Prep

Dear Prep families,

We have had a great 4 weeks in Prep this term, with so much learning taking place!

Literacy

Reading

In Reading, we have been particularly focusing on non-fiction texts. Our Preps have been identifying key features of these texts, such as factual information, using a contents page and a glossary. We have been reading non-fiction books all about different animals. We have focused on finding factual information about a specific animal and creating a fact file. At home can your child find three facts in a non-fiction book? Can they use these facts to create a fact file on this topic?

Writing

In Writing, students have begun learning about information reports. We’ve introduced students to the purpose of information reports. They’ve learned that these reports aim to provide factual information. Students have been labelling diagrams, such as animals and photographs of their own faces and using these labels to create sentences. We have also focused on how to include important information when writing facts.

Phonics

In our phonics program, students are continuing to build their understanding of grapheme-phoneme correspondences for reading and spelling. We introduced the graphemes ck, th (as in thin and pick), and wh. These letter combinations can represent different sounds, and students are learning to recognise and use them in both their reading and writing. We are explicitly teaching that "ck" is used after the short vowel sounds /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, and /u/ (e.g. back, peck, sick, lock, duck). Through repeated exposure, hands-on activities, and guided practice, students are becoming more confident in applying these patterns as they read and spell new words.

Maths

In Maths we have been consolidating our learning about sharing an amount equally. We have been learning how to share objects between groups and explaining how we know this is fair. Can your child share a snack between family members and ensure that it is shared equally?

We have continued learning about counting forwards and backwards starting from any number. At home you could give your child a number and ask them to count forwards or count backwards from that number, this can be done verbally or by asking them to write the numbers.

Unit of Inquiry

In Inquiry learning, students have continue to explore our Unit of Inquiry.- Transdisciplinary Theme, ‘Sharing the Planet’, by unpacking our new Central Idea, ‘Understanding the needs and wants of living things’. Students have been exploring the difference between what livings things 'need' and what living things may 'want'. We have made fact files based on a non-fiction text we have been reading. At home your child could have a go at drawing an animal and drawing what this animal needs. Or if you have a family pet, your child could locate all of the things your pet needs to live.

Science Week Fun

During Science Week, our Prep students were busy exploring the world around them through simple, hands-on experiments. They investigated concepts such as growing cress and floating and sinking, and causing a volcano to errupt! They explored cause and effect by mixing everyday ingredients to observe surprising reactions. These playful experiments sparked curiosity, encouraged questions, and helped students begin to think like young scientists!

Families are encouraged to continue the fun at home by exploring everyday science together. Simple activities like water play, cooking, or observing nature can lead to wonderful discoveries and learning moments.

Reminders

Please make sure your child’s iPad is fully charged and brought to school every day so they’re ready for learning.
If your child is away, please enter the reason for their absence on XUNO. If you need help with this, feel free to contact the office or chat with your classroom teacher.
Book Week is coming up in Week 5 (August 18–22)! This year’s theme is ‘Book an Adventure!’ Dress Up Day will be held on Friday, August 22, and students are encouraged to come dressed as a character from their favourite story.
In Week 6 (26, 27 28 August), we will be having a Wildlife Xposure incursion at school. Students will learn about and interact with Australian animals as part of our inquiry into living things. A note with more information and payment details has been sent via XUNO.

Warm regards,

The Prep Team