IN THE CLASSROOM

The Power of the Uninterrupted English Block

In our Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 2 classroom, the morning hours are dedicated to the Uninterrupted English Block. 

This  time ensures that every student develops the foundational skills necessary to become confident, lifelong readers and writers.

Central to this success is the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) model. We move intentionally from 'I do' (teacher modeling) to 'We do' (guided practice) and finally to 'You do' (independent application).

InitiaLit: Building the Foundations

Our literacy block kicks off with InitiaLit, a multi-sensory, evidence-based program. Because our students arrive with varying levels of prior knowledge, we prioritise differentiation to meet our students at their ability level.

• Whole-Class Explicit Teaching: The 'I do' phase, where new phonics sounds and vocabulary are introduced.
• Targeted Breakouts: With our team of skilled, helpful adults, we pivot into small groups for tailored learning. 

Guided Reading Groups: Meeting Every Learner

Once the foundational phonics work is set, we move into Guided Reading. This is where the magic of 'We do' happens. Students are grouped by their specific instructional needs, ensuring the text they hold is just right—challenging enough to grow, but not so hard it frustrates.

• Adult-Led Small Groups: Mrs Moxey facilitates deep dives into comprehension, fluency, and decoding.
• Collaborative Centres: While one group works with a teacher, others engage in purposeful stations that reinforce the learning goals with the support of our skilled helpful adults.

The Writing Block: 

Finding Our Voice

The final piece of our morning is the Writing Block. Writing is the ultimate 'You do' moment, where students apply their phonics, grammar, and creative thinking.

• Modeled Writing: We start with a short think-aloud, where the teacher demonstrates how to plan a sentence or use punctuation.

• The Workshop Approach: Students then take to their writing books. Our skilled helpful adults circulate the room, acting as writing coaches to help students stretch out sounds in words or expand their ideas.

  Stage 2 - Language Lessons

  Stage 2 have been engaging in Language lessons with Mrs Whalan. 

  Students are learning about numbers and are mastering through engaging and interactive lessons. 

  Ask them to teach you something - they will be happy to share their new learning! 

   

We look forward to sharing our wonderful learning with you duirng our open classrooms in a few weeks.

• Jacqui Wait