Welcome to Class 5H
Year Five Information, Spring Term 2013
Dear Parents / Guardians
I truly hope you had a wonderful Christmas time celebrating together. As you know this remains an important year for your child. I have high expectations of all the children, both in terms of behaviour and of the standard of work produced. I also hope that as the term progresses your child will enjoy the challenges set, becoming a more independent learner. So that you are aware of the routines (and any changes made) this Spring I have outlined answers to questions that are frequently asked below.
Reading
Reading is a part of the daily timetable, so it is essential that your child brings their reading book into school every day. It is also expected that reading takes place at home for 20 minutes each night, either independently or with your support (depending upon your child’s ability). The date and pages read should be noted in their reading record books together with any comments you may wish to add. Your child will also be rewarded for their record-keeping. For three recorded occasions in a week your child will be rewarded with one blue spot, two spots for five occasions and three spots for six or more. Finally your child will be heard reading in-school fortnightly in a group and individually for the weeks in between.
Times-tables
Times-tables practice is a part of the weekly timetable. Times-tables will be taught in whole class and group situations, while attention will be given to one-to-one testing with an adult: to help sharpen knowledge and recall. Again it is also expected that times-table practice takes place at home for 15 to 30 minutes each week, depending on the ability of your child. A copy of the times-tables accompanies this letter. Blue spots will also be awarded for progress in this area through individual testing in school.
Homework
Homework is set and marked weekly and usually reflects the term’s theme (Victorians). This is an important way for you to share in your child’s education. Parental support is encouraged, so long as the children’s work is their own. However I would ask you to adhere to the methods being taught in school, especially if any maths is set. If you are unsure of any method then I am happy to explain it to you.
Homework is set each Monday (begins next week), and should take around 30 minutes. The work should be written neatly in pencil using materials provided for individual homework, unless specified differently. Completed homework should be handed in each Friday. Some homework may be set across a fortnight, rather than on a weekly basis (if the task is larger). In addition, spellings will be sent home: in preparation for a test every Friday.
PE / Games
PE (gymnastics) and Outdoor Games (invasion / target games) will continue to take place on Monday afternoons and Wednesday morning. Kits will be sent home every Friday for washing.
Finally, I hope that this letter answers all your questions. Should you have any other questions or concerns then please do come and see me. I look forward to a happy and productive term.
Yours sincerely
Mr T Hodges
Class 5H Teacher
Please find below some useful websites that can be used at home to support children’s learning.
http://www.iboard.co.uk/