you should be able to manage it all well within your time limit.
Spend an hour on these tasks. If you don't finish everything, at least you have spent the required amount of time.Start with the daily maths, then the PCM, then the cover page. Reading is separate and you should still spend 15 minutes on Reading in addition to the hour.

1. Daily Maths 1
2. PCM page 36 (Multiplying by 10 and 100 - we did it in class today)
3. Do a cover page for MYTHS AND LEGENDS. You can hand draw or use images printed off, but you MUST include the text 'Myths and Legends' somewhere. Design an interesting cover page which depicts what you THINK myths and legends is all about.
4. Reading/Reading Log

Have a good evening.

Mrs. Ward
XX

Spilled Milk!

2011-01-12T14:59:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well, I don't know about you, but my day was overshadowed by the dramatic event surrounding strawberry milk. A lunch bag fell off the hook and was then STAMPED ON by a passer by, bursting the strawberry milk carton and sending the pink, sticky substance spraying all over the place. Little did I know that I would be on my hands and knees scrubbing my own classroom floor when I got up this morning!!
Anyway, as I always say in these situations...'There's no point in crying over spilled milk!' After a great first week back it takes a lot more than that to dampen my enthusiasm!
It's actually been a BRILLIANT week. It's hard to believe how much work you have completed actually.I will add some pictures over the weekend of your art and your constellation myths. A great job by everyone, well done.
I am rewarding you by not giving you ANY homework this weekend. Let's break ourselves in 2011 gently and you deserve it. (I still expect you to read though!)
Have a lovely weekend doing some interesting things with your families.

Mrs.W.
XXX

Y5.5 recognised in year group Assembly!

2011-01-11T12:48:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today was a lovely day. I am very proud of how hard you have worked on your constellation myths. Not only was Dylan in the Golden book for his, but also many of the class were able to share their art work and matching story to the whole of Year 5 in Assembly today. Some people chose to read their own out, others asked me to read for them while they held up their painting.

It was a proud moment. Thanks.

As for homework, today you have two PCM pages, one is about mulitplcation and division (p15) and the other is a really fun symmetry page (p116). Enjoy! And remember, tomorrow we have Reading Workshop with the CAS students, so you need to have completed both your tasks and read both your books by tomorrow morning.
have a great evening.
Mrs. W.
XxX

Today's Homework

2011-01-10T17:43:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today I would like you to do PCM pages 13 and 14. It is all about doubling and halving which we have been doing at school this week.
Also, make sure you READ and do your reading log activities. The deadline for BOTH your reading log tasks is Wednesday this week.

Your star constellation myths have been coming along amazingly and I will post some great examples later in the week. They are going to look great displayed with your paintings of your constellations. What a great first week back we are having!

Tuesday already tomorrow, where did that week go?

See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
XXX

New Year Glitch!

2011-01-09T08:51:00.002+03:00

So Sorry folks,
My computer was suffering from not being loved over the holiday and my mouse refused to go anywhere yesterday, it was stuck in the corner of the screen, preventing me from posting the homework or any other interesting news! However, last night, the maintenance fairy came and voila! I am back today.

We had a busy first day yesterday reflecting on the amazing vacation, making some new year's resolutions and learning about the star constellation of Orion. Today we are going to create some constellations of our own, so watch this 'space'.

Only daily maths homework today as it's an Arabic Day, and reading of course!
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Welcome back, and a Happy New Year!

2011-01-07T12:47:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well, the long winter holiday has finally come to a close and I am sure you can't wait to get back into your school routine. As you can see, myself and my family got in touch with nature on our holiday in Thailand!

I've been in to our class over the past few days and made a few surprising changes to our classroom. I wonder if you will notice?
We have one more week left of our Astronomy topic and then we will be launching into 'MYTHS AND LEGENDS'.

Just to give you the heads up, this week we will be researching the International Space Station, so you might want to see if you can find anything out about this in advance.

Looking forward to seeing you all again tomorrow. Enjoy your last evening of the holidays.
Mrs. W.
xxx

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-18T09:08:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
Hope you all have an amazing holiday. Look forward to seeing you in the new year. As you can see, Hannah and James have already started to enjoy our holiday in Thailand...
Mrs. W.
X

Stellarium!

2010-12-14T09:15:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
We had a look at this in class, but you can also download it for free and look at the night sky from home.

http://www.stellarium.org/

Enjoy,
Mrs. W. X

Today's Homework

2010-12-13T20:15:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
You should be in bed by now!!!
You just had Daily maths 3 and Day 4 of the Oort Cloud Mission today. Some of you started it at school. I hope you put a lot of detail in and that I will feel like you are REALLY on this exciting mission.
Don't forget to READ for 15 minutes too and have a look at your personal spelling list.
See you tomorrow.
Mrs. W.
X

Visit to YE today!

2010-12-12T16:06:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
We went down to Mrs. Gouws' class during our break today and had a lovely time sharing our games with the YE children. They were scared at first, but soon warmed up to the lovely Y5 children, who once again showed great patience and caring towards the younger children.
Mrs. Gouws took lots of photos which I will add later.
A great time time was had by all.

Today is an Arabic homework day, but please do Daily Maths 2. READ something and have a look at your spelling lists. You have have your own lists this week, which are revision for the term.

See you tomorrow,
Mrs. Ward
X
PS DO you like the new Star constellation background? Any comments?

Today in Y5.5

2010-12-11T14:01:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today was Hannah's birthday and her mum brought us some delicious Munch cup cakes. Yum. My holiday bulge is starting early. I seem to have a spare tyre around my middle! I have NO idea how that got there!

Today's homework:
Daily Maths 1
Finish Day Three of the Oort Cloud Mission, including a picture.
READ and have a look at your spelling list.

Mrs. Ward.
X

Better by Design?

2010-12-08T18:46:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
As you can see, I have returned to the original colours for the Blog background. Please vote on the poll on the left to choose your favourite look for the Blog. I can't decide what I think looks best, and it's YOUR Blog, so help me decide, please...
Let's see what people think...
Mrs. W.
X

Sports Day!

2010-12-08T16:21:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
We all had an exciting but exhausting day today at Sports Day! I couldn't take pictures as I was too busy running the Hula Hoop/ Water Station. I will pinch someone else's photos though when I've seen them!
I tried really hard, but found that I was terrible at hula hooping, but I was really good at VIRTUAL hula hooping. I can do the hip swirling, but can't keep the hoop going :-(
I was really proud of all of you once again, and especially proud of how welcoming you were of the Japanese students from the Japanese School that joined us. It is lovely for them to be able to join in our sports day as they don't have enough students to have their own sports day. I heard many of you praising the children and telling me how good they were at the events. Great sportsmanship!

Apart from giving you new reading books, I am letting you off homework this weekend. (Except the three of you who are travelling this weekend - you have a sample of what we'll be doing next week in class. Also - keep an eye on the Blog if you have Internet access)

Have a well-deserved rest this weekend.
Mrs. Ward
X

Wonderful visit to the Nursery today!

2010-12-07T14:20:00.003+03:00

Hi Folks,
We took our games down the the Nursery today and as you can see from the pictures, we had a lovely time showing the 2 to 3 year olds how to count numbers on a dice and roll a dice carefully.
It was a very rewarding session for all of the children young and older. I was really impressed with how patient you all were with the very young children.
Next week we will go to a YE class with some of the same and some slightly more difficult games for the 3-4 year olds. We're excited about that already!

Today's homework:
PCM pages 28 and 29 which is revision of adding 4 digit numbers.
Make sure you practise your spellings and finish your reading log task.

Remember tomorrow is SPORTS DAY, so check the reminder letter in your diary and bring everything you need.

Have a good evening,
Mrs. Ward
XXX

Today in Y5.5

2010-12-06T18:51:00.005+03:00

Hi Folks,

Today's homework is PCM page 19 which is equivalent fractions. Remember whatever you do to the numerator, you do to the denominator (either multiplying or dividing). To find a missing number, you look at what numbers you have already. See what has happened to the first fraction (either numerator or denominator) in order to get to the second fraction. Then do the same to find the missing number. We HAVE done this in class, so have a go. If you DO have trouble, leave it and we'll go through it together in class tomorrow. :-)

PCM page 20 is a problem page about fractions.

You also need to read (15 mins) and practise your spellings.

We are off to Nursery in the morning with our amazing maths games, and YE next week. Can't wait!

Have a good evening.
Mrs. W.
XXX

The moon surfaces are shaping up!

2010-12-05T14:08:00.006+03:00

Hi Folks,
Today we started painting our papier mache moon surfaces. Enjoy the pictures. (Can you spot one of our lovely parent volunteers, Mrs. Rasha?) I love the fact that your moon surfaces are all so different and that they reflect the personalities of the people in the group...great team work today :-)

Today is Arabic homework, but please do Daily Maths part 3 (Sequences) and remember to READ and look at your spelling words (Look, Say, Cover, Write, and Check).

Have a good evening.
Mrs. W.
XXX

Y5.5 well represented in the Junior Hejaz Choir!

2010-12-04T18:55:00.004+03:00

Hi Folks,
Well, this Blog is about what things you achieve OUT of school as well as in school you know! So with that in mind, well done to Nisha, Dylan and Xander, all from Y5.5, who performed beautifully in the Junior Hejaz Choir last weekend. You can see them pictured above. I do love a showbiz class!!
Mrs. Ward
X

Today in Y5.5

2010-12-04T11:34:00.007+03:00

Hi Folks,
What a busy weekend! I saw some of you at the Hejaz Seasonal Concert as we were singing together in the choir, which was great fun, and very festive. I also saw many of you at the Family Fun Day on Thursday at Sierra.
You also got very busy making some amazing looking games for the YE classes. Fantastic job! I've posted some pictures of a sample of the games above.
Today's homework, Daily Maths part 1, it's ROUNDING. Finish the first entry of your Oort Cloud Mission Log. READ the mission statement carefully and use the bullet points on the small paper to guide your thinking.
Remember:
Space Mission to the Oort Cloud.
Day 1
You have been specially chosen to go on this mission.
No man or woman has EVER been to the Oort Cloud before or even seen it.
How do you feel about that?
You are getting ready to get on board the space shuttle that will take you to the Earth Orbiting Space Ship (E.O.S.S.)
Once you arrive at the EOSS you can see the Earth from 300 km away. What does it look like?
How do you feel when you see the Earth from space?
You board the Spaceship Odyssey. What does it look like? What can you see?
How do you feel when you take your seat on the Odyssey? Scared? Excited? Worried? Amazed?
Your mission leaves on time….You are on your way to the Oort cloud.

BE CREATIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your spelling words will help you with some useful vocabulary.

Mrs. Ward
X

This Weekend...

2010-12-01T16:50:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,

Work on your game for a YE child this weekend, make sure you read and make a start on your log activity.
Most importantly have a wonderful weekend with your families.

Good luck to Dylan, Nisha and Xander in your performances tonight and tomorrow in the Hejaz Junior Choir.

Mrs. Ward.
X

Today's Homework

2010-11-30T16:52:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
We all got spruced up today for our class photo! Let's hope it's a gorgeous one! (I don't doubt it!)
Today can you do, PCM....goodness me, I forgot the page number. It's a word problem page... I will go back into school and check.
The other activity is really for the weekend. We are going to design and make a simple game for YE children to play. They need practising counting in steps and we're doing an exciting topic about Space...put the two together and we could REALLY have fun together!!
Read the detailed instructions I gave you today. You can use the coloured card I gave you but you don't have to.
KEEP IT SIMPLE. Use either a grid format (like Snakes and Ladders) or a pathway type game. You have images on the sheet to give you an idea. Let's see how creative you can be...
Bring them on Saturday, then we will choose the best ones to take down to YE and share with the children.

Have fun with it, and show how imaginative you can be!

Don't forget, it's reading book changing day tomorrow (apart from the 'free-readers), so make sure you've got your task completed from your current book.

Have a good evening.

Mrs. Ward.
XXX

Today's Homework

2010-11-29T17:44:00.002+03:00

Hi Folks,
Here I am in the middle of the PTCs, waiting for my next appointment and I remembered I need to post today's homework.
Daily Maths 4 is a Darts activity. You know the routine for those.
PCM page 17 is what we've been doing in class today, changing mixed numbers into improper fractions. Two things to remember:
1. MULTIPLY the whole number by the DENOMINATOR (bottom number of the fraction)
2. Add the NUMERATOR (top number of the fraction) to the answer.

Good luck!.

Don't forget to READ and have a look at your spelling list too.
See you tomorrow.
Mrs. Ward
X