What have our Students been up to?

Japanese Update

Konnichiwa (Hello) everyone,

In the past few weeks, students at Syndal South Primary School have had opportunities to continue unpacking some new Japanese words and sentences related to the topics for Term 1. Students have also been participating in many speaking and listening activities to increase their exposure to the Japanese language. Lastly, all classes finished their crafts for "Hinamatsuri" (Doll's Festival), an important Japanese celebration where families honour the daughters in their family by praying for their health and happiness. Check out our versions of Hina dolls!

Year 1 and 2

Year 1 and 2 students have been focusing on building their vocabulary in classroom words. The students have had multiple exposures to say, write and demonstrate their understanding of our classroom words which are enpitsu (pencil), keshigomu (eraser), hasami (scissors), nori (glue), hon (book) and pen (pen).  To consolidate our learning, the students have been engaging in games and participating in a simple roleplay conversation that also builds on students' understanding of Japanese conversation etiquette.

Last week in Japanese lessons, our Year 1 and 2 students created their own memory games in class. Students were encouraged to bring their memory card games home to teach their family members what they have been learning in Japanese. To play, simply place the cards face down and take turns flipping any two cards at a time. If the cards match (e.g. a picture of an eraser and the word keshigomu), the winner of the round gets to keep them and have another turn. 

Year 3 and 4

Students in Years 3 and 4 have been learning how to introduce themselves in Japanese, including saying their names, ages and likes. The students participated in activities which required them to use their Japanese speaking skills to ask their peers questions in order to gather information about their age and what fruits they like. They also learned how to say encouraging phrases and praises such as "omedetou!" (congratulations!) and "sugoi!" (amazing!). It has been fantastic hearing all the students using what they have learned to hold a conversation in Japanese!

Year 5 and 6

Students in the Year 5 and 6 cohort have been learning phrases for inquiring about travelling to Japan. Last week, students also engaged in various activities and games to learn how to say different modes of transport. This week, students began researching about a Japanese city of their choice. The students are encouraged to become experts of their chosen city which they will showcase at the end of the term.

For the remainder of the term, students will begin to wrap up their learning relating to the current topics by completing culminating tasks which combine their creativity and Japanese language skills.

Foundation

Our class writing goal is 'Adding more detail to illustrations'.  Foundation students read 'Frog on a Log' and each child picked their setting and ways to make it entertaining. 

After School Coding