Subjects in Term 1

Mathematics:

Our focus for Term 1 is Number and Place Value. It is critical that the basic concepts of understanding our decimal system as well as the associated concepts of place value and being able to identify, name, rearrange numbers into the hundreds of thousands. This will be done using a variety of teaching strategies, such as:

Systematic explicit teaching of concepts and specific ‘Clinic Groups’ to either scaffold or extend.
Dedicated skill and drill sessions to practise and assist in automaticity of responses.
Group work dedicated to building peer tutoring skills.
Problem Solving/STEM focused sessions to put the taught skills and strategies into practical use.

English:

Narratives

In Reading, our focus will be to continue to build stamina for independent reading. This will be achieved during Independent Reading sessions throughout the week that gradually increase in duration. During these Independent Reading sessions the teachers will be conferring with individual children regarding their own particular reading goals and needs. Children will be keeping a track of, as well as leaving reflections on their reading and how they are progressing on their individual goals.

Reading will also include systematic explicit teaching to assist in building competency with all reading strategies, but focusing on Comprehension.

In Writing, our focus will be twofold. We will be using our Systematic Synthetic Phonics program to develop spelling competency. This will be supported by ‘Boot Camp’ lessons teaching the Spelling Rules as well as dedicated Grammar lessons to build competency with the conventions of writing.

The second focus involves allowing time for the children to develop their own Voice and style in writing. Lessons will vary between structured skill lessons and independent writing time to allow them to put the skill into practise. During this time teachers will be conferring with individual children regarding their own particular goals and needs.

Dates to keep in mind