Prep Curriculum Newsletter

Reading

In Reading this term students will continue to explore concepts about print. They will learn to sweep across the page from left to right and notice features of words (including letters, uppercase, lowercase). Through a variety of comprehension strategies such as prediction, sequencing, inferring, text-to-self connections, and retelling, students are able to deepen their understanding of the material. By predicting what may happen next, organising events in sequence, making inferences about characters and plot, connecting the text to their own experiences, and summarising key points in a retell, students develop a strong grasp of the text. Additionally, students expand their vocabulary by encountering new words in rich and engaging mentor texts, enhancing their overall reading and language skills. 

Writing

As students embark on their writing journey, they focus on letter formation, ensuring correct strokes and using uppercase letters for names. Through writing recounts of their experiences, students learn to express themselves effectively and reflect on past events. They also explore writing entertaining pieces through performance, drawing, and labelling, allowing their creativity to shine through their work. By constructing simple sentences, students practise organising their thoughts and ideas cohesively. Moreover, as they progress, students begin experimenting with simple punctuation, such as full stops, to enhance the clarity and structure of their writing.

Maths

In their exploration of time, students engage with concepts related to days, months, calendars, and the duration of events, developing a deeper understanding of how time is organised and measured. They also delve into the world of shapes, learning about 2D and simple 3D shapes, and how they can be identified and described. Through number sense and subitizing activities, students enhance their ability to recognize and understand numbers intuitively, facilitating their mathematical fluency. Additionally, students learn about location, honing their skills in understanding and navigating spatial relationships. In the realm of statistics, students practise formulating yes and no questions, collecting data, and creating simple picture graphs to represent and analyse information visually, fostering their ability to interpret and communicate data effectively.

Inquiry

In Inquiry, we will learn about two topics. The first will be about living and non living things. In this topic, students will  investigate the life cycle of a plant and butterfly, to explore and understand where and how living things grow. Later in the term the topic will be Weather Wonders, in which students will  increase their knowledge of how the characteristics of weather affect our daily lives. Developing a deeper understanding about air, sun and wind. 

Wellbeing 

In Wellbeing we will continue to develop our resilience at school, build respectful relationships with our peers.  Focusing on problem solving skills and how to manage our emotions during challenging situations.  Showing empathy, gratitude and mindfulness while we learn and play at school.  

Japanese

This term in Japanese, the Prep students are learning about Japanese culture through celebrations such as Ohanami and Children’s Day. The students are continuing to learn classroom routines and phrases such as how to say “good luck” and “well done” in class games. Students are developing their reading and writing with simple kanji such as numbers through play-based activities. They will learn Japanese numbers and colours by participating in games and songs.

Visual Arts

This term students in Prep will continue to explore new materials and techniques to create works of art. They will use oil pastels, paint and collage materials to create mixed media designs. Students will learn about the differences between a flat 2-dimensional artwork, and a solid 3-dimensional artwork as they explore sculpture. They will become familiar with famous artists as they follow their ideas and styles. Students will be working along with a community artist as they create their own original canvas art for our upcoming Art Show. They will work towards being courageous artists who give new techniques a go and they will work safely in the art room. I look forward to exciting times this term in the Visual Arts room.

Performing Arts 

In Term Two in Performing Arts, our Foundation students will work towards their first cohort assembly performance - learning the lyrics and dance choreography to a song called ‘Boom Chicka Boom’. They will rehearse together to build their confidence on stage and will share their performance with the school community at assembly.

Physical Education 

In Prep PE classes, students focus on learning fundamental movement skills through play-based activities like running, jumping, throwing and catching. They will play basic games, while also developing social skills through teamwork and cooperation.