Year 1/2

English

Reading:

Throughout Term 4 the Grade 1/2 students focused on texts written by Mem Fox for an author study. The students enjoyed making connections between the writing style and illustrations of her texts, as well as applying a range of comprehension strategies to each text. The students enjoyed learning about and analysing the characters that Mem Fox uses in her stories. They developed their knowledge in identifying character traits and the ability to use descriptions. At the end of each focus text students were able to critique the text by giving opinions and ratings of their enjoyment.

Writing:

In Term 4, 1/2 students wrote realistic 

narratives, creating well structured stories with a  clear beginning, middle, and end. Throughout the unit we focused on character and setting development, as well as correctly forming problems that link with a realistic solution. We moved on to creating explanation texts. During this unit we focused on creating non-fiction texts that describe how 

and/or why things happen, describing a process and giving reasons and evidence. Throughout the term we continued to add entries to our writers notebook, a space to collect ideas and writing seeds.

Mathematics

At the beginning of Term 4, students in 1/2 looked at probability and the chance of events occurring. Students used everyday language to describe the outcome of familiar events. 

As we moved back to face-to-face learning students used different materials to estimate and measure the capacity that something can hold. The grade 1/2s then experimented with 3D shapes looking at features of various 3D shapes and using the correct vocabulary to describe these features. i.e. face, edge, corner. Students moved on to estimating, measuring and comparing the volume of objects in their environment. Finally students spent some time revising and extending their knowledge of place value.

Social and Emotional Learning and Inquiry

Throughout this term the grade 1/2 students participated in a range of lessons that focus on different aspects of their wellbeing, such as social skills and emotional awareness. Students  were taught how to understand their emotions, as well as the emotions of others around them, and what strategies they could use to self-regulate. They learnt about stress, fear and ways to cope, as well as how to work with others cooperatively and how to problem solve.

Inquiry:

In Inquiry, the topic for Term 4 was ‘Back When’. Students were given the opportunity to learn about aspects of the past and how they have been preserved in the local community. They have learned about why the past is important, and what differences there are between the past and present. Students also explored some aspects of technology and how it has changed over time.

 ART

It was so amazing to welcome all of the students backs to school in Term 4. We have had a such a busy term. 

The students have been learning about texture and how we can use texture to increase the impact of our work. The students experimented and investigated with textures in our environment by completing a texture rubbing activity. They then created a picture with different materials to imply texture and add depth to their work. Students put together a list of words we can use to describe textures and we used these words when describing texture in their work. 

To finish off the term, students learnt about observational drawings and how we can use light and shadows to create an effect. Students then worked on drawing the lines and shapes before them, rather than what they imagined. We have had such a creative term in Art! I have been so impressed by the dedication and engagement the students have shown. Have a restful and happy break everyone!

LOTE: CHINESE

Well done everyone for a fantastic term and end to the year! In term 4, the grade ones and twos reviewed and extended their fundamental knowledge about the Chinese Mandarin language. This included the tonal nature of the language, the use of Pinyin, and the history and stroke order of Chinese characters. They learnt about some new Chinese greetings, as well as reviewed some previously learnt greetings. They also learnt about how paper was invented by the Chinese people and about a Chinese holiday called the Mid-Autumn Festival. Have a wonderful holiday!

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

That is a wrap! I am so proud of everything you have achieved this year! We looked at how to play with others. From there, we looked at kicking a ball and catching!  Then we finished off the term with Bike Ed. So much done and done well!  

Rest up and we will see you next year! 

SCIENCE

The Grade 1/2 term 4 Chemical Science unit has focused on observing and investigating how everyday materials can be physically changed, or combined with other materials, for a range of purposes.  Students have carried out many hands on experiments and activities to investigate the effects of mixing different materials, such as rice bubbles, icing sugar and coco and cornflour water.  During these experiments, students have practiced their observation and recording skills which has enabled them to determine the outcome of the experiments.  Students have also investigated how different materials can be physically changed by different actions, such as through bending, stretching and twisting.

Well done Grade 1/2’s on a fantastic year in Science!