This afternoon we investigated different devices that take photographs. The children had to sort them into old and new devices. We talked about what devices we all use to take photographs and what makes a good photograph. The children decided a good photo needs;
1. To be clear and not blurry
2. To have the subject all in
3. To not be too close, or far away but just right
4. To choose if you need a portrait or landscape photo 
The children then used the iPads to take pictures. We then shared them in our teams and evaluated the pictures as a class. 
​What do you think we said about these photos?

Daffodils, and their trusty sock puppets, singing the French greetings they have been learning. 

We had a thought provoking mantle session to get started with our research into Amy Johnson. Tim Taylor and Iona Towler Evans (Mantle of the Expert - experts) joined us.
We learnt that Amy had grown up during Worlds War I, so that by the 1920s as an adult, she and other women like her, had new sense of freedom. She had studied at Sheffield university, but wanted a faster paced and more exciting life and moved to London to find it. 
A trip to the aerodrome hooked her into flying. She paid for flying lessons, and also studied engineering, so that she could maintain and repair her own plane. 
​

Lots of women in the 1920s liked to dress up and dance - they were called 'Flappers'. Amy Johnson chose to fly aeroplanes. She wanted to show that women could have the same interests and jobs as men. She was such an important woman in British history, that a life sized, bronze statue was placed of her on Herne Bay promenade. 
Our commission is to find out what she did that was so important. Why did the newspapers call her 'Queen of the Air' and a 'British Record-Breaking Aviatrix'? 

Welcome back! We hope that you have all had a wonderful Christmas. We are looking forward to another busy half term. 
Our topic this half term is called 'Taking flight' where we will be learning about the Wright brothers very first flight and about the pilot Amy Johnson and her record breaking flight to Australia. Through our mantle story, we will discover more about Amy Johnson and why she is such an important historical figure.
Science
This half term we will be investigating the properties of materials. We will be finding out how to  describe various materials and how we will sort materials depending on their properties.
Art
This half term we will be developing our painting skills by studying Aboriginal dot paintings, using symbols. We will then be creating our own dot paintings.

Outdoor learning
We will continue to visit the forest school area every other Tuesday afternoon. We will be going out in all weather, so please make sure kits include plenty of layers (Water proof coats and trousers, jogging bottoms, jumper, gloves and hat. Please no jeans, as these can be uncomfortable if they get wet) Again, make sure kits are clearly labelled. Remember to check weekly reminders on the website for any changes.
PE 
PE will continue to be on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please check weekly reminders on the website. It is important children bring into school the correct kit. They should have in their kit: A white or navy blue t shirt, a navy blue jumper or zip up hoodie, navy jog suit bottoms or shorts, trainers and spare socks. 
Reading.
We will change books once a week and children can take home a book to enjoy. Please make sure book bags are in school every day. It is lovely to read your comments in reading diaries, please make sure you fill in reading diaries every time you read, as we are continuing our reading challenge in class – the more you read the more chance of winning a class treat!
TT Rocks
Please continue to log in to TT Rocks. This is a really fun way to learn multiplication tables. Keep having a go as much as you can, the more times you play the more rewards you get and the better you become at your multiplication tables! Remember to challenge Mrs Humphreys or Mrs O'Grady!
Water bottles
We encourage the children to bring a water bottle to school with them every day, which they have access to throughout the day. We recommend that they are filled with water only, as it good for the body - keeps joints, bones and teeth healthy and helps the blood circulate. Being well hydrated improves mood, memory and attention. 

We are looking forward to another fantastic half term Daffodils class.
As always, if you have any worries or questions, please let us know.

Mrs Kavannah, Mrs Humphreys, Mrs McTweed and Mrs Ryan