Wonder, Believe, Shine & Achieve - Welcome to Year 5!
Our Spring topic is Native Americans or First Nations (as they are known in Canada).
We are travelling to North America to learn about the indigenous peoples and their descendants.
Through our class reader, Code Talker, by Joseph Bruchac we will learn of the extraordinary bravery and citizenship of the Navajo people during World War 2. As part of their studies, the children will create their own Navajo wall hanging using traditional weaving techniques.
Art will feature the First Nations in Canada, where there are three groups of Aboriginal peoples: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. They have their own unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs – all linked to stewardship of creation.
Through the artist, Bil Reid, we will focus on two very different nations in British Columbia: The Squamish (Coast Salish) lived in massive cedar longhouses, while the Lílwat (Interior Salish) dwelled in Istkens. Both these nations have traditionally lived among the mountains and by the sea.
Class readers for this term are:
- Code Talkers by Joseph Bruchac
- Native American History for Kids by Karen Bush Gibson
In Religious Education (RE) through the 'Come and See' programme we will look at the topics:
- Local Church - Community: Mission: Life Choices (Continuing Jesus’ mission in diocese (ecumenism))
- Eucharist - Relating: Memorial Sacrifice: Life Choices (The Eucharist; the living memorial of Jesus)
- Lent/Easter - Giving: Sacrifice (Lent, a time of giving in order to celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus)
Vow to Wow Curriculum:
- Tinkology: Examine 3D shapes and determine the net for a Tipi or other native dwelling / GMEC 2021 Competition
- Mantle of the Expert: Commission into the Navajo way of life and the experiences in WW2
Homework
Each week every child will be expected to complete:
- Spellings using Spelling Shed - due dates online
- Maths using MathsWatch - due dates online
- 20 minutes reading every night (minimum 5 nights out of 7) with a comment or reflection by the child in their reading record - signed by a parent before handing in on a Friday morning