Class 1 News

The start of term 3 has been very exciting with the introduction of the 4 mathematical processes. We have introduced the big ideas through characters that express the qualities of each process. At this stage it is just an introduction and important only for the children to gain the basic idea of each process, to gain a general understanding, there is plenty of opportunity for further practice as we go along in the future. 

It is important that we make mathematical practice a fun experience, so there is really not much emphasis on any mistakes, it doesn’t really matter if numbers are around the wrong way sometimes or if some one doesn’t know the answer there is always someone close by who can kindly help. By teaching each other the children learn very quickly and we create a supportive environment.

A lot of our number work is immersed in fun games with dice, you can see in the photographs the games, Going to Norway, Snakes and Ladders, Ten Frame and Number Line. These are lively lessons where children play in pairs or small groups, making their own playing board and often their own rules as well. We practice our times tables each morning through skip counting and recitation. This is the beginning of a long enjoyable journey that will take years to become second nature.

The class have really excelled in gardening. Their enthusiasm and teamwork are above and beyond what is expected. You can see in the pictures, the discovery of worms in the compost, their effort filling wheel barrows, packing seed trays, pulling weeds and making the chicken coop totally secure. 

Wood working has continued, the quality of the swords produced is very high and you will see them in use at the class play. We have started pottery and I am very impressed with the children’s ability. With a few more basic techniques learnt they will produce some quite delightful pieces.

Our class camp was a huge success, a great start to our camping program, mainly due the support of a small group of exceptionally kind, patient and helpful parents. Thank you so much to the angels who were there in the night to attend to every little upset, for their support I am truly grateful. The children were well prepared, although we awoke to ice on our swags there was no-one who was too cold. 

All were well fed there was as much delicious food as anyone wanted, a big thankyou to the chefs and kitchen helpers.