Learning & Teaching

English

The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s (CBCA) Book Week is always an exciting event in the school calendar. It promotes reading and writing as well as an appreciation of books. It can also evoke creative responses through art experiences that relate to specific books. Book Week gives teachers and children the opportunity to focus on a theme that may not necessarily be on the curriculum agenda.

The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s theme for Book Week 2024 is Reading is Magic. 

Reading stories is integral to our education; it helps us grow by expanding our knowledge, improving our ability to communicate, and enhancing our critical-thinking skills. Reading provides new perspectives, allowing us a glimpse into the lives and minds of others. It inspires us and fuels creativity. Our growth is driven by stories, and as such we are born to read.

This year our school’s Book Week Parade will be held on Tuesday 20th August commencing around 9:00am on the Green (weather permitting). If the weather is too harsh, we will use the Nazareth Centre. Parents, grandparents and special friends are warmly invited to attend. This will be followed by a quick coffee or tea for parents, grandparents and special friends in the Nazareth Centre. After that parents, grandparents and special friends are invited to join the students and their teachers for Book Week activities in the Learning Villages. Details regarding the Book Week events and activities will soon be advertised via the school’s social media platforms.

Whilst Book Week is an exciting time for children and teachers, the preparations for the Book Week Parade can often create a sense of dread for parents and guardians. 

We’re here to help!

Your child’s Book Week Parade costume does not have to be an elaborate costume. If your child has a favourite dress-up at home, eg, Spider Man, Harry Potter, Elsa or Anna from Frozen, that will be more than appropriate. 

Pirate themed costumes are also easy to make using old clothes and cutting a zig zag pattern on the legs of pants and sleeves of a T-shirt, stripey socks, school shoes and a pirate hat from a variety store.

Spotlight and K Mart also have a range of inexpensive costumes.

Here are some video links to simple and effective Book Week costumes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbQyQFcaU_g 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YIwvYHs09A&t=379s 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiH5s4vfvq4 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VGdWHRlPZY 

Your efforts in helping your child prepare for Book Week are very much appreciated by all at St Joseph’s. 

Mathematics

Picture story books are a delightful way to learn new concepts, and when they focus on Mathematics, they make learning even more fun and engaging.

Why Picture Story Books?

Picture story books are more than just entertaining tales; they are tools that help children understand complex ideas in a simple and relatable way. The colourful illustrations and engaging narratives capture the imagination and make learning an enjoyable experience.

Mathematics-Themed Picture Books

Here are some great picture story books that weave in mathematical concepts seamlessly:

1. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle 
   This beloved classic isn’t just a fun story about a caterpillar’s journey; it’s also a great way to introduce counting, days of the week, and the concept of growth.
2. "One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale" by Demi 
   This beautifully illustrated book teaches the power of doubling and exponential growth through a clever folktale about a girl who outsmarts a greedy raja.
3. "Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons" by James Dean and Eric Litwin 
   Pete the Cat’s story is a fun way to introduce basic subtraction and the idea that even when things change, it’s important to stay positive.
4. "How Much Is a Million?" by David M. Schwartz 
   This book helps children visualize large numbers through entertaining illustrations and imaginative comparisons, making the concept of big numbers more accessible.
5. "The Greedy Triangle" by Marilyn Burns 
   This story about a shape-shifting triangle is a fantastic introduction to geometry, shapes, and the importance of being happy with who you are.

Some Benefits of Mathematics-Themed Picture Books

• Engagement: Stories captivate children's attention, making it easier for them to absorb mathematical concepts.
• Visual Learning: The illustrations help children visualise abstract ideas, enhancing their understanding.
• Language Skills: Reading these books improves vocabulary and comprehension alongside mathematics skills.
• Problem-Solving: Many mathematics-themed books present problems that characters must solve, encouraging critical thinking.