Maths

Over the past two weeks in Maths, our Prep students have been building strong foundational number skills through hands-on learning, discussion, and problem-solving. The focus has been on understanding how numbers are made up of parts, and how we can see and recognise those parts quickly. In Week 2, students explored how numbers up to 10 can be broken into smaller parts, including partitioning numbers into three parts, and they practised recognising small quantities without counting using subitising with numbers up to 5 and 10. They used materials such as counters, dice, and dominoes to help them see how numbers are made up of parts and to describe the relationship between the part and the whole. In Week 3, learning continued with the use of five-frames and ten-frames to support students in clearly seeing how numbers are structured. Students described the two parts that make numbers to 5 and 10, and worked on identifying “how many more” are needed to make a full five-frame or ten-frame. Throughout both weeks, students have been encouraged to use mathematical language such as part, whole, and more, while explaining their thinking and noticing patterns in numbers.

Writing

Over the past two weeks, our Prep students have been enthusiastically developing their letter formation and handwriting skills. We have been focusing on practising the letters o, h, d, r, and c, with an emphasis on correct starting points, direction, and overall formation. Students have shown great determination as they work towards building neat and consistent handwriting habits. To support this, we have incorporated a variety of hands-on activities designed to strengthen fine motor skills, which are essential for writing. Students enjoyed forming their names using playdough, helping to build finger strength and control, as well as using tweezers to carefully place pom poms to create each letter in their names. These activities not only support physical development but also make learning fun and engaging. In addition, students have been practising writing their names in their Sky, Grass, Dirt books, focusing on correct letter placement, sizing, and spacing. We have also been encouraging students to take their time, check their work, and take pride in their efforts. It has been wonderful to see the progress students are making, along with their growing confidence and independence. We are very proud of their hard work and look forward to continuing to build on these important foundational skills.

Integrated

Last week in Integrated, our Prep students explored their personal skills, characteristics and strengths. Each student identified a range of things they are good at and confidently shared these with the class, building both self-awareness and confidence in speaking in front of their peers. We also discussed how they have grown and changed over time, comparing what they can do now to when they were babies. Students enjoyed reflecting on the different stages of their lives and sharing personal stories, helping them to better understand growth, development, and how everyone changes in their own unique way.

This week, we focused on Mother’s Day. Students learned about what Mother’s Day is and why it is important to celebrate the people in our lives who care for, support, and nurture us. We had thoughtful discussions about the special people in our families and what makes them important. As part of this learning, students designed and decorated coasters and magnets as special gifts for their loved ones, putting great care and creativity into their work. They were excited to create something meaningful and personal, and showed pride in preparing a special surprise to take home.

Home Learning

Reading

practise recognising and saying the sounds: m, s, t, a, p, i, f, o, r, c, d, h,
practise saying the letter names for these letters
read simple CVC words such as map, sat, tip, sip, fat
read aloud to a family member, pointing to each word as you read
complete take-home readers each night and record in reading diary
use the InitiaLit eLibrary for additional reading practice
practise tricky words regularly

Writing

practise writing the letters: m, s, t, a, p, i, f, o, r, c, d, h,
focus on correct letter formation while saying the sound aloud
write simple CVC words that have been practised in reading
practise writing their name independently
explore writing in different ways (paper, sand, chalk, crayons)

Maths

practise counting from 0–10
recognise and name numbers 0–10
practise writing numbers 0–10
count small collections of objects (e.g. toys, blocks, household items)

Grayling Primary School Newsletter

Proud & Connected

Issue 6 · 11 May 2026

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