1/2 K

Mathematics

In maths we have been reviewing our addition and subtraction strategies. We discussed the symbols for addition+ subtraction- and equals=. The children have investigated strategies that allow them to quickly and accurately add and subtract numbers. Some strategies include:

• Counting on e.g. 22 + 9=  23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 30, 31
• Splitting the numbers up into tens and ones e.g. 27+19= 20 +10 and 7 +9
• Algorithm e.g. 36 + 21 =     36
•                                                 + 21
•                                                     57

The children have been working on these efficient strategies using a range of manipulatives including, number fans, dominoes, cards, dice, beans and whiteboards. They have really focused on making sure both sides of the equals symbol is the same in their equations.

e.g.          10+7= 17                      23= 10+13                      11+ 9 = 2 + 18

Literacy

In writing the children have begun to look at how to write a procedure of steps to make something. Firstly we made a Chinese paper lantern that linked into our Inquiry topic as we look at different cultures and countries around the world. Then the children drew the steps they took to make the paper lantern. After that we discussed verbs that are action words and the actions we took to make the paper lantern. The children brainstormed words such as cut, glue, staple, twist and fold. Finally the children wrote a sentence under each picture to explain the step. Each sentences needed to start with a verb.

Here are some of the children's final procedural writing pieces.

Ed in Faith

In Education in Faith we have been focusing on the Golden Rule. We read the story The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper and discussed that all people no matter their religion, culture or background the world would be a great place if we all followed the Golden Rule

We then found the Golden rule in the Bible

 Luke 6:31 'Do to others as you would have them do to you'. 

The children also read the Parable of the Good Samaritan and discussed how the Samaritan followed the Golden Rule to a fellow person in need. It was important for the children to understand that the Good Samaritan was from a different culture to the man who was hurt and traditionally they were enemies. Yet the Samaritan still helped his fellow neighbour.

Here are some of the children's responses to the Parable of the Good Samaritan.