From the Classroom

Foundation

This week we have focused on the sound “m” and that letter M makes this sound.  Our Sound Box is a wonderful scaffold to support our learning with this. Inside this box we have a magnifying glass, mini marshmallows, money, mirror, mouth, medal and a mug.  There were also photos of milk, mum and mouse. Handwriting of this upper and lower case letter is a challenge! So we have had much letter tracing, as well as cut and paste tasks to support their learning. To date, to we have focused on the following letters, name and sound – Ss, Tt, Ww, Ii and Aa. Next week we will look at Pp.  Many children are familiar with the names of these letters. However, retaining the sound to automatically recall is proving difficult for some.

I hope you have found their sight word display book in their blue plastic pocket. Your child is familiar with these words as they have been involved in learning activities in class. Encourage your child to write these if you feel they are ready to do this. I was delighted with Alexis’ extra homework this week as this is just what she did. Well done Alexis!! Please remember, at this early developing stage, these words should never take priority over reading the take home books.

In Numeracy, we have focused on the Days of the Week. Lots of songs and movement to support our learning. Many children in this group, have entered school with a very strong grip of numerals and the skill of counting forward.  Handwriting of numerals 0 to 9 will be important for them to record their learning.

I strongly encourage families to purchase a small whiteboard for your child to practice writing on. We use them every day in the classroom.  The children are more likely to take risks and have a go, as they can be easily wiped off. Kmart has them for around $4.

We have the Grade Six Buddies on Thursday afternoon and this is proving very popular! Mrs Kimmorley and I love this time, but I think the children love it more.  The Foundations have loved using the older students laptops to print photos and writing.

Enjoy the coming Long Weekend!  And now the Foundation students come to school 5 days a week.  I’m sure the March weather will be cooler for the children to last the week.  Some problems stem from overtiredness so bedtime routines will be crucial. (And that goes for their teacher as well! :D) 

Things in the Foundation “Mm” Sound Box