Category: Literacy and Communication

Developing literacy and communication is a central focus of our school’s work.  We aim to enable all of our pupils to be effective communicators at their own individual level, starting with a positive and consistent affirmation.  With the support of Speech and Language therapists, we baseline our pupils skills using APEC bands and use targets to guide our focus on communication development.  We use an inclusive communication approach; our youngsters are supported through accessible low/high tech communication strategies and resources such as Eye Gaze, PODD and PIXON boards.  It is vital that our school community can communicate with one another, therefore Makaton is our chosen additional language.  We have a clear focus on developing literacy for all pupils.  Each BGE class plans a book study each term.  We have a focus on functional and environmental print.  Senior phase pupils are encouraged to generalise their literacy skills into work placements and through leadership roles.  Literacy and communication skills are required across all areas of the curriculum, therefore we practice and apply skills throughout the school day in many contexts and encourage the same within the home.

Primary Department Activities – Week Beginning 1st June

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Here are some fun activities for you to try at home this week.

If you would like to share how you have got on with our activities, please send any photos via your child’s teacher, the Orchard Brae School Facebook Messenger page or email Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk.  Downloading videos from the Orchard Brae School Facebook Messenger page appears to be working again (fingers crossed!) however if you are having any issues, please send them using a free transfer site such as Dropbox or WeTransfer.

Story Of The Week: ‘Hole At The Bottom Of The Sea’ By Jessica Law

This week’s story is one of our favourite Barefoot Books stories.  Sing along and see what you can find at the bottom of the sea.

Click below to watch and listen to the story:

The book study below has some great activities for you to try at home based on the story.

 

Links and additional documents to support the activities can be found below.

Activity 1: Sea Creature Characters

These characters can also be downloaded using the link below:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-tp-1184-under-the-sea-small-world-characters

Activity 3: Makaton Signs

Watch and learn the Makaton signs with Mr Tumble using the link below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/watch/something-special-crab-fish-octopus?collection=makaton-signs

Other Activity Ideas:

Design Your Own Sea Creature

These templates can also be downloaded using the link below:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/us-t-2549335-sea-creature-templates-cut-outs

Move Like A Sea Creature

These can be downloaded using the following link:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-29366-ocean-animal-movement-cards

Create A Sea Themed Mobile

These instructions and templates can also be downloaded using the link below:

https://www.rif.org/sites/default/files/Support_Materials/Activity_US_HITBOTS_SeaMobile_0713.pdf

Science: Minibeasts

This week we are going to continue looking at animals known as minibeasts, which you can find in your garden or local area.   Here is some interesting information about minibeasts.  The download links can be found below each activity.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-10435-minibeasts-and-their-micro-habitats-powerpoint

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t2-s-1165-insects-photo-powerpoint

Now that you know a bit more about minibeasts, why don’t you try these activities?

Minibeast Interactive Game:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-5145-minibeasts-what-am-i-interactive-powerpoint-game

Sorting Activity:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-5064-minibeasts-legs-or-no-legs-sorting-activity

Description Game:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-19367-minibeast-description-cards

Classification Game:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-12808-minibeast-classification-game

Minibeast Hunt:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/T-T-019-Minibeast-hunt-sheet

Challenges:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/cfe-t-2546706-active-homework-grid-minibeasts-themed-home-learning-challenges

Make Your Own Minibeast Hotel:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-tp-523-the-cautious-caterpillar-codys-minibeast-hotel-activity-sheet

Be Resilient!

Education Scotland, in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council, produced a Resilience Alphabet full of fun think, say, do activities designed to promote resilience and develop coping strategies.  There are a series of activities for each letter of the alphabet, so pick a letter and give it a go!

https://education.gov.scot/improvement/scotland-learns/health-and-wellbeing-activities/resilience-alphabet/

Learning Grid: Life Skills

Here is a learning grid for Life Skills.  It contains 16 activity ideas for you to help develop and promote your child’s independence in a range of household and life skills tasks.

These activities are only suggestions and we would recommend that, where appropriate, you adapt these activities to meet your child’s ability level.

Learning Grid: Get Active!

Here is a learning grid for Getting Active!  It contains 16 activity ideas for you to help promote physical activity both in and out of the home on a daily basis.

These activity are only suggestions and we would recommend completing one activity each day.  However, we would love to see what other creative ways you and your family are using to Get Active daily!

Links to YouTube Channels and websites can be found below.

Oti Mabuse Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/mosetsanagape

Joe Wicks – Body Coach YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1

Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.cosmickids.com/

Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

Learning Station YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheLearningStation

Bumble Bee Physio: https://www.facebook.com/bumblebeephysio/

imoves.com also have lots of fun exercise activities for you to try at home.  Here are some of the challenges and the links to access them:

Mountain Bike Challenge: https://imoves.com/home-learning/723

Exercise And Health: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1272

Wellness Warrior – Fruit And Veg Dance: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1332

Positions And Directions: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1334

Samba Carnival: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1340

Disco: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1346

Balance Challenge: https://imoves.com/home-learning/964

Strong Core: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1393

Bedtime Story – Friday 29th May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

We are always looking for new bedtime stories, so if you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

You’re All My Favourites (written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Anita Jeram)

Every night, while tucking in their three cubs, Mummy and Daddy Bear tell them they’re the most wonderful baby bears in the whole wide world. But one day the three little bears start to wonder, how do Mummy and Daddy know this is true? And even more worrisome to each sibling, what if my parents like my brother or sister better than me?

Bedtime Story – Thursday 28th May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

We are always looking for new bedtime stories, so if you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

Mrs Armitage On Wheels (written and illustrated by Quentin Blake)

Mrs Armitage sets off for a quiet cycle with her faithful dog, Breakspear, but she just can’t help thinking of ways to improve her bicycle. Before long she has added three very loud horns, a bucket of water to wash her hands, a complete tool kit…

Bedtime Story – Wednesday 27th May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

We are always looking for new bedtime stories, so if you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

Bringing Down The Moon (written by Jonathon Emmett and illustrated by Vanessa Cabban)

Mole thinks the moon is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen and he wants it. But bringing down the moon is not as easy as he thinks!

Bedtime Story – Tuesday 26th May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

If you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

It’s Bedtime, William! (written and illustrated by Deborah Niland)

‘William, no more jumping,’ says Dad. ‘William, it’s bedtime NOW,’ says Mum. But William has other ideas, and a very special friend to help make this his most memorable night ever!

Bedtime Story – Monday 25th May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

If you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

Big Dan Runs The Marathon (written by Daniel J. O’Neil Jr. and illustrated by Karine Makartichan)

Based on a true story, Big Dan Runs The Marathon tells the story about how runners come in all shapes and sizes and Dan’s adventures as he goes on to compete in the Boston marathon.

Primary Department Activities – Week Beginning 25th May

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Here are some fun activities for you to try at home this week.

If you would like to share how you have got on with our activities, please send any photos via your child’s teacher, the Orchard Brae School Facebook Messenger page or email Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk.  Downloading videos from the Orchard Brae School Facebook Messenger page appears to be working again (fingers crossed!) however if you are having any issues, please send them using a free transfer site such as Dropbox or WeTransfer.

Story Of The Week: ‘Shark In The Park’ By Nick Sharratt

This week’s story is about a young boy, Timothy Pope, who goes to the park to try out his new telescope.  What will he find?

Click below to watch and listen to the story:

https://www.lovemybooks.co.uk/shark-in-the-park 

The book study below has some great activities for you to try at home based on the story.

Other Activity Ideas:

Stick Puppets:

These templates can also be downloaded using the link below:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27335-is-that-a-shark-stick-puppets

Colouring Sheets:

These can be downloaded using the following link:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27360-is-that-a-shark-colouring-sheets

Pencil Control Activities:

These can be downloaded using the following links:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27361-is-that-a-shark-pencil-control-sheets

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27367-is-that-a-shark-pencil-control-path-activity-sheets

Ordering Size Activities:

This can be downloaded using the link below:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27368-is-that-a-shark-size-ordering

Number Activities:

These can be downloaded using the following links:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27363-is-that-a-shark-up-to-10-addition-sheet

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-27364-is-that-a-shark-up-to-20-addition-sheet

Science: Minibeasts

Last week, we looked at slugs and snails.  In keeping with our Story Of The Week, ‘Shark In The Park’, we are going to look at animals known as minibeasts, which you can find in your garden or local park.   Here is some interesting information about minibeasts.  The download links can be found below each activity.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-10435-minibeasts-and-their-micro-habitats-powerpoint

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t2-s-1165-insects-photo-powerpoint

Now that you know a bit more about minibeasts, why don’t you try these activities?

Minibeast Interactive Game:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-5145-minibeasts-what-am-i-interactive-powerpoint-game

Sorting Activity:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-5064-minibeasts-legs-or-no-legs-sorting-activity

Description Game:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-19367-minibeast-description-cards

Classification Game:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-12808-minibeast-classification-game

Minibeast Hunt:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/T-T-019-Minibeast-hunt-sheet

Challenges:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/cfe-t-2546706-active-homework-grid-minibeasts-themed-home-learning-challenges

Make Your Own Minibeast Hotel:

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-tp-523-the-cautious-caterpillar-codys-minibeast-hotel-activity-sheet

Be Resilient!

Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week.  Education Scotland, in conjunction with Aberdeen City Council, produced a Resilience Alphabet full of fun think, say, do activities designed to promote resilience and develop coping strategies.  There are a series of activities for each letter of the alphabet, so pick a letter and give it a go!

https://education.gov.scot/improvement/scotland-learns/health-and-wellbeing-activities/resilience-alphabet/

Learning Grid: Life Skills

Here is a learning grid for Life Skills.  It contains 16 activity ideas for you to help develop and promote your child’s independence in a range of household and life skills tasks.

These activities are only suggestions and we would recommend that, where appropriate, you adapt these activities to meet your child’s ability level.

Learning Grid: Get Active!

Here is a learning grid for Getting Active!  It contains 16 activity ideas for you to help promote physical activity both in and out of the home on a daily basis.

These activity are only suggestions and we would recommend completing one activity each day.  However, we would love to see what other creative ways you and your family are using to Get Active daily!

Links to YouTube Channels and websites can be found below.

Oti Mabuse Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/mosetsanagape

Joe Wicks – Body Coach YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1

Cosmic Kids Yoga: https://www.cosmickids.com/

Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CosmicKidsYoga

Learning Station YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheLearningStation

Bumble Bee Physio: https://www.facebook.com/bumblebeephysio/

imoves.com also have lots of fun exercise activities for you to try at home.  Here are some of the challenges and the links to access them:

Mountain Bike Challenge: https://imoves.com/home-learning/723

Exercise And Health: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1272

Wellness Warrior – Fruit And Veg Dance: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1332

Positions And Directions: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1334

Samba Carnival: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1340

Disco: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1346

Balance Challenge: https://imoves.com/home-learning/964

Strong Core: https://imoves.com/home-learning/1393

A Busy Week In Primary

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All the staff at Orchard Brae are missing seeing all our pupils every day and we are always eager to see and hear what you’ve been up to.  We love seeing what everyone has been busy doing while they are at home and we have some wonderful photos and videos to share with you this week.

If you would like to share what you have been up to at home, please send any photos or videos via your child’s teacher, the Orchard Brae School Facebook Messenger page or email Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk.  Downloading videos from the Orchard Brae School Facebook Messenger page appears to be working again (fingers crossed!) however if you are having any issues, please send them using a free transfer site such as Dropbox or WeTransfer.

Working Hard

We’ve been delighted to see how well some of our pupils have been working and learning at home .

There has been lots of work on this week’s story ‘The Snail And The Whale’, listening to the story, making seaside inspired pictures and creating seaside sensory tubs.  Some pupils enjoyed taking their daily exercise at the beach – I wonder if they managed to spot any whales?  One pupil even managed to find a seaside themed treasure trove when he was out for a walk!!

Others have been busy practising their writing or simply taking part in a familiar school routine such as circle time and some enjoyed exploring science and technology by making their own sensory bottles .

Some of you have been enjoying listening to stories, and the Bedtime stories shared on the school website and Facebook page have been a nice way to see some familiar faces and hear some familiar voices from around the school!

Making Music

It’s been a fun, musical week, listening and joining along with your favourite tunes!

Out And About

We’ve loved seeing where you’ve been visiting when you’ve been out and about in your local communities.

Getting Active

You’ve all been busy this week exploring different ways to keep yourselves active from swinging around, bouncing about on balls and on the trampoline, climbing trees, enjoying a bike ride with your family or working on building your core strength.

And Always Remember…

We love seeing all your smiles and even during this difficult and strange time it’s important to have fun, whether it’s on your own exploring nature…

…playing with your favourite toys…

…or simply chilling out and having some sensory fun.

Remember to make some wonderful memories and have fun with those you love.

We can’t wait to see what you get up to next week!

Bedtime Story – Friday 22nd May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

If you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

Hairy Maclary’s Showbusiness (written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd)

What will happen when Hairy Maclary bounces and pounces his way into the cat show? Join the fun as his flustering and blustering brings a very unexpected result!

Bedtime Story – Thursday 21st May

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Welcome to tonight’s bedtime story.  Every week night we will bring you a bedtime story for you to watch and listen to.  The stories are read by staff and pupils and we hope you enjoy seeing some familiar faces and hearing some familiar voices.

If you would like to join in and record a new bedtime story to share, please contact Amy Dunnett (Principal Teacher Primary) adunnett@aberdeencity.gov.uk for more information.

So get comfy and cuddle up because it’s time for a new Bedtime Story. Tonight’s story is…

Hairy Maclary From Donaldson’s Dairy (written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd)

Meet Hairy Maclary and his friends, Hercules Morse, Bottomley Potts, Muffin Mclay, Bitzer Maloney and Schnitzel Von Krumm. The six dogs go out for a walk, but little do they know that Scarface Claw, the toughest tom in town is lurking around the next corner.