Science - The periodic table

I'm recommending this book - Usborne lift the flap Periodic Table - because I've found it absolutely invaluable in teaching Niamh the basics of the periodic table.

The national curriculum for year 5 doesn't focus hugely on the periodic table but I really think learning about different elements is essential for understanding other subjects such as geography for the carbon cycle and for further studies.

Niamh loves factual books and will happily read this because it's fun to read, interesting and it's so useful for any home educator.

Comments

Maths - Roman Numerals and Latin

When confronted with Roman numerals in her maths book, Niamh was dismissive of the need to know and understand Roman numerals and Latin. Latin for many is a worthwhile language - useful for both botany and anatomy, and it forms the basis of the English Language and Roman numerals are everywhere if you only look.

David Attenborough and Jane Goodall Art Project

Such a great drawing project! I learnt this technique in art colleges, yonks ago, and due to Niamh's lack of belief in her drawing skills I thought this would be ideal. (You print the picture you want to draw, section it and then mirror the sectioning on your paper/canvas). Using environmentalist hero/shero - Sir David Attenborough and Dr Jane Goodall, who Niamh already knows a lot about, I hoped this would give Niamh the chance to see that drawing is a learning process, rather than a simple talent. Being truly honest,she hasn't enjoyed this and has unfortunately decided that she doesn't enjoy the process. I'll keep going with it because I think if I can just get her to finish it, she may be surprised at the end result.

Geography - Wild food mapping

Niamh loved maps so using wild food I asked her to explore the local park and map the area using wild food. Foraging with kids is an excellent book that we found at the library and offers simple recipes. We knew where wild garlic and blackberries grew in Spring and Autumn and we'd previously made crumbles and pesto with the products we'd found. Over the course of two days, we discovered: Blackberries Slow berries Elderberries Watercress Watering Apple's Sunflower heads (roasted - these are incredible!) Rowan

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