Prep

Maths 

This fortnight, our young mathematicians have been busy building a strong foundation in number knowledge through fun and hands-on learning experiences. We’ve been learning to read, write and represent numerals to 20 using a variety of concrete materials such as counters, unifix blocks, and playdough. Through activities like matching number cards to collections and rainbow writing numbers using chalk and water, students are developing confidence in their ability to recognise and correctly form numbers. We've also been exploring important concepts like ‘one more’ and ‘one less,’ using spinners, dice, and number tracks to help students see how collections grow or shrink by one. These playful experiences are helping students understand that maths is all around them and fun!

We’ve also been focusing on developing deeper thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging students to apply their number knowledge in open-ended tasks. Students have been exploring different ways to solve challenges like comparing collections, ordering numbers from smallest to largest, and creating number tracks with matching apple cut-outs. Activities such as “Which Has More?” and number puzzles have supported students in reasoning, estimating, and using strategies to find answers in more than one way. By working collaboratively, using visuals and number lines, students are becoming more confident in explaining their thinking, strengthening both their numeracy and communication skills. What a fantastic start to their learning of numbers to 20!

Respectful Relationships, Integrated and Culture

This fortnight during Respectful Relationships, students have explored how families can be different, help one another, and care for the land. Through the story Family and class discussions, they shared who was in their family, how they supported each other, and learned how Aboriginal families care for each other and for Country. Students also reflected on the many ways families can look and live differently, building understanding and respect for all family types.

As part of Integrated, Prep students Just the Way We Are and discussed whether all families look the same. They examined family structures, sharing similarities and differences. Using coloured squares to represent family members, students collected data and created glyphs to visually display these differences. They then used a house outline to glue coloured paper squares representing their own family structure. 

During Culture lessons, students explored the Indigenous story Mad Magpie, learning about caring for others and respecting nature. They discussed how the magpie showed kindness and thought about ways they can care for friends, family, and the environment. Students had the opportunity to create and decorate their own magpie inspired by the story.

Writing

Over the past fortnight in Writing, Prep students have been focusing on correct letter formation, developing their fine motor skills through consistent practice with both uppercase and lowercase letters. They have engaged in a variety of hands-on activities including whiteboard writing, tracing, rainbow writing, and using playdough or sand to shape letters. The emphasis has been on starting letters in the correct position and using the appropriate movements to ensure neat and legible writing. Students are becoming more confident in recognising and forming letters independently, supporting their growing ability to write simple words and sentences.

Building on their letter formation, students have been learning to segment and blend sounds to write CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) and CVCC (consonant-vowel-consonant-consonant) words. Using their knowledge of phonics, they have practised writing words such as bin, hot and kit, hark, desk and hear, listening carefully to the sounds they can hear and recording the corresponding letters. Through structured modelled writing, shared writing, and independent tasks, students are developing their ability to apply their letter-sound knowledge to create meaningful written texts. They are showing pride in their efforts and becoming more confident writers each day.