Foundation News

The Power of Provocations

A provocation can come in many different forms. During Investigations, it is always intended to provoke thoughts, ideas, and actions that can help to expand on a thought, project, idea or an interest. In Foundation, it is with great intent that we use provocations to cause students to begin to do something. Provocations are very powerful. Each day, teachers invest a lot of time, thought and energy into the best way provocations can be set up. Effective provocations relate to the children's interests, they are authentic, they are open ended, they embed the curriculum and they promote learning. Provocations allow children to use a range of materials, practise a range of skills, have thinking challenged and promote socialisation and fun. When children decide to extend/continue or take on a provocation, they are often invited to be a 'freebie' during Reflection Time. This means they can highlight their learning in front of their peers, which makes them feel great. So the next time your child comes home and says they were a 'freebie', ask them what skill they were practising and what provocation they extended. And of course, don't forget tell them how proud of them you are.

We invite you to have a look at the photos below to see how children make use of provocations during their investigative learning.

Christian V & Christian M in the Construction Area building structures

Jayden & Alexandra in the Maths Area practising relational thinking

Allira and Naomi in the Writing Area writing notes including verbs

Victoria in the Writing area writing a letter including nouns

Vincent on the Collage Table cutting a pattern

Amy in the Reading Area writing a book response

Zane in The Hospital Area writing Friday's jobs

Harriet in the Bakery putting together a menu including food with focus sounds.

Aydin in the Sensory Area recording sensory verbs

Celebrating NAIDOC Week-Always Was, Always Will Be.

Kangaroo Hunting by Angelo Burgoyne Judda

This year's NAIDOC Theme: Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. To celebrate and as part of their learning, Foundation students viewed different Aboriginal art work and literature. They became familiar with ways Aboriginal people of the past and present communicate important messages through the use of symbols. Students learnt about the importance of respecting and caring our for our land by only using what is needed. They have applied this understanding by sorting rubbish so that less is put into landfill, and the Kulin nation becomes a better place. As part of writing, Foundation students used the image 'Kangaroo Hunting' by Angelo Burgoyne Judda, as inspiration to write their own story incorporating indigenous symbols. They interpreted their story using written words which we invite you to read.

FL Stories

FJ Stories

Parent Teacher Chat

Teachers in Foundation are making themselves available next week for 5 minute Parent Teacher Chats. If you would like to meet with your child's teacher via Zoom, please email your homeroom teacher by COB, Thursday, 26th November.

Available times are:

Monday 30th November (FJ & FL) -3:40-5pm

Wednesday 2nd December (FJ)-9:15-10:45am

Wednesday 2nd December (FL)-3:40- 5pm

Zoom links will be sent out before scheduled times.