Article 31- You have the right to play and relax by doing things such as sports music or drama. | West Boldon Primary School

Lost and Found

24th January 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

In literacy, this term we are studying the story Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers.

We explored the beginning of the story through drama – trying to recreate the scenes from the story and contemplate how the characters might be feeling and what they might be thinking.

The children were able to generate some amazing adjectives to describe how the penguin might feel when he was lost.

They were also able to imagine how the boy felt when he opened the door to see a penguin there and what he might have thought.

Inuit Artwork

24th January 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

As part of our Come fly with me ..to the Arctic topic we have found out about some Inuit art.

There are many huge structures across the very north of Canada called Inukshuk (pronounced I-nook-shook). These structures are built from huge rocks and look a little like people.

These landmarks were used to mark special places, as sign posts and to mark good hunting or fishing spots.

The children used wooden blocks to create their own inukshuk working with a partner to share and develop ideas.

In our Dimensions theme this term we have been learning about the Arctic. We have been learning about the animals and people who live in the Arctic. We have learnt about the Inuit people; what the eat, wear, where they live and some of their pastimes.

We have learnt that traditionally Inuit women would have “throat singing” competitions to pass the time while the men were away hunting.

Throat singing is a tricky skill of repeating the sound just a second after the other person has made it, while keeping a beat and rhythm. The first one to stop for breath or giggle is out.

We had our own “throat singing” competition to see who could keep making noises longest. The children had a great time making some very strange and loud noises and also were amazed when we watched a video of some throat singers and how lovely their music was.

See below for more:

Inuit Throat Singing in Year 1 (1)

Inuit Throat Singing in Year 1 (2)

Inuit Throat Singing in Year 1 (3)

Helping Simba the lion in Commando Joe’s

21st January 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

Our mission in Commando Joe today was to help Simba the lion and his friends save the animals who had been scattered across the African Savannah.

We had to work as a team to get around the course and bring all of the animals back safely.

The children were resilient- not giving up when things went wrong and had innovative ideas how to solve problems.

After the lesson the class agreed that they hadn’t talked to each other enough and set themselves the target of better communication next time.

Year 1 children completing their Commando Joe

Painting penguins

20th January 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

As part of our Dimensions topic on the Arctic, class 3 have been painting penguins, building marshmallow igloos and even attempted some Inuit throat singing!

We have really enjoyed learning about Inuit people and how their loves differ from ours. We were particularly interested in their diet!

African Dance Workshop

13th January 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

KS2 children had a fantastic experience of an African dance workshop on Tuesday. It was a fun, engaging and memorable essential learning experience that allowed the children to have a broad understanding of cultural diversity.

The workshops were delivered by the fantastic Tunde Olasupo, who taught them some of the different traditional African dance moves native to this wonderfully vibrant and diverse culture.

Year 3 enjoying the African dance workshop

Year 4 enjoying the African dance workshop

Year 5 enjoying the African dance workshop

Year 6 enjoying the African dance workshop

Let’s Twist Again!

13th January 2022Miss K. Wilkinson

This term Class Four will be working in dance. Every Monday for the next six weeks, Miss Skiggs will be working with the class to teach dance steps and to combine the steps in to a routine.

This week she introduced our music – Let’s Twist Again, and allowed the children to respond in their own way. There was some fancy footwork!