Grade One

General:

It’s hard to believe we are in Week 6 of Term Two! We have been very busy over the last few weeks having FUN at school with lots of BIG events! The Grade 1 students showed immense enthusiasm with Active April and a big congratulations to all students who participated this year. Students enjoyed engaging in tasks in preparation of celebrating their mothers and special people in their lives for Mother’s Day. They should be proud of their efforts and commended for their incredible manners during the annual Mother’s Day stall. National Simultaneous Storytime this year was a huge success. We enjoyed listening to the story “The Speedy Sloth” by Rebecca Young and Heath McKenzie.

English:

This term, Grade 1 students have been learning all about historical recounts and how to research and retell factual events from the past. Students conducted interviews with their grandparents on their time at school. Students then used this information to write a structured recount using specific language features. The students had the opportunity to immerse themselves into a Back In Time School Day where everyone dressed up as students in the 1950s. The students then used their experiences of writing on blackboards, playing with old school games and counting using bead frames, to write a recount of this historical event. All students have worked through the writing process to plan, draft, edit, revise and publish some of their own writing. 

In reading, students have been practising their retell skills with both fiction and nonfiction texts. They have been focusing on their comprehension skills and answering questions using more detailed answers. Students have been responding and reflecting on shared texts through making connections and recording their wonderings.

Mathematics:

The Grade 1 students have been working hard during Mathematics this term. To begin our term, we collated data for our grade and our daily laps for Active April where students then used this data to design their own graphs. In the week leading up to Mothers’ Day, we explored money and had a practice of counting Australian coins before we visited the Mothers’ Day stall. We practiced telling the time in terms of o’clock and half past through the use of mini clocks as well as recording digitally. We used a range of manipulatives to measure the length of different objects around the classroom. We also had great fun hefting and comparing the mass of objects in the classroom through open ended experiences.

Integrated Studies & RRRR:

This term we have been exploring Social Justice in Integrated Studies. We have loved learning about the many different cultures that make up our classrooms and have explored different styles of music, dance and art. Students have enjoyed sharing about their own cultures and celebrating other cultures within the class. 

Grade 1 students have been learning some positive strategies to cope with strong emotions, such as anger and fear. Some of these strategies include belly/starfish breathing, counting to 10 and sharing your feelings with someone who can help.

The Grade One team