Grade 1 Community News
Dear families,
Wow - we are already more than halfway through Term 2, Grade 1 families! And what an exciting term it has been already!
Some of our Grade 1 classes recently enjoyed an exciting excursion to Scienceworks, where they explored interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that helped them understand how science works in our everyday lives. A highlight was visiting the Planetarium to watch Tycho Goes to Mars, a fun space adventure that sparked lots of curiosity and wonder. The remaining Grade 1 classes are looking forward to their turn when they visit on June 18th - please ensure your child is at school on time so they don’t miss out!
InitiaLit and Vocabulary
This fortnight in InitiaLit, students have been learning about the sound /ir/ and the different ways to spell it: ‘ir’, ‘ur’, and ‘er’. They explored how ‘er’ appears at the end of two-syllable words like under and freezer, and participated in activities to practise reading and spelling these patterns. Students also learned how adding the suffix ‘-er’ to a base word can change its meaning—for example, to teach becomes teacher (a person who teaches), and tall becomes taller (a comparison word).
In Vocabulary, students have been exploring how language and images work together to create meaning in texts. Using A.A. Milne’s collection of children’s poems written from the perspective of a young Christopher Robin (from Winnie-the-Pooh), students have been introduced to new and interesting words, discussing their meaning and how they help us better understand the ideas, feelings, and images in a text.
In Week 9, students will read and discuss The Day the Crayons Quit to explore new vocabulary in context. This engaging text will help students expand their word knowledge and deepen their understanding of how authors use words to express different emotions, ideas, and points of view.
Maths
In Maths, students have begun to practise writing, saying and making three-digit numbers.
Students have been revisiting 3D shapes and their properties, and have practiced estimating and measuring the length of various objects using informal units like paper clips and blocks.
How you can help at home: Encourage your child to find and name 3D shapes around the house—like boxes as cubes or balls as spheres. Practice saying and creating three-digit numbers together, and have fun estimating the length of everyday items using hands or blocks as measuring tools. These simple activities at home make classroom learning more meaningful and enjoyable.
Knowledge Building
We’ve begun an exciting new Knowledge Building unit on Ancient Egypt! Following our learning about Ancient Mesopotamia, students are now exploring what makes a strong civilisation and why rivers—like the Nile—are so important to keeping a civilisation strong. We’ve been learning how the Nile River helped the Ancient Egyptians grow food, build communities, and develop one of the world’s earliest civilisations. The students are making thoughtful connections between what people needed in the past and what we still rely on today!
Respectful Relationships
In Respectful Relationships our Grade 1 students have been learning about similarities and differences—understanding that while we may look, sound, or act differently from others, we can still be kind, respectful, and have things in common. We've also been practising taking turns, especially during games and group activities, to help build patience and fairness in our interactions. You can support this learning at home by having conversations about what makes each family member unique, and by playing simple turn-taking games like board games or card games. This helps reinforce these important social skills in a fun and meaningful way.
Reminders
Please support your child in reviewing the Tricky Words learned throughout the week. The goal is to help your child build confidence in reading and spelling these high-frequency words through regular practice at home.
Please follow the link or scan the QR code for the Tarneit Rise Tricky Words Video. Ensure that you stop the video at (3:11) for Tricky Words we are up to.
A little practice each day can make a big difference!
Upcoming Events in Grade 1
Parent Open Day - 26th June: Come and join us for a fun-filled session where you’ll have the chance to work and learn alongside your child. Together, you’ll take part in hands-on activities that showcase all the exciting things we've been learning at school. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your child’s learning journey and share in the joy of discovery together. We hope to see you there!
Last Day of Term 2 - Friday 4th July. 2.30pm finish
PLC 1