Outdoor Learning
With Scott, room 2 have been learning the skills involved in Orienteering.
We all enjoy learning outside; following the route; looking for the orienteering flags in the playground; being first to find the flag; selecting the flag numbers (and correct colour) and matching them to the appropriate number on the orienteering board.
Room 2’s class team are very proud of all the pupils and how quickly they have learnt the skills involved.
Some of us have been looking for signs of Autumn when we’ve been out and about. We’ve noticed the weather changing a little – while we’ve had some sunny days, there’s also a chill in the air. The autumn colours are starting to appear and we notice the trees changing colour, both in our playground and in the community. Lots of beautiful orange, red and yellow. Some of us have made autumn pictures using the leaves we’ve collected.
We have also enjoyed some relaxing music:
Outdoor Learning: We took a walk around the school grounds and collected items as the children saw them. We came back to class to make ‘Natural Things’ panels, which you can see us making in the photographs. We will use these panels to decorate our outdoor area.
Making instruments in Science and Music: We are making our own xylophones, one of which can go outside as it has been made from drainpipes. We have rolled and used Sellotape, we have tapped to hear the different sounds we could make with our rolls. We have used string to make knots. We are going to use some of our own instruments in class music and see what difference size and volume can make to notes and pitch.#
Our morning and afternoon nursery children at Howes Road have been very busy since starting Nursery this term. Many have been showing an interest in vehicles and we have been listening to stories and songs about cars, buses and other things that help us to move around. A favourite song is ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ and great fun has been had playing the desk bells which sound like the bell on the bus. Some children have been using vehicles in the paint and looking at their tyre tracks. Others have been exploring the paint with their fingers. The garage and toy cars have proven very popular as the cars go up and down ramps whilst some children have been exploring cause and effect steering wheel toys or completing puzzles.
We also made lots of playdough as part of a group and have been using transport cutters to make shapes of planes, cars, trains and motorbikes. Some have been rolling the playdough in their hands and squeezing it as it is lovely and soft.
We have had fun in the nursery garden, watering the flowers when it has been sunny and jumping in the puddles when it has been raining.
All the returning children from Orchard Brae at Ashgrove have settled well since starting back in August. We have been able to welcome new children to our Nursery and it has been great to see how quickly they have adapted to their new setting. They all appear to be enjoying and becoming familiar within the Nursery environment.
We have been doing lots of sensory activities with painting, gloop and shaving foam. We have also been making vegetable and fruit printing pictures. We have been planting our spring bulbs and enjoying what remains of the “summer weather.”
As the trees are now beginning to change colour we have been exploring this concept as we go for walks in the local community. Some of the children have shown great interest in our apple and plum trees which grow in our outdoor play area and have been collecting them. We have used some of the plums for our snack. Next week we are planning to use the apples to make apple pie.
The staff team at Ashgrove are all looking forward to working with the children and supporting them throughout their time with us.
We were overwhelmed by the response we had to our sensory garden appeal. The donations of resources, time and money have helped to make a unique and already well loved area for our pupils to enjoy and explore.
A huge extra special Orchard Brae thanks to:
As the weather gets cooler, classes have been making a bug hotel in the new sensory garden. We have been exploring different plants and textures to make a place where insects can keep warm over the winter. We have used grasses, thistle down and a variety of plants to create a cosy environment for our tiny guests to stay in over the colder months.
We have also been setting up tasks for pupils to help keep our playground tidy, like raking the sandpit. These jobs are great experience and provide a fantastic opportunity to be involved in real work.
We have also been establishing bird feeders outside class and in the new sensory garden.
Our Google Classrooms have gone live! Your child’s teacher will be using Google Classroom to share activities with you but we are aware that some families are waiting on technology and other supports to enable them to access Google Classroom so we will still be posting a selection of activities here too. If you haven’t logged in yet or having difficulty accessing Google Classroom please contact your child’s teacher who will be able to offer you support and advice. Here is a short video to show you some of the exciting things happening on Google Classroom.
If you would like to share how you have got on with our activities, please share any photos via your child’s teacher, through Google Classroom, 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.
Virtual Sports Day:
This week we are holding our first ever Virtual Sports Day and we would like to thank our PE teachers, Amanda and Salvi for organising this. Our Virtual Sports Day will start on Monday 22nd June and we would love for as many of our pupils, families and staff as possible to join in.
There will be 8 challenges for you to try at home and you will have the whole week to complete as many challenges as you can. Each challenge will have a short video clip which will include a demonstration of the task and suggested equipment to use. Challenges can be copied, adapted or you can even devise your own.
If you would like to participate, please check your child’s ab-ed.org email where you will find an invitation to join and access the Virtual Sports Day Google Classroom.
Story Of The Week: The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
This week’s story is a wonderful shimmering underwater adventure – The Rainbow Fish. Troughout this story, the Rainbow Fish gradually realises the importance of friendship and sharing!
Using the link below you can watch and listen to the story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifXlc0QI2kY
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: Fish Outlines
Activity 3: Aquarium Sensory Bag
Activity 5: Fishy Biscuit Recipe
This recipe can also be found at https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/easiest-ever-biscuits
Other Activity Ideas:
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!
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.
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: ‘Hamish The Highland Cow’ By Natalie Russell
This week’s story is all about Hamish the very hairy Highland Cow who hates having baths and doesn’t like getting his hair cut!
Click below to watch and listen to the story on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02IDS8Bp0-E
However, one of our teacher’s, Jessica, has also made a lovely video of her reading this story, which is a favourite in her classroom!
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: Messy Play
https://www.learning4kids.net/2012/05/02/how-to-make-gloop/
Activity 2: Farm Games
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/Flash.aspx?bbc=i-went-to-visit-a-farm
Activity 4: Make A Picture
Activity 5: Milk Experiments
https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/magic-milk-a-classic-science-experiment-for-kids/
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:
Make Your Own Minibeast Hotel:
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!
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
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:
Make Your Own Minibeast Hotel:
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!
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
