Prep

English

Reading

Prep students practised the reading comprehension skill of ‘visualising’, where they created images in their head while reading a text. Students used words and images to describe what they can see, hear, smell, taste and feel (physically and emotionally). Students continued to learn high-frequency and CVC words. Students also studied the author ‘Mem Fox’’. Students learnt about the author herself and also looked at the different characters, illustrations, words and themes that are found throughout her texts. 

Writing 

Prep students have learned about writing to socialise and procedural texts this term. They explored the different features found in letters, invitations and notes.  They were guided through sets of instructions for making or doing something. They looked at recipes and craft instructions to see how they are organised. Students developed their writing skills by structuring sentences with a capital letter at the beginning, a full stop at the end and spaces between words. They used their knowledge of letter sounds and high frequency words to help them construct sentences.

Mathematics

Number: Prep students have continued their work with numbers, through activities based around counting to 20, recognising amounts up to 10 (without counting) and developing the sense of ‘tenness’ by making 10 in different ways using tens frames and bundles of icy-pole sticks, as well as exploring the smaller amounts that would make 10 when put together. They have also worked on the idea of sharing amounts equally and develop their understanding of fair shares. 

Measurement and Geometry:  Prep students have learned about the measurement of ‘mass’, the idea that things are heavier or lighter than others. They compared and ordered a variety of objects by their mass through lifting and the use of balance scales. Students also developed their knowledge of ‘time’ by exploring different events and how long they go for by exploring daily timetables and their own sequence of daily events. Students also learned about ‘location’, and developed the skill of describing the position of objects using words such as ‘between’, ‘near’, ‘next to’, ‘forwards’, ‘towards’, ‘under’ and  ‘on’. They practised giving and following directions to get from one point to another. 

Inquiry

This term prep students complete an inquiry unit called ‘My Place’. Through creative and critical thinking, students discovered that people care for places that are important to them. Through questioning and exploring the students answered questions such as: What makes a place special? And how can we look after our classroom/bedroom/home? The students explored places that are special to them, and discussed how they can take care of those places and why we should take care of them. 

Students also got to attend the ‘Urban Upcycle’ incursion where they had the opportunity to participate in a crafting activity using a generous supply of clean and repurposed craft items. Students were able to independently, resourcefully and creatively produce their very own masterpiece. Students also learned about household waste sorting and what can and can’t be thrown in your household rubbish and recycling bins.

LOTE - Chinese

In term 4 Preps did the main cities in China in Chinese, such as Beijing , Shanghai, Nanjing, Suzhou; 4 directions in Chinese and 4 animal signs (tu 兔 long 龙 she 蛇 ma 马). We practised those Chinese characters in mini whiteboards and typed into iPad Book Creator. We also practised those characters in iPad Blooket game. At the end of the term, kids will get the opportunity to watch a Chinese movie to finalize the big term before Christmas holiday.

Art

What a great final term we have had in Prep Art. This term, the Preps have explored the element of texture in their artworks. They used this element together with the other elements that we have explored. They also made mixed media artworks, using a combination of different materials. These creations focused on using and refining a range of skills, which have been covered in previous terms. Art activities involved lots of experimentation, discussion and play, as we explored wonderful creative possibilities. It has been a joy to watch the growth and development in the artistic knowledge and skills of the Preps. The creativity which they displayed has been amazing and truly inspiring.        Thankyou Preps, for a wonderful year in Art!

P.E

During our final term of the year the grade prep students have continued their learning about a range of the fundamental movement skills which included throwing, catching, and kicking. They all showed great improvement, and everyone had their best-efforts during term 4. Students have developed their throwing and catching skills using different objects and have worked on using the correct technique when completing these tasks. In addition to this learning, students have worked on kicking and used a soccer ball to demonstrate this skill. They have learnt how to strike the ball with their foot and have begun to develop accuracy when performing a kick. We used soccer goals to showcase the accuracy of the skill. We have also continued to play class games that help our students follow rules, listen to instructions, and continue to work on problem-solving skills. It has been a fantastic year working with the grade preps and I wish them all the best for grade 1 next year.