Foundation: Connect

Term 3

Literacy

Students have been exploring the Floss Rule. We learned that when a one-syllable word has a short vowel and ends in f, l, s or z, the final letter is usually doubled. Some examples include puff, bell, miss and buzz. Students applied this rule when reading, spelling and writing words.

We also continued focusing on the magic ‘e’ rule, where the silent ‘e’ changes the short vowel sound into a long vowel sound, such as cap → cape, kit → kite and hop → hope. During dictation, students applied these spelling patterns in complete sentences while remembering capital letters, finger spaces and full stops.

Handwriting is remaining a large focus. Students are practising forming letters correctly and placing them neatly on dotted thirds, paying close attention to where head, body and tail letters sit on the lines. Reading fluency also continued, with students segmenting sounds, blending words and rereading sentences smoothly.

This week, we have focused on the book The Midnight Chew. Students have thoroughly explored the personalities and appearances of the main characters, Boofa and Skippy, using a range of adjectives to describe and compare them.

We have also investigated interesting vocabulary from the text, including words such as blustery and midnight. Students have been encouraged to think deeply about the author’s choices and discuss why particular words, descriptions and events were included in the story. This has supported students in developing their comprehension, vocabulary and ability to compare characters.

Inquiry

Students have been thoroughly enjoying learning about the different continents and exploring what life might be like for children living in countries around the world. A favourite continent so far has been Africa! Students have loved discovering its diverse animals, landscapes, cultures and ways of life. Ask your child some facts they may know about Asia, Africa or Northern America so far!

The reading fluency passage connects with our Inquiry learning. Students are not expected to read this passage independently. Instead, they provide an opportunity for students to share some of the interesting facts and ideas they have been learning about in the classroom with their families this week.

Numeracy

Students have been learning about length and mass. They have had lots of fun completing an object hunt around the classroom and then comparing their findings using language such as longer, shorter, heavier and lighter.

We have continued developing subitising skills for numbers 1–10, with students practising recognising quantities without counting each item individually. Students have loved playing our maths fluency games, which are helping them build greater speed and accuracy while having fun!

Students are learning to skip count by 10s and 2s and are enjoying the challenge!

Wellbeing

Students continue to enjoy our mindfulness sessions after recess, which provide a calm opportunity to reset and reconnect with the Zones of Regulation. We have been discussing the importance of recognising and expressing our feelings so we feel safe and supported by our peers and teachers. 

In the playground, students are regularly reminded to use kind words and actions. As friendship challenges arise, we encourage students to talk through problems, listen to one another, consider how others may be feeling and work together to find a positive solution. Students are also reminded that they can always seek support from a teacher when needed.

Have a fantastic week!

Kind regards,

Alex Whittle (0A) and Kate Clark (0B)

Foundation Team