Connect: Foundation

Key Dates

Literacy 

We have learnt sounds for all of the 26 letters of the alphabet and are continuing to play the Phonics Song daily to assist with consolidating these sounds. We encourage you to play the song at home. (The link can be found here.)  During Literacy, we are focusing on being a ‘good writer’ which involves being organised, sitting correctly, using a pincer pencil grip and correct letter formation. Students have enjoyed learning to read and write simple words such as vet, rat, get, if and mat. We have discussed what makes a sentence, such as capital letters, full stop and finger spaces. Students are being reminded to keep their letters on the line. The children have been writing simple dictation sentences such as, "Get the rat Dad." and "My hat is on a mat." We have also discussed what nouns and verbs are.

Maths

In Maths we are focusing addition for numbers 0-10 which involves:

- using a variety of manipulatives

- part/part/whole knowledge of numbers

- problem solving

- joining groups together, using words such as: and, is, altogether, joined.

- telling and modelling addition stories. For example,

”I had 7 apples and I got 2 more. I have 9 apples altogether.”

“There were 4 children playing and 4 more joined in. There are 8 children altogether.”

Children learn important maths concepts through play. Here is a link to a Maths game you could play at home:

100 Laughs

Inquiry

This term, our Inquiry Unit is titled, ‘Great and Small’. Students will learn about the different features of animals and how those features help them to live in their environment. Students will learn about Australian animals and consider how they can save water and protect native habitats. Students will use their imagination to design an animal using parts of different animals. 

Here is a video about sharks and it explains some facts about these magnificent creatures.

Shark Facts

Reminders

Satchels:

Please remember to send your satchel to school daily and check for notices. We will endeavour to change readers every Monday. There is a packet of Alphabet cards and their Boomerang Book for home practice in their satchel. Students have also received a QR to Decodable Readers Australia with their own personal log in details. This is an excellent tool you can use at home to aid your at home reading. Additionally, each week we will provide students with a printed decodable book that includes only the sounds we have learnt so far. This book is yours to keep. 

Library Bags:

Please send in a named cloth bag every Wednesday for the library. This is a separate bag to their satchel. Students will not be allowed to take a book home without a bag. 

Shoelaces:

We have noticed there are many children who come to school with laces. If they can't tie their laces, it is recommended they have velcro shoes. Here is a video to assist with learning to tie laces. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xr3HYMwCLc

Class Dojo:

Teachers will be sending home a QR code for you to scan so that you will be connected to your child’s Class Dojo. This is a fun way to follow along with the positive reward system we practice at Skye Primary. When your child reaches 50 points they will receive a Bronze award at assembly.

Please note, the messaging service on Dojo will not be accessed by teachers. Please email your teacher if need be.

Independence

Starting formal schooling provides an excellent opportunity to encourage your children to make their own choices and operate independently within the school community. If you are finding you still need to assist your child entering the classroom we encourage you to let your child know you will be saying goodbye to them at the door. Students settle very quickly into the morning routine, however, when the class is crowded with parents it can make the start of your child’s day unsettled. We have been impressed to see so many children walking into the classroom independently. 

Tips: Talk to your child the night before and have a plan eg; one hug, one goodbye and let your child know you will say goodbye at the door. Most importantly, stick to the plan. Please be assured that your child does settle quickly otherwise we would let you know.

Toileting Before School

Please remind your child to use the toilet before school so that their learning is not interrupted in the morning session.

Spare Clothes

With the wet weather upon us, please ensure your child has a change of clothes in their bag. This must include 2 pairs of socks and a full set of uniform (t-shirt, jumper, underwear and pants/dress)

P.E.G. Preps explore galore!

The Preps have been enjoying exploring activities in the Prep classrooms. There is a different theme in each room: underwater, minibeasts, the Vet, dinosaurs and Australian animals.

Grade 6 Buddies

Every fortnight, the Preps and their Grade 6 Buddies are participating in a variety of exciting activities. These include outdoor games, art, gardening, scavenger hunts and more!

Wildlife Incursion

Our Wildlife Incursion was amazing as students got to interact with Australian animals and they learnt how to care for them and learnt about their habitats. Students completed a recount write about their incursion experience.