Term 4 Weeks 1 - 5

Well here we are, Term 4, 2016!
How fast has this year flown?! It is so hard to think that Year One is almost over. 

The beginning of Term 4 has been a busy one. As you know I have recently returned from America where I attended a fantastic Professional Learning opportunity. I look forward to implementing many new ideas and strategies in my classroom over the coming weeks.

Whilst in America I was fortunate enough to visit Sequoia National Park (http://www.visitsequoia.com/Sequoia-National-Park.aspx). It was just amazing! I have begun to share some of my photos with the children. I have also placed a link for the Park above for you to have a look at.

Reminders

Swimming notes have now been sent home. Please fill out the necessary details and return to school with money attached.

Family Fun Night will be a great night hosted by the school's P&C. We encourage students to bring in some donations for our Bowling stall. These can include small things such as, stationary (pencils, erasers), chocolate, lollies etc. If unsure, please come and see me. Thank you in advance for donating!

Science

As you know, this term we had another round of Super Scientist Presentations. I must say, the standard of these presentations were outstanding once again! I was so impressed by the confidence students displayed during their presentation. Clearly, they were well prepared in order to deliver such engaging presentations. Thank you to all parents and families who have provided such wonderful support for your children. It was very difficult to choose just 2 Room 22 Super Scientist Finalists, congratulations goes to Madelyn and Naomi, who then presented at the year level assembly on Tuesday afternoon. Congratulations to Jessica from Room 9 for taking out the title this term.

Here are a few experiments

  

Literacy

This term we continue to focus of reading and comprehension. It is important to ask you children questions before, during and after reading to ensure they have understood what they have read. In order to develop full comprehension, fluency is imperative. Fluency enables children to concentrate on what they are reading rather than individual words. This skill is developed by re-reading familiar texts. 

We are also focusing on writing. The children have been given prompts for writing such as: If I were the Principal for a day, If I were a superhero, If I were invisible etc. The open structure of these prompts enables children to write freely and concentrate on their spelling, vocabulary and sentence structure. Come in and read some of your child's amazing work, some are quite clever and funny.

Maths

This term, we have been focusing on column equations, both addition and subtraction. We have recently been learning the strategies associated with borrowing and regrouping. We have learned a chant to help us remember the steps. Ask your child for a demonstration. If this is an area you would like to know more about, please feel free to come in and as for a demo. 

This term will also see a big focus on money. Please support your child by allowing them to count coins, discuss the cost of items when you are shopping and how much money would be required to pay for them.