Foundation (Prep)
Our Prep students have worked so hard this term! It has been exciting to watch their learning and understanding of new concepts grow. A highlight this month has been our excursion to Mont De Lancey. The Preps enjoyed their first trip with their class on a bus and made us proud with the way they participated in the activities on the day.
English
We have now introduced 20 letter sounds and students are gaining confidence with using this knowledge to read and write words. We continue to apply our 'stretching' strategy to pull apart words to hear and record as many sounds as we can. Students are prompted to begin their sentences with capital letters and finish with a full stop. We have been using a range of pictures which appeal to student interests, to prompt ideas for free choice writing. The students also worked together to recount the events of our Mont De Lancey excursion before attempting to write some sentences about this fantastic day.
The students continue to discuss stories. Each story book focuses on new vocabulary and comprehension questions. The class is encouraged to read along and identify high frequency words which we practice in our InitiaLit program.
Mathematics
This month, Prep students have focused on days of the week and times of the day. We have practised recalling the days of the week in the correct order and connecting familiar events to each day. Students have looked closely at different times of the day and thought about the types of activities we do at these times.
We have also introduced the concept of mass. Students have practised hefting to get a sense of which item is heavier and which feels lighter. We then introduced balance scales as a more accurate measure to compare how heavy items are. Students explored measuring with the balance scales and ordered objects from lightest to heaviest.
Prep classes continue to focus on numbers daily. Students practise counting, adding and writing numbers. We have revisited 'teen' numbers. These numbers are easily reversed and therefore require a deeper understanding of place value so students understand how to write them correctly.
In the last few weeks in our classrooms, we have been talking about a concept that affects all of us every day: emotional balance. Learning to recognise and manage emotions is just like learning to read or do maths—it takes practice!
Understanding "In-Balance" vs. "Out-of-Balance"
We’ve been learning how to identify what emotions actually feel like in their bodies and minds. When we feel in-balance: It feels great! Children notice that they feel happy, joyful, and curious. They are ready to learn, they play nicely with friends, and they are fully present in the moment, noticing the world around them. When we feel out-of-balance: It can feel messy and uncomfortable. We’ve talked about how this might show up physically—like a yucky feeling in the tummy, a tight chest, or letting out a big sigh. We are reminding students that sometimes they won’t even know what they are feeling or why—and that is completely okay. Everyone feels out-of-balance at some point. It is a normal part of being human!
To help students navigate those "out-of-balance" moments, we discussed a simple three-step process. You can easily use these same prompts at home when your child is having a tough moment:
1. Notice -Encourage your child to check in with their mind and body. “Do you notice a feeling in your body right now? Is your tummy tight? Is your mind racing? What is your body trying to tell you?”
2.Name - Help them put a label on the feeling. “Can we name the emotion? Are you feeling frustrated, sad, or just overwhelmed?”
3.Strategies -Once the feeling is identified, move toward action. “Now that we know what we are feeling, what can we do to reset, change, or express this emotion in a healthy and safe way?” This might look like taking deep breaths, stepping away for a quiet moment, or drawing a picture.
Mont De Lancey Excursion
To tie in with our History unit, Prep to Grade 2 students dressed up and went back in time 150 years. Our visit to Mont De Lancey provided an opportunity for students to look at the way people lived, worked and played over 100 years ago.
Students explored the machinery workshop, a woodturner's workshop and a blacksmith's workshop. Volunteer artisans demonstrated these trades and spoke about the way people did things at this time. The students were highly engaged, asking great questions and sharing their thoughts.
Classes went on to spend time exploring the homestead and looking at how people lived back then. We saw a slab kitchen, laundry, larder and an outhouse. Groups also visited the chapel and the bell tower. Ringing the bell was a highlight for many! We also spent time in the museum and had fun looking at clothing from that period and lots of tools that people would have used.
The day was topped off with some fun activities after lunch. Students visited an old school house to discuss the differences students would have experienced now and then. We did craft, making lavender bags and peg dolls. There was also plenty of time to enjoy some outdoor games including: quoits, tug-o-war, hula hoops, stilts and the fabulous billy carts.
100 Days of School
At ACPS, we like to celebrate 100 Days of School with our Prep students. Students have currently attended 89 days of school so it is time to start to get ready for our celebration. This year, our celebration will be on Friday, 31st July. Throughout the day, the children will take part in many fun activities involving the number 100. To help get into the spirit of the occasion, students are offered the opportunity to dress up in one of the following ways:
As a 100 year old person
Wearing a T-shirt decorated with 100 things
Come dressed as what they would like to be when they grow up
We understand that some students prefer not to dress up and that is absolutely fine. However, here are some fun images to help you and your child with costume ideas if you are interested.
Giggle Corner
Joke: How did the farmer count his herd of cattle?
Answer: He used a COWculator.
Joke: How do elephants communicate with each other?
Answer: By elephone.
Thank you to Prep families for all of your support this term. It was wonderful to have so many of you helping with reading, attending Cross Country and visiting Mont De Lancey with us. The students are tired so we hope everyone has the opportunity to relax and get some quiet time over the school break.
Happy holidays everyone!
Ms Zanatta and Mrs Callaway
Important dates for Term 3:
Monday, 20th July - Curriculum Day/Student Free Day
Tuesday, 28th July - Athletics Day
Friday, 31st July - 100 Days of School Celebration
Thursday, 6th August - Parent/Teacher Interviews
Friday, 28th August - Book Week Activities/ Dress-up Day
Friday, 4th September - Father's Day Breakfast/ Stall
Monday, 14th September - Books to Life Stage Performance (2:30pm after swimming)
Monday 14 - Friday 18 September- Prep - Grade 4 Swimming