Prep,1 & 2 Classroom News
Hello everyone! Another fortnight has passed and the Junior school has been very busy as usual. The Junior team would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support this semester. From the chats on the yard at pick up times and the lovely emails and Seesaw messages; these small things really mean a lot to us. Thanks again to all our parent helpers, it makes such a difference to have you back into our rooms.
Last Wednesday everyone attended an incursion run by, 'Mad About Science' where we explored kitchen chemistry. There were pops, colour changes and lots of fizzing to observe. Students had fun and at the end they got to make their own sherbet to eat.
Prep News
English
Preps have been continuing to work on their closed syllables during MSL lessons. Look at some of their amazing sounding out. We are blown away with how much they have learnt already in such a short space of time.
They have even been using what they have learnt about CVC words to write short sentences during writing time.
Students have also been listening to the story, 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle and are learning how to retell it in the correct order.
Mathematics
During Mathematics, the Preps have been looking at patterns, forward and backwards number sequences and using the book, 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' to order the days of the week.
Inquiry
Students have been investigating materials. They have described properties of materials and explored what those materials could be used for. They then went on a material hunt around the school. What a fabulous idea.
I/2 News
Respectful Relationships
This weeks Resilience Project focus is around coping strategies. As they grow and develop, all children will encounter situations where they feel worried, nervous and sometimes even scared. Individuals deal with the demands on them by drawing on a range of coping strategies. Some strategies are more productive than others. Helping students to learn a range of positive coping skills will allow them to develop and practise skills that will enable them to cope with future changes and challenges. Positive self talk is an important strategy. Check out the list below of Positive Coping strategies.
We used a some mindful art during our session as a means to cultivate coping mechanisms and generate self awareness. We looked at and then turned blobs of paint into whatever our imagination created. I think you will agree, they are very effective.
Religion
Continuing along with our theme of bread and change, which is linked to our inquiry topic students explored the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. Students recorded what they found about it after watching a short clip.
They then explored the symbol that the Eucharist represents by looking at the lifecycle of a butterfly. Students discussed about how when the bread is blessed by the priest that is like when the cocoon changes into a butterfly as the bread transforms into the body of Christ.
Multisensory Literacy
We have been recapping over all the rules we have learnt so far as well as looking at two and three letter blends for example, bl, cr, spr, spl etc.
Writing
We have been reflecting on what an awesome Semester One we have had. All the 1/2 teachers are so proud of all their hard work. We can not wait to see their continued growth next semester.
Mathematics
We love teaching Mathematics in the Junior school and where possible, we are eager to get all the students using hands on materials. This fortnight we have been looking at Multiplication and Capacity. We teach the students that multiplication it is a quicker way to add and show them all the different ways multiplication can be visually represented. We read the story 'Amanda Bean's Amazing Dream' to introduce the concept. You may like to listen to this story with your child.
All the 1/2s participated in a capacity race last Thursday were they had to fill a buck of water using a container. They have been measuring the capacity of containers using uniform material, for example cups or buckets. There is nothing like a little competition to get the students engaged. It took a few minutes before the students realised that they didn't have all the same size of containers so their chances of winning the race were not all equal.
Inquiry- Science
1/2's have been at it again doing science experiments on Wednesdays. We had a go at making secret messages using lemon juice (had a go with limited success) and popping corn. Even the teachers have been having fun. We discussed how different variables may be the reason some students experiments may not have worked.
Upcoming project
Don't forget Wednesday the 15th is the due date for science projects.
Reminders
- Parent helper rosters have been shared with all classes on Seesaw have a look and add in your availability.
- The new 'show and tell' time table has been shared on Seesaw. Please look at the week your child is rostered for. Help them practise at home before presenting.
- For more information about what's happening this term don't forget to watch the 1/2 termly overview.
Have wonderful long weekend,
The Junior team.
Classroom Contacts
Should you wish to get in touch with your child’s teacher for any reason or you wish to make an appointment to speak with them, please contact them through Seesaw directly. If you prefer you can also use email. You can reach us on these addresses:
sprosser@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au
srafferty@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au
gfahey@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au
jbrown@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au
kharper@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au
bmaloney@shsandringham.catholic.edu.au