Group 17
A term full of growth
Happy end of term and what an active term it has been. Group 17 have been thriving both inside our classroom and in our outdoor learning time. As the weather gets warmer, we are excited to continue learning out in the sunshine with a variety of different equipment and in lots of different environments.
Our term kickstarted with NAIDOC week with some cross-cultural learning, working with Stacy to celebrate the artwork of Zachariah Fielding and create similar patterns. Then Group 17 had a week of fun-fuelled experiments which included observing how plants absorb colour using food dye, investigating light and heavy objects with the force of a hair dryer and testing what items would sink and float as part of science week. It was also wonderful to see so many of our student’s dress as their Favorite character for Book Week and share their interests with us.
This term, we have focused our learning around developing confidence carrying out school schedules and building on life-skills that will help in students’ daily routines. It has been wonderful to see the students becoming familiar and more independent with their responsibilities such as unpacking their own bag, making morning snacks and participating in tidying around the classroom. We have also been working on sharing space with our peers and becoming comfortable with the idea of parallel play.
As the weather warms, we have also discussed the change in temperature and worked on recognizing our body’s response to hunger, thirst and warmth. Group 17 have been working hard of requesting foods and drinks using their visual communication pecs and educators have taken this a step further by modelling language such as “I’m hungry” or “I’m thirsty” to start the association. We have also started trying to ask for help to remove clothing such as jackets and jumpers when we are hot.
Group 17 have also enjoyed our two class books of the term: Bush Mob Counting by Helen Milroy and Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton. In Maths, students have focused on number and algebra this term, using the Bush Mob animals to count, recognize patterns and look at different sizes. In English, students used Blue Hat, Green hat to extend their vocabulary on colours, clothing and textures.
Some of the highlights of this term have been visiting our wildlife area with the chickens and rabbits, learning about what we need to take care of animals. The students have also really enjoyed their time gardening and taking care of our growing plants.
We can’t wait for some more fun and learning next term!
