Hello from Grade 1/2

Hello everyone what a pack-filled week it has been for us in the grade 1/2 classroom.

On Monday we celebrated Special Person's Day with the special people that students invited. Students were very excited during the day coming up to when we would start seeing our special guest after lunch.

To start we read the book 'The Colour Monster' which is about feelings being related to different colours, and the monster is all mixed up and needs help sorting out his feelings into jars. The students (with their special person) designed a monster and drew their feelings in a jar. We also had a roll-a-monster drawing activity they could do after, using dice to know which body, hair, eyes etc to draw.

We finished off with a BBQ and play in the afternoon.

Throughout this week's Mathematics lessons, we have delved into patterns and measurement. Our students have been actively engaged in identifying patterns both within our classroom environment and in the patterns they can create themselves. They've become quite good at recognising basic AB patterns and have eagerly expanded their understanding to more complex patterns such as AAB and ABC.

In our exploration, we've integrated music as a tool for pattern recognition. Students have had the opportunity to observe patterns in music, replicate them, and ultimately identify the sequence of the pattern.

In our exploration of measurement, students have been immersing themselves in the concept of informal measurement. They've been diligently grasping the idea of what "informal" entails in the context of measurement, understanding its significance and how to use that in maths. Our established rules for informal measurement serve as guiding principles for their practical application: students understand that for accurate measurement, the object being measured should be of the same size and shape, ensuring that its ends meet end to end without overlapping, and that the measuring process follows a straight line trajectory.

During our lesson sessions, students were actively tasked with the challenge of identifying objects within our learning environment and applying these measurement principles to quantify them. This hands-on approach not only reinforces their understanding of measurement concepts but also cultivates their ability to apply these principles in real-world scenarios.

Jasper made an intriguing discovery during our lesson – he found that the chair is constructed from five lengths of paddle pop sticks. This observation not only demonstrates his keen eye for detail but also highlights the practical application of our exploration into measurement and patterns.

Aiden and Albert demonstrated exceptional teamwork and diligence during our measurement activity, particularly when measuring the large whiteboard. Working collaboratively, they ensured that their measurement spanned the entirety of the whiteboard's length, leaving no margin for error.

Their effort paid off as they meticulously counted a total of 48 blocks, indicating the comprehensive coverage of their measurement. This achievement not only showcases their proficiency in applying measurement techniques but also underscores the importance of cooperation and precision in mathematical endeavors.

In our Literacy sessions, we've been deeply engaged in the art of visualisation – understanding the true essence of words and harnessing our imagination to conjure vivid mental images of the text. This focus on visualisation has seamlessly intertwined with our writing lessons, particularly emphasising the significance of word choice.

Students have been captivated by the exploration of descriptive language, recognising its power to embellish characters, settings, and time periods within their writing. Through various exercises, they've delved into the nuances of selecting just the right words to evoke rich imagery and enhance their storytelling.

In one memorable lesson, we turned our attention to the invaluable individuals who grace our classroom with their presence and support – our Education Support team, comprised of Lauren, Louise, Danni, and Julie in our 1/2 room. These remarkable individuals not only lend their assistance but also impart valuable skills, enriching our learning experience. To honor their contributions, students crafted sentences that eloquently described each of these outstanding staff members, celebrating their dedication and impact on our daily lives.

During our investigations this week, we embarked on an exciting journey delving into the realm of air and its dynamic interactions, particularly its relationship with the principles of push and pull. Our exploration began with an inquiry into the types of energy required for pushing and pulling, which naturally led us to focus on the intriguing properties of air.

Our fascination with air was sparked by the overview of paper plane creations and a captivating book by Clancy that delved into the art that is crafting planes. This inspired us to venture into various aspects of air momentum, engaging in hands-on activities involving bubbles, flying planes, kites, ribbons, paper planes, and even a soccer ball.

Throughout our investigations, we introduced and explored terminology such as "drag" and "lift" to describe the behaviors exhibited by different objects in relation to air movement. We carefully examined the mechanics behind making a kite soar gracefully in the sky and analysed the specific momentum required for an aircraft to navigate through the air with precision.

This immersive exploration not only deepened our understanding of the fundamental principles governing air dynamics but also sparked a sense of wonder and curiosity about the vast possibilities inherent in the world of aerodynamics. It was a wonderful week of push and pull using air and I am sure the students have enjoyed just as much.

I also included some of the Jett's gym photos for families to look at from the previous 4 weeks of the grade 1/2 classrooms both Sonia's and myself, I hope I got everyone, there was lots to choose from.

Hello, from Art