Learning @ TPPS 

SYSTEMATIC SYNTHETIC PHONICS APPROACH

At TPPS, we use a research-based Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) teaching and learning model. 

Students learn new ideas by referencing ideas they already know.  For a student to learn, they must transfer information from their working memory (where it can be consciously processed) to their long-term memory (where it can be stored and later retrieved). 

A systematic approach using direct explicit instruction has been proven as the best model for students to commit knowledge to their long-term memory and learn effectively. This approach requires the following:

• Explicit Direct Instruction (EDI) that breaks down complex concepts into a systematic step-by-step guidance. A new concept is always learned in association with already existing knowledge. 
• The reduction of the cognitive load in learning. All new information must be processed in the working memory before it is processed to long-term memory. Our working memory has limited capacity, and therefore if tasks are too cognitively demanding or if a student is confronted with too much new information at once, learning is impeded.
• Consistent practice and the review of learning must take place to retrieve information from long-term memory and be used in a new situation.  Practicing a particular skill or retrieving information is more effective when spread over time.
• Effective and consistent feedback to students is required to improve the learning process. 

Every day at school, our students in Prep to Grade 2 receive instruction using Decodable Readers Australia. It is intentionally sequenced so that letters (graphemes) are introduced in a set order, that builds on previous knowledge.  Practice includes reading, writing, spelling, dictation and games to give multiple exposures and develop mastery.  Included in this are grammar lessons, where students learn about morphemes (groups of letters which hold meaning eg. ‘un’ meaning ‘not’), affixes (eg. prefixes and suffixes - ‘fixed’ to the start or end of words), as well as rules of when to double the last letter if adding an ‘ing’ or ‘ed’ suffix.

In line with this, our teachers are directed to unlock each level of the Decodable Readers Australia books once all the letters/sounds have been introduced in class.  This is a deliberate action so that students practice reading words and combinations of letters that they have already seen.  The books only include content that has been previously introduced in earlier levels, so students may experience success and use their skills of blending sounds together, thinking if what they said makes sense and re-reading when they are unsure of a word. We want students to be confident readers and to practice their fluency.  Levels will remain locked until a level is covered in class. Each day, students are expected to borrow a decodable book to bring home and practice with their family. As stated in our Term Overviews which were published last week, our Preps will be working on the Decodable Readers Australia Level 1 this term, Grade 1 will be working on Level 5 and Grade 2 on Level 7.  Thank you for your support with this.

We also acknowledge that many students are loving their ability to read and want to read more. This is a terrific mindset towards lifelong learning and reading.  To promote reading as a fun, enjoyable activity where we can learn about the world, we also offer students the opportunity to borrow an additional book to take home.  It must be stressed that these books are not ‘decodable’ and may contain letter combinations that may be foreign to the students.  These books can be used as just a fun story for parents to read to their child, you could share the reading, or the child may read themselves, if able.  If at any time the reading is too tricky, parents must take over so that students are not turned off reading.  The local library is also an excellent place to make regular visits too to explore the wonderful world of books. The students work hard through the day and having them read one decodable reader to their family at the end of the day is a great celebration of their learning and achievement.

Sport News

On Wednesday, February 7th,  Watermarc hosted our annual House Swimming Carnival, providing an exciting day of competition and fun for students in Grades 3-6.

Students enthusiastically participated in both 50m and 25m races, as well as a range of fun water activities, including waterslides and inflatable obstacle courses. It was fantastic to see so many students getting involved and showing great house spirit throughout the day.

On Monday, February 17th, our selected swimming team represented Templestowe Park at the District Swimming Carnival. The team performed exceptionally well, finishing 2nd overall, with 21 out of 30 swimmers qualifying for the next round.

Congratulations to all students for their efforts across both carnivals, and best of luck to those competing at the Division event in the coming weeks!