Grade 1 News
📅 Important Dates & Reminders
All important dates and events are available on our Compass Calendar. Please check the calendar regularly to stay up to date.
Upcoming dates/Important Info
Friday 26th June - Last Day of Term 2! (Students Dismissed at 2.30pm)
Icy Poles will be sold outside the senior school Monday & Tuesday lunchtimes
Key Information
- Students are to bring their take-home bags to school daily (optional) to swap books for home.
STEM NEWS:
STEM Room Donations Needed
We are currently collecting recycled materials for our exciting Term 3 Science Projects in the STEM room. We would greatly appreciate donations of clean items such as plastic water bottles or soft drink bottles, shoe boxes, plastic lids, and cardboard tubing or paper rolls (please no toilet rolls).
Donations can be dropped off at the STEM room at any time. Thank you for your continued support in helping provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities for our students.
Learning Reflection
➗Maths
This term in Maths, students developed their understanding of place value by exploring two-digit numbers to 99. They learned to read, write and represent numbers using numerals, number words, ten-frames and base-10 materials. Students investigated the value of digits in the tens and ones places, partitioned numbers, and applied their understanding to solve problems involving number bonds, ordering numbers, and real-world situations. They also explored the concepts of one more and one less using concrete materials and hundreds charts.
Students further developed their addition and subtraction skills within 20 through a range of hands-on learning experiences. They represented and solved number stories using tools such as ten-frames, number bonds, bar models, number lines and equations. Students learned to use mathematical symbols correctly, explored equivalence, solved problems involving finding the difference between numbers, and investigated related fact families. They were encouraged to explain their thinking and apply efficient strategies when solving problems.
Students also explored the measurement concepts of length, mass and capacity. They compared, ordered and described objects using mathematical language and participated in practical investigations to measure and compare objects and containers. These learning experiences strengthened students’ problem-solving skills, mathematical vocabulary, and ability to apply their understanding to real-world situations.
📖 Literacy
Word Work:
Throughout the term, students have built their spelling knowledge by learning and applying a range of digraphs and trigraphs, including ai, ay, ee, ea, and igh, while also revising the different sounds made by ed. They have practised reading, spelling, and using these patterns in their daily learning, strengthening their decoding and writing skills.
Handwriting
This term, students have worked hard to develop neat and consistent handwriting by practising the correct formation of a wide range of lower-case and upper-case letters.
Literature:
This term, students have explored a range of engaging picture books, including Iggy Peck, Architect, The Most Magnificent Thing, I Want My Hat Back, and The Day the Crayons Quit. Through these texts, they have developed their comprehension skills by asking and answering questions, sequencing events, retelling stories, and exploring how illustrations and words work together. Students have also grown as writers by creating procedures, using conjunctions, commands and exclamations and expanding their Tier 2 vocabulary. Students have also been preparing to write persuasive letters with reasons to support their opinions.
Knowledge Rich:
This term, students have explored the fascinating worlds of Astronomy and Ancient Egypt. During our Astronomy unit, students learned about the planets within our solar system and investigated different constellations found in the night sky. To celebrate their learning, students enjoyed creating their own planet posters, showcasing their knowledge and creativity and even went on an excursion to Scienceworks. In our Ancient Egypt unit, students were captivated by the lives of pharaohs and other significant figures from this period in history, developing an understanding of the culture, achievements, and daily life of one of the world's oldest civilisations.
Wellbeing😊
This term, students have engaged in a range of activities focused on reflecting on their own strengths and the positive qualities they bring to friendships. Through discussions and learning experiences, they have explored what it means to be a kind, respectful, and honest friend. Students have been encouraged to apply these friendship skills both within and beyond the classroom, helping to build positive and supportive relationships with others.
Curious Corner
Students have thoroughly enjoyed returning to the Curious Corner this term, where they have been able to explore their imaginations while developing their ability to collaborate effectively with their peers. Through a variety of engaging experiences, students have made meaningful connections to their Knowledge Rich units and have strengthened important social skills, including playing fairly, taking turns, sharing resources, and working cooperatively with others.
Homework
Optional Homework for Grade 1
For homework in Grade 1, the expectation is that students will read their take-home book to an adult each day. Every student will choose a new book from their classroom on a daily basis (optional). Students will need to return their previous book before receiving a new book. Here is a link to a folder to access Sparkle at home activities if you wish: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/126BRm52aR9NyaCdEgnCljLC3X0MWqupj
If you are not sure which level your child is on, please ask your child’s teacher.
For those students who are off Sparkle, please encourage them to read any book of their choice at home.
Thank you for reading our newsletter. Please remember, if you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher.
Grade 1 Teachers,
Catia Anson, Bella Albanese and Jess Kitteringham.