Learning In My Level

Level 1 

The Level 1 students have been very busy this term. The term has gone so quickly and we can’t believe the term is already half way through.  To start the term, we have paid close attention to setting up our classroom routines and expectations with the ‘Start Up’ program. The children know our daily routine and are settling in extremely well. It’s been very exciting for the students to meet their new teacher and make new friends in class. 

When asked what the children like about Level 1, here are what some of the students wrote: 

‘I like making new friends.  I like drawing and Maths.  I love my teacher.  My friend’s names are Zac and Mimi.’ (Taylor) 

‘I like learning new things.  I like drawing and writing.  I love school.’ (Olivia) 

Literacy 

For Reading sessions, we have now started our Reading Workshops.  During this time the students participate in a variety of activities to help improve their reading strategies. We have started the ‘Café’ program, which focuses on Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanding Vocabulary. Reading goals for our students have started to come home in their reading diaries. 

We have parents and friends as ‘Classroom Helpers’ coming to the classrooms most days, to listen and support students with their reading. Sending a big ‘thankyou’ to the helpers who are able to come in each week! 

The children have been busy working on their weekly spelling lists, which focus on a different spelling pattern each week. The children also receive a one-hour session per week on Phonemic Awareness which supports our spelling program.  

During our Writing sessions the students have been writing recounts and focusing on capital letters, punctuation to end sentences and using spaces between words. 

So far this term the children have spoken at ‘Show and Tell’ to discuss themselves, their family, how to be healthy and have shared their favourite book with the class.  Using whole body listening, has been a big focus to enhance better listening skills.  The children are trying hard to be ‘Superstar Speakers’ by speaking with a clear and projected voice. 

Maths 

Each day the students count the number of days they have been at school.  We are very excited and looking forward to when we have had 100 days of school. We can’t wait for the big celebration on the 100th day! 

Place Value has had a large focus over the last few weeks, where the children have used a variety of materials to represent different numbers eg. MAB blocks and 10 frame grids.  We have looked at 2D and 3D shapes, and have discussed their attributes. 

Inquiry 

The children have been learning about the topic ‘Healthy Me, Happy Me’, which introduces them to the importance of a healthy diet, exercise and mindfulness. ‘Bucket Filling’ activities have enabled the students to be supportive and thoughtful of all members of the class and members of the wider community.  For the remainder of the term the children will be learning about ‘Up, Down and All Around’, which includes concepts about changes being man-made and natural, time periods and seasons and how they affect the landscape. 

We look forward to a fantastic year, to watch the children learn and grow as the year progresses. 

Level 2 

The Level 2 students have had a fantastic start to 2023! Students have been settling into a new grade and making new friends. Students have helped set up positive classroom cultures by creating and agreeing to classroom expectations.  

Literacy 

Throughout the term, students have been practicing new skills for Speaking and Listening. During ‘Talk Time’ students have been practicing using a loud and clear voice to talk about different topics such as their holidays, favourite books, and their hobbies. We have also learnt how to be a good listener and practising full body listening.  

In our Writing sessions, the students have been writing recounts and learning about the structure of a recount. We have looked at orientation sentences, body paragraphs and how to write a personal comment. 

Students have also done amazing work with their spelling exploring the long vowel sounds.   A huge ‘thank-you’ to all the parents that help listen to and change the take home readers everyday!  

Mathematics 

Students have enjoyed a range of different topics this term during Mathematics. We have looked at place value for 3-digit numbers, 2D shapes, telling the time, addition, and subtraction.  

Here are some examples of the amazing work students have produced this term.  

Chicken Duty 

All grade 2 classes got the pleasure of chicken duty this Term. Students have enjoyed learning about and taking care of the chickens. Some classes have even been able to make fried rice and pancakes from the eggs collected during their week. 

Inquiry 

Through the Resilience Project lessons, we have been learning about Gratitude. Students have explored what the word means and what they are grateful for in their lives. We have also been learning about how to stay safe online during our Cyber Safety Project lessons. Students have learnt about what personal information is safe or unsafe to share online and how to create and remember secure passwords. 

Grade 2 students have also been watching ‘Behind the News’ each week. Behind the News is a fun, accessible way for students to learn about what is happening in the world around them.