Tree ID

This half term we have spent lots of time thinking all about plants. We have learned all about how they grow and have enjoyed watching our sunflowers in class growing over time (they are almost ready to go outside!)

As part of our plant topic, we have looked at learning the names of a few common plants and trees. We started by being given some cuttings from trees in our school grounds. We had to look at them closely and talk about the features we could see. We thought about the shape, texture and pattern of the leaves, the way in which they grew from the twig, whether they had thorns or flowers and what the buds looked like.

Once we could describe our cuttings, we were given a choice of trees that they could be from. Now we knew exactly what to look for, it was easy to identify our trees! We realised our trees were hawthorn and beech and that the flowers were daisies and dandelions.

Next, we headed out onto the school field with our cuttings and a map and used our growing map skills to mark where we had these plants on our site. We used a key to show whereabouts each of our newly learned species was growing.

The children were very engaged in this activity and some of them expressed that they were really keen to learn about even more types of trees. I am currently using the Woodland Trust's free app 'British Trees' on my phone for species ID as part of my Forest School course and I think its easy to use when out and about. Maybe the children can learn with me or even teach me a few? Leave me a comment if you do decide to have a go!

Have a wonderful weekend (:

Sheringham Park

This week the children have had lots of opportunities to learn outside in the sunshine. Earlier in the week the children learnt about the artist, Andy Goldsworthy. They discovered that his work used natural materials, colour and pattern...

 

After a class discussion noting the features of Goldsworthy's work, the class headed outside to use what they had learned to create their own versions!

Later in the week, the school went on a trip to Sheringham Park. It was a beautifully sunny day and every single child was fantastic. They were polite to members of National Trust staff, respectful of members of the public and mindful of the natural environment we were working in. It was wonderful to see the children using what they've learned in Forest School sessions when pond dipping, bug hunting and making outdoor art - they even told National trust staff about how they care for creatures and plants, which was brilliant. Well done Orange Class, yet again you did our school so proud! Enjoy looking at our photos and have a wonderful weekend!