Learning News 1/2

Years 1/2

Welcome to Term 3!

Next week, we’ll be holding our three-way conferences. I’m looking forward to meeting with you all to discuss your child’s learning progress so far this year.

This term, we’ve started new topics across all subjects. In writing, we’ve returned to a focus on narrative texts. However, rather than concentrating on structure, we’re now exploring the language features that make writing more engaging. A big part of this is learning to use 'Wow Words'—strong adjectives and descriptive language—to add detail and interest to our stories.

I’ve sent home this term’s news topics, which link directly to our Big Write lessons. These were placed in the blue folders. If you haven’t received a copy, please let me know and I’ll make sure another one is sent home.

It’s really important that your child is prepared for their news each week, as this directly supports their writing in class. If a student can’t confidently talk about an idea, they’ll find it difficult to write about it too. 

Science

In Science this term, we are learning about the biological strand, focusing on living things and how they change and grow. Our classroom play table has been set up to support this learning. Students have access to a variety of hands-on resources, including living vs non-living sorting activities and life cycle materials to explore and investigate.

Maths – Multiplication and Equal Groups

This term in Maths, we are learning about multiplication by using the structure of equal groups to solve problems.

Forming equal groups helps students move from counting by ones to skip counting and using repeated addition—important steps in developing a deeper understanding of multiplication.

Tips for Parents – How You Can Help at Home

Forming groups focuses on using equal groups to solve multiplication problems. Here are some fun and practical ways to support your child:

• 🎲 Skip Counting Games – Take turns counting by 2s, 3s, 5s, and 10s.
• 💰 Count with Coins – Use 5c, 10c, or $2 coins to practise skip counting.
• 🎯 Chalk Hopscotch – Draw a skip counting path and use it to count forwards and backwards.
• 🍬 Hands-On Grouping – Use sticky dots, M&Ms, playdough, Lego, or textas to make groups. Write repeated addition facts to match.
• 📏 Paddle Pop Sticks – Create equal groups and add them together to find your answer.
• 💡 100s Chart – Colour in the numbers as you count on. Can your child spot a pattern?
• 🧱 Find Arrays Around You – Arrays are rows and columns (like a muffin tray or bookshelf). Identify the rows and columns and multiply them to find the total.
• 🍪 Bake and Multiply – Making muffins or cookies? Use them to show arrays and work out how many you’ll bake!
• 🏁 Array Challenge – Use everyday items to make arrays. Race to see who can build one the fastest!