Primary School new topic launch
On Friday 6th of January, Treloar Primary School launched its new topic Planting a rainbow, using the knowledge from last term topic To infinity and beyond (what is the main difference in our planet that allows us to grow plants?).
The launch began with an introduction to the topic and chance to sing and sign to celebrate the occasion. Periklis Karachalias, Leader of Learning for Primary School at Treloar’s, read the topic book, Lois Ehlert’s Planting a rainbow to the group. Katherine Paddington presented all the different learning opportunities of the topic and students were engaged throughout the presentation.
Once the presentation finished, the students were given chances to engage in a variety of activities, linked to the topic: Sensory exploration (mixing colours, playing with slimy dough), Scientific exploration (exploring different vegetables and learning about plants and their parts), yoga story (Rainbow fish) and art activities (making their own rainbow).
“I loved it!” and “I want more yoga stories!” were just some of the comments from the students participating in the launch. They all enjoyed it very much.
Topic launches and personalised students plans
At the beginning of every term, Primary School teachers launch a new topic or theme for their lessons. Introducing new topics at the start of each term provides breadth and balance to student learning. Periklis said:
The introduction of a new topic to students creates anticipation; it motivates them and makes them more curious.
It is important to mention that, despite having one common theme per term, all teachers have to create personalised plans for all their students. Due to varied student needs within one class, every student has a personalised plan to follow. In order to create such a plan every term, teachers build on prior knowledge of their students and put together a list with targets that not only meets the needs of every learner, but also meets the objectives of the new topic.
Planting a rainbow: Topic learning opportunities
Learning opportunities that come from introducing a new theme every term are countless – each topic opens a door to a new world that can be explored by students in a number of ways. The topic that is covered this term at Treloar’s, Planting a rainbow, introduces students to colours, weather, days of the week, plants and growth amongst others.
In terms of key English teaching skills, this Spring term, Primary students will be learning about recounting stories, instructions and procedures.
Outdoor learning opportunities
In addition to classroom learning, students will be engaging in outdoor activities, such as spring nature walks to hunt for rainbow colours in nature (they will be then guided in using their observations to write simple colour word poems) with the focus on the instructions that can be used before, during and after a spring nature walk. Students will be also visiting local Garden Centres and National Trust gardens. Additionally, children will welcome farm animals and their keepers who are coming to Treloar’s later this term.