Year 1/2 Mainstream
Celebrating Learning
What we have been up to:
Grade 1/2 Mainstream classes have continued our deep dive into the world of all things creepy and crawly. Following our visit to the Melbourne Museum, we have been lucky enough to have a series of guest lecturers who are experts on all sorts of bugs. Katrina shared with us some insights into the lives of honeybees, and Ian let us investigate different bugs using microscopes - just like real biologists! Here are some discoveries we have made:
We are also weaving our discoveries about bugs and insects into other areas of our learning. As part of our literacy program, we have begun researching and writing information texts about different bugs and insects and we continue to present our findings from our Backyard Safaris to our classmates.
Once again, if parents/guardians are interested in helping out with reading in the classrooms in the mornings (Monday- Friday), please get in touch with your class teacher. You will need a current WWCC. Our reading workshop is being held to give guidance on how we teach reading at TPS and how to support our budding readers. If you are unable to attend this session, there is a possibility for further sessions based on demand.
Maths:
In our numeracy lessons, we have begun to explore addition and subtraction. As we develop our skills and understanding of these concepts, our goal is to use different and more efficient strategies to join numbers together. To build confidence (and have fun!), we use lots of different number stories which can then be translated into other number strategies. If you would like to practise addition or subtraction with your child at home, ask them to create joining and separating stories and model their thinking. You could also practise speed facts by playing ‘addition snap’!
Throughout our unit on 2D and 3D shape, we have been looking for different 2D and 3D shapes in the world around us. This will culminate in building our OWN world out of 2D and 3D shapes at the end of our unit! To support your child’s knowledge of 2D and 3D shapes, you too can discuss what you see in the world around you.
Literacy:
As part of our phonics program, classes have begun Little Learners Love Literacy Stage 7.2 sounds. These sounds include: ar as in farm, or as in born, and aw as in yawn. This stage will continue into the rest of the term, moving on to other sounds such as ir as in first, er as in fern ur as in Thursday, and air (are, ere) as in fair.
What’s to come in the next two weeks:
- Towards the end of the term, we will be revising and applying the phonics we have already learned throughout Little Learners Love Literacy Stages 7.1-7.2.
- Continuing with the text type information reports.
- We will continue developing our understanding of addition and work towards a deeper understanding of subtraction by implementing strategies such as commutativity, tens facts, breaking apart, and building to 10. We will also begin learning about further geometry concepts like following directions, flipping, and rotating.
From the 1/2 TEAM