Update 1. 22.9.23

We have been working together as a team to decide what we want our project to be. After weeks of collaboration we think we have it! In our first project update see how this all came together.

First, we learnt that our project had to have a geography focus. We researched what this meant and used this as our 'umbrella'. Upon realising we had many ideas of what our project could be we decided to work in small groups to create large mind maps. These mind maps featured the ideas of our small group, using reference books for additional inspiration before adding detail and colour. Then while in our small groups we flipped our paper and decided on the idea that we were most interested in. Some children couldn't settle on one particular favourite so decided to combine ideas, others had very clear ideas. Throughout this process we set clear expectations that there was the potential that one groups loved idea may not actually be best suited to this particular project. This became true when we landed our four different ideas "Have you ever been in a stormy rainforest?", 'Sealife', 'Maps' and "What do you think it's like to live on the sea?". Working together we decided to combine two ideas and also save two ideas for our next project! Teamwork! Check out the buzz of a project session here.

Then, we learnt about visual mind maps, working to create one with our own individual style. Our centre idea was Autumn Project with our first off shoots being the main elements decided from our group work - rainforests, maps, water and weather. The purpose of these were to share what information we already know. These are still a work in progress and will be a great comparison piece when we reach the end of the project.

Next, while creating our visual mind maps we learnt about and revisited the topic of feedback. Using our glow and grow format we remembered that feedback is meant to be specific, kind and constructive. We paused twice during our sessions to complete a museum walk, observing, admiring and noticing the work of others and using post it notes to give some feedback. This was a great opportunity to help our friends and help ourselves. 

We look forward to refining the steps above next week and deep diving into the rainforest!

Update 2. 13.10.23

Wow! We have learnt so much since our last update. We are fast on our way to becoming rainforest experts.

First, we began by learning about the different layers of the rainforest. We used a wonderful book called Up in the Canopy to hook in our interest. This book alongside a variety of images and videos increased our knowledge of the plants, animals, climate and names of each layer.  Individually we shared our knowledge through a triarama. Using our explanation skills we were able to share this information and also the reason why there is such variation between the layers. 

Then, our focus shifted to skills. We learnt the important research skill of note taking. In small groups we researched about an animal of the rainforest. We learnt about highlighting and went ahead highlighting the key information about our animal from a fact file. This felt like such a game to us and we enjoyed it thoroughly. We noted down key information about habitat, appearance, diet and much more. We then worked collaboratively to retrieve information. In small groups we read a book based on a rainforest around the world and together aimed to answer a variety of questions. This was a tough task but with modelling, we gained such pace and can now do this independently. 

Next, we worked on our mapping and location skills. Together we began to understand the abstract concept of the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn and the Equator. From our previous research we realised that all of our rainforests land near the Equator and in between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Using atlases and Google Earth we found the location of some rainforests and plotted them on a globe. We dove deeper into these places and learnt about the climate of a variety of rainforests. To help us conceptualise the climate of our rainforests we wrote in role as a weather reporter or holidaymaker, writing a postcard home. We detailed the weather that we have been experiencing in our specific rainforest. This also helped us to understand how weather and climate have different meanings. 

We are having such a wonderful time working together on this project. We are being such wonderful role models to each other and building our class culture of respect, focus and joy as we go!

Update 3. 10.11.23

We were lucky enough to welcome back Mark from the Polka Theatre to work with us to create a performance for our end of term exhibition. Without giving too much away here is an update!

First, we began by generating an abundance of ideas. We explained our project to Mark and clearly described to him the information we have learnt about rainforests so far. As a group we learnt to compromise, collaborate, agree and disagree on ideas in order to create our initial performance plan. In smaller groups we decided what was important to us to share about certain elements of the rainforest, keeping our target audience in mind. 

Then, we began the staging process. We had to consider many performance elements such as levels, audience, projection, interaction, movement and music. As always we jumped right into this and through the act of doing realised how we could use the space appropriately and keep the audience engaged. We rehearsed each section, reflecting and refining as we went. We then decided we needed to write a quick song to add into our performance, with our endless energy and Marks generous nature we wrote a song in just 20 minutes, rounding out our staging process. 

Next, we performed to the Amazing Woodpeckers (Year 2/3)! Yes, we performed a show that we wrote which didn't even exist mere hours prior that included, movement, music, singing and speaking! It was amazing! We were so brave, had such flexible brains and were willing to make mistakes all in the name of growth. We received some wonderful feedback from the Woodpeckers and were very proud of our efforts. 

We are very exited to rehearse and develop our performance over the next month ready to perform to our family at exhibition.

Update 4. 1.12.23

We went on our first school trip and took part in an immersive experience, exploring the sights and smells of the rainforest plants located in Kew’s historic Palm House. 

First, we met our wonderful guide Ellie, she was brilliant and tailored the session to our ability and prior knowledge. She explained the rules of the garden and guided us to the Palm House. Once inside the very warm Palm House Ellie showed us a variety of plants located in rainforests. We were able to see and touch plants that are used for shelter, food, medicine and products. We gained knowledge about papayas, cocoa beans, coffee beans, vanilla beans, bamboo, Madagascan periwinkle and much more.

Then, Ellie took us to an indoor space to use more of our senses. Ellie had carefully prepared three tables for us to look, touch, smell and taste. On table one we were provided with an array of artifacts all made from plants in the rainforest, we needed to identify the use of the artefact and match it the plant it was made from using a picture and description. Table two had items for us to taste and smell. We smelt spices and matched them to a labels, looked at dried goods and identified their names and had a taste of papaya, pineapple and plantain. On the third table we were customers in a supermarket, identifying ingredients in products that came from the rainforest. Ellie even taught us about symbols on packaging which supports rainforests. 

Next, we shared gratitude with Ellie before eating our picnic lunch in the rose garden – some would say this was one of the highlights of the day! After a play we were given the choice of how to spend our afternoon, we were so enamoured by the Palm House we all desired to return and explore this magical space further. We spent a long time carefully sketching the things around us and had to be peeled away to get on the bus back to school. We had a such a wonderful trip, with a special thanks going to our parent helpers! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We are now moving full steam ahead to exhibition. We have used some of knowledge gained at Kew Gardens to deepen the content of our performance and the detail of our working wall. We cannot wait to see you all on Thursday.