Foundation (Prep)

It was wonderful to see the Prep children smiling and eager to be back in the classroom after the weekend. We have had another busy and fun-filled week introducing the children to the structure of a school day and getting to know each other better. We did some team building activities this week where the children had to work together to complete some puzzles. It was great to see the sharing and negotiation skills used to finish the tasks.

Fantastic Teamwork
Fantastic Teamwork

Information Night

Please note an information session will be held next Tuesday 15 February at 6:00pm, in the Prep classroom. Don’t hesitate to come and see me if you are unable to make this time or have any questions about the Prep Program. 

 

Numeracy

In Maths sessions this week, the children have been learning the correct formation for some of their numbers, they have been learning about shapes and have used shapes to make pictures. We collected information based on a story read in class, Mrs Wishy-Washy, and created our first pictograph. The students were encouraged to talk about what they could tell from this graph and were introduced to language such as, collecting information, graphing, most popular and less popular. We have also explored patterns and had a go at making some of our own.

Our pictograph
Our pictograph
Creating patterns
Creating patterns

Handwriting

We have commenced learning the correct formation of our letters.  The style of writing taught at school is called Victorian Modern Cursive. If you would like to assist your child with their handwriting, but do not know what the letters look like, just Google the name and you will find the upper and lowercase letters of the alphabet, plus the numbers. 

At this early stage, we often refer to the letters by their sound (phoneme), not just by their name. This is very important, so that the art of blending letters into words can be introduced early on.

 

This week I have introduced the letters c, a and d. Students who are confident with their letter formation and letter/sound knowledge, are being extended with spelling activities.

 

Handwriting
Spelling
Handwriting
Spelling

 

Specialist Timetable

The Preps have continued to use a slightly adjusted timetable to ensure we all get to meet our specialist teachers. Once our full days begin (Thurs 17 Feb), our specialist days will be: 

P.E.

Monday

ART

Tuesday

PERFORMING ARTS

Wednesday

ITALIAN

Thursday

Library

We will visit the Library on Fridays. During Term 1, the children will borrow one book from the school library. The books are on loan for two weeks, but can be returned to the classroom library tub on any school day. In order to protect our books, no child is allowed to take a library book home without a library bag.

Our classroom library
Our classroom library

Hats

In Term 1 and Term 4, all children are required to wear their school hat during recess, lunchtime or any other outdoor activity. Children who do not have a hat must play in an undercover area. Thank you to everyone for making sure that their child has had their hat at school every day.

 

Allergies – NO NUTS

This year we have children in our class with severe nut allergies. Please do not send any nuts/nut products in your child’s lunchbox, save these healthy snacks for home instead. Thank you for your understanding.

 

Inquiry

Our topic for this term is Me and My Community. We will be talking about our names, finding out about our similarities and differences and discussing our families. Throughout the term we will focus on ourselves, our families and what is in and around our school.

 

Please check the newsletter each week to keep up to date with what's happening in the classroom. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to come and see me.

 

Amanda Callaway

amanda.callaway@education.vic.gov.au