Achilles Community Report

Reading

In Reading, we have been looking at a range of different strategies to support students ability to de-code while reading as well as improve their reading fluency. Students have practised the below strategies while reading in their reading groups and during independent or paired reading.

Within Reading, we have been learning about the purpose, structure and features of a persuasive text. Persuasive texts are a way of learning how to persuade someone about our opinion. In Persuasive text students learnt about giving opinion on a topic, finding for and against arguments in the text. Students got the opportuning to give their opinion by agreeing or disagreeing with the topic. We read a variety of persuasive texts in which students had to identify the arguments and examples given and identify the persuasive language within the texts. Students learnt that the use of strong emotive language helps to persuade the reader.

Writing

During writing this month we have begun to create persuasive texts. First we looked at why we write persuasives and what we use them for. Students then came up with all kinds of topics we could write and persuade people about. We learnt about opinions and facts so we knew the difference and could add them into our texts. We then made our first attempt with a topic to write about and did our best to persuade people that summer was better than winter. We began to learn about the structure of a persuasive text and understood it has an introduction, reasons, facts and a conclusion.

Maths

In Maths, we have been exploring money. Students first looked at the denominations of Australian currency, and how to add up money to pay for everyday purchases. Grade 1s have been examining coins, while Grade 2s have been building on their previous knowledge of coins by examining banknotes in addition to coins. We have learned that there are different ways to add up different denominations of coins to make an equal amount of money, and that there are 100 cents in every dollar. As a crossover with our cultural exploration unit in Inquiry, students have also examined commemorative coins from the Royal Australian Mint, along with coins and banknotes from foreign currencies.

Inquiry

In Inquiry this month, the students have embarked on a wonderful journey of cultural exploration. Students have been discovering the different cultures we have around the world.

The students have discussed traditional clothing worn and delicious foods that exist. Students were also fascinated by the world map and the different flags we have. The students were able to be creative as they crafted their own version of artefacts around the world.

SEL

During our social and emotional learning sessions, our students have been learning to develop positive and negative gender norms. Through these activities they are learning to identify that being a boy or a girl should not determine or limit the sorts of sports or activities that they enjoy. Students have been practising respectful and gender-friendly behaviour by playing a game in a group and participating in group activities.

Victorian Curriculum

Here is the link to the Victorian Curriculum if you would like to take a look at what we cover throughout the year.

https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/level1

https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/level2

Reminders

Doors open at 8:40am
Dismissal at 3:10pm
Ensure your child’s belongings are clearly labelled. This includes clothing, drink bottles, hats and lunchboxes (lids too)
Students are to come to school with a full water bottle each day (labelled)

What you can do with your child at home

Continue to read to and with your child each night.
Encourage your child to develop more independence. (Help pack/unpack their school bag/lunch, or get their uniform ready)
Encourage your child to take increased responsibility for their own belongings.
Establishing a regular routine helps students to develop a positive approach to learning and will benefit them as they progress through their schooling.
Encourage your child to practise tying their own shoelaces.
If you need to speak to your child’s mentor teacher, please contact the office to pass on the message or organise this before or after school.

Kind Regards,

1/2 Achilles

Holly, Scott, Britt, Calvin and Amanjot