Year 1 Curriculum Newsletter

Dear Year 1 Parents and Guardians,

We hope this newsletter finds you well. As we embark on an exciting final term, we want to keep you informed about what your child will be learning in Year 1. This term promises to be filled with engaging activities and valuable educational experiences.

Reading: Exploring the World of Literature

In Reading, students will be diving into the world of literature. They will be exposed to various stories and text types, nurturing their love for reading. As part of our Author Study program, we will be exploring the works of three authors: Jeannie Baker, Oliver Jeffers, and Nick Bland. Your child will have the opportunity to delve into the captivating stories and beautiful illustrations crafted by these authors. This will not only enhance their reading skills but also introduce them to diverse styles of storytelling.

Writing: Persuasive Texts

In Writing, students will learn how to express their opinions effectively and persuasively. This will include crafting persuasive letters, creating compelling arguments, and understanding the power of language in influencing others. We encourage you to engage in discussions with your child about real-life situations where persuasion plays a role.

Mathematics: Exploring Numerical Concepts

In Maths, we will be tackling various topics, including:

Division and Multiplicative Thinking: Your child will develop a solid foundation in division and multiplicative thinking, which is essential for solving everyday problems.
Fractions: We will introduce basic concepts of fractions, helping students understand parts of a whole and how they relate to daily life.
Measurement: We will explore measurement, using various tools and units to quantify length, weight, and capacity.
Place Value: Building on their knowledge of numbers, students will delve into place value, gaining a deeper understanding of how numbers work.

Inquiry: Discovering Light and Sound

Our inquiry topic for this term is "Light and Sound." Your child will embark on a journey to discover the fundamental properties of light and sound, how they interact with the world around us, and their practical applications. Hands-on experiments and engaging activities will allow students to explore the exciting world of science.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or if you would like to be involved in classroom activities. We look forward to a term filled with learning, growth, and exploration.

The Year 1 Team

Leah, Jen and Gennetta

VISUAL ARTS

This term in Visual Arts, students in Year 1 will explore paper construction, making cylinder shapes, imaginative shapes, animal shapes. They will learn about the elements of line and movement as they manipulate paper and discover different ways to attach one shape to another.

Students will create colourful works of art as they gain skills in paper weaving. They will discover the differences between abstract and realistic artworks.

Students will continue to further develop their ability to describe artworks they make and view, including where and why artworks are made and viewed.

Performing Arts

This term Grade 1 students will be exploring narrative structure and character development whilst developing their Media literacy skills. Students will plan, design and create their own Fairy Tale Cartoon animation using an app called Puppet Pals on the iPads. Working in small groups, students will narrate their animations and explore the use of vocal expression when creating a cartoon character. Towards the end of the term students will begin rehearsal for our Kismet Christmas Carols picnic which will showcase performances from all year levels.

Japanese

This term in Japanese the Year 1 students are developing their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through the topic, “I Want Fruit!”. Students will participate in small group activities to support their ability to read and write 9 fruit names. They will also be supported to perform a role play set in a fruit shop, in small groups. Some of the phrases used in the role play include “welcome [may I help you]”, “I want …”, “can I please have …”, “here you are” and “thank you”.

The Year 1 students will also learn about the cultural event, Health and Sports Day held in Japan and participate in a scavenger hunt to celebrate this event. They will work with partners to locate Japanese colours around the schoolyard.

This term students will be participating in a variety of minor games. They will be taught to listen to an umpire and accept decisions that are made. Students will be encouraged to work with others and display good sportsmanship. They will be encouraged to use their ball skills to help their team be successful.