Friday, 22 August 2014

THE SECRETS OF DIVISION...

We are the masters of fractions!  We've been investigating numbers smaller than '1' and the different forms they are expressed in. 
 
"Fractions are counted just like any other whole number, they're just smaller."
"Fractions come in all shapes and sizes, and some even use different numbers but mean exactly the same amount."
"Fractions can be doubled, halved, added, subtracted... cool!"

We've looked at how to show fractions by drawing them, using a calculator, and seeing them work on a number line.

Now we are happy with fractions and how they work, it's time to put them to good use!  Watch this space...


REPORT WRITING

Writing focus has been about providing factual information for others to understand.  We have explored a range of characteristics that make a report strong and effective.  Here's an example from Emma:

Mini Commonwealth Games

The mini commonwealth games are a whole school event. The student council created this event to get the best out of the Halcombe School athletes. The activities were based on skill, strength and ability.
This event was held on the 11th of August 2014 at 11am, this tournament included a range of sports and activities such as hockey, relays, popping balloons, dance moves and more fun. The activities were set up on the court and on the field.
The most challenging event was by far the tug of war; this activity used all their strength. Students had to get together an eager team then follow the instructions given. They all gave their best go at it.
The favourite activity was the water relay. The children had to complete a range of obstacles while holding a full cup of water. When they had gone through all the obstacles, the children were asked to pour the remaining water into the team bucket.


The Halcombe School mini commonwealth games was a real success!

Well done, Emma,  the report is brief and to the point, it details the important facts (the seven servants: What, Where, When, Who...) and shares some of the highlights of the event you are reporting on.  You write using the past tense and you have avoided use of personal pronouns.

What a great model of writing for others to follow!