Off to a Great Start

Classroom   Agreements

During the first few weeks of term, all Torrens classes have been exploring the question, How Can I Shine as a Learner and Leader? and revisiting the Keys to Success and School Values. These have been used to develop Classroom Agreements.

All LNPS classes use six categories for devising their agreements: Learning, Safety, Treatment,  Communication, Problem Solving and Movement. Following discussion and co-construction, the agreements will be finalised and a copy will be inserted in your child's  diary.

In addition, children have also discussed consequences matched to the Classroom Agreements. All LNPS classes follow the same procedure to help provide clarity to the agreed expectations. These steps are - Warning, Short Time Out Reflection, Buddy Class Time Out and Office Time Out. Parents will be asked to initial reflection sheets sent home.

Discovery Time

Discovery Time provides opportunities for exploration and wonder. Teachers are given this precious and valuable time to provide purposeful, innovative and challenging open ended activities tailored to children’s interests and needs. Children self direct their own learning, actively immersing themselves in play whereby creativity and problem solving occur naturally in their environment. Giving children time to pursue their interest, leads to a more powerful understanding of new learning and provides opportunity to consolidate their thinking. Children often encounter and overcome challenges and extend themselves to problem solve creatively in these environments.

Discovery Time supports the development of the whole child, catering for their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development, fostering self motivation, teamwork and collaboration.

Loose parts play will be introduced in the coming weeks supporting inventive, divergent thinking, problem solving and creating a  sense of wonder. Loose parts can be natural or man made, purchased or upcycled materials that children can move, build with, control and manipulate in creative ways. If you have any loose parts at home that you wish to donate we would be very thankful for your contributions. These materials could include tyres, crates, pallets, fabrics, pine cones, plastic tubing and wooden logs.

We are very excited in Torrens and looking forward to Discovery Time taking off!!