Group 21

It has been a busy and rewarding term for Group 21, with a strong focus on developing important life skills to support independence. Students have engaged in a variety of meaningful learning experiences, including cooking, social interactions, shared reading, and building their understanding of the concept of public and private in relation to body parts and information sharing. 

As part of our ongoing life skills program, students participated in practical activities that can be applied at home. They explored planning and decision-making by selecting foods and creating shopping lists, as well as practising how to order items in settings such as an ice-cream shop and a restaurant. Students also developed their independence with everyday routines such as hanging clothes on hangers, folding garments, and putting them away neatly in drawers. In addition, they practised washing dishes and safely loading and unloading a dishwasher. Cooking activities have been a highlight, with students preparing items such as toast, toasted cheese sandwiches, and milkshakes.

During different activities, students have had many opportunities to develop their social skills, including taking turns, waiting patiently, and following rules. They enjoyed a range of engaging games, such as a matching activity where they identified pairs featuring their own photos! Creativity has also been fostered through collaborative model-making using coloured construction discs. We have also been outside gardening to look at the change in seasons and working together to pick up the leaves. 

Finally, Group 21 contributed to joint pieces of art work for Reconciliation Week and Environment Day.

Reading has been another key focus this term, linked to our theme of Books and Characters. Students have participated in shared reading experiences on a variety of topics, including visiting the doctor and making friends, helping to build both comprehension and social understanding.

As part of Health, Group 21 have been learning about different parts of the body including private parts and understanding the difference between private and public information. Students have also begun to consider what information is appropriate to share, and with whom. These important discussions will continue next term, along with learning about appropriate behaviours in public and private spaces.

We look forward to continuing our learning journey together in Term 3!

Barbara, Jenny and Melinda