Foundation
Heathmont East Primary School
The Foundation students have continued being superstars, both in the classroom and outside in the yard. We completed our first FULL week of school - students smiled for school photos, borrowed from the library, participated in P.M.P. and attended Friday assembly where they listened respectfully. Many learning tasks have been completed and take home readers are being shared and enjoyed at home. Thank you for your support!
Literacy
We are focusing on learning the second group of phonics - Mm, Dd, Gg, Oo, Cc and Ff. Students use cued articulation movements, practice correct letter formation, segment and blend the sounds to read words as well as identify the letters to write words. Letter formation is practiced through multi-sensory and repetitive methods (e.g. chalk rainbow writing, shaving foam, playdough mats) to build muscle memory. We employ our reading strategies 'Lefty Larry', 'Grapheme Grasshopper' and 'Blendy Wendy' for interactive reading in class and independent practice at home with their reader.
Here is a snapshot of our fabulous efforts!
Numeracy
In Numeracy, our focus has been on comparing the length and mass of objects. Learning activities for length included searching for items in the classroom that were shorter/taller and working out who had the longest shoe using informal measuring tools (counters, blocks). Students also explored mass by hefting with our hands and using scales to which item was heavier/lighter. We then drew items on our balance scales to show our findings.
Inquiry
We continued our topic 'Who am I?' by sharing big books with a family member focus. Last week FMW enjoyed 'Shoes from Grandpa' and later tried to remember the different types of clothing. Students also worked together to sequence the events from the story.
P.M.P.
Last Wednesday, we introduced our students to P.M.P. (Perceptual Motor Program). P.M.P. is movement-based to develop spatial awareness, sensory skills and physical coordination. Students will participate in weekly sessions and as you can see there was lots of movement and fun had with our Foundation friends.
Key details of P.M.P:
Core Focus: Links brain, motor and sensory skills to help children understand themselves and their environment.
Target Skills: Gross motor (running, jumping), fine motor (manipulating objects), balance, eye-tracking and rhythm.
Benefits: Develops coordination, spatial awareness and confidence which are essential for academic learning like reading and writing.
Important Dates
National Ride to School Day - Friday 20th March
Harmony Day - Monday 23rd March
3 Way Conferences - Thursday 26th March and Monday 30th March
Foundation Excursion to Bayswater Train Park - Wednesday 1st April
MAD Easter Parade/Raffle Draw and Last Day of Term - Thursday 2nd April 2:30pm finish