Reading Time!

During reading time we work in small ability groups.  We have a range of things that we are focussing on during this first reading of the book.

When they come to an unknown word we say things like:

• Look at the first letter of the word, what sound does that make?  What word might start with that sound?  Sometimes it helps to re-read the first part of the sentence for them so they can think about the answer.
• Read to the end of the sentence (skip the word) and then come back and see if you can work it out.
• Look for something in the word that you know that could help you? eg 'at' in 'cat' or 'the' in 'mother'.

If they make an error we don't jump in straight away.  We give them a short amount of time to see if they notice it and correct it themselves.  (Which is what we want them to do)

If they don't correct it themselves we ask them things like:

• Did that look right?
• You said "the dog walking down the road", did that sound right?  (Often when you repeat what they have read they can hear the error.)
• Did that make sense? (again, repeat what they have said)

This line of questioning gives the students some skills to use when attempting unknown words and to self correct when they make an error which is what all good readers do!

Making a Cat and a Mouse

Some of the children read the book 'Making a Cat and a Mouse' in their reading group.  We decided it would be a great thing to make on Friday during discovery time.

We followed the instructions in the book and the students were so proud of their creations!

Discovery time

On Fridays we have an hour of "Discovery Time'. We use this time to give the students the opportunity to explore a range of different activities like art, craft, baking, dancing, soccer, construction etc. Last Friday some students did some baking with one of our Mums. They were very proud of the hokey pokey biscuits they made!

Discovery time baking!

Swim for Life

At the moment we are doing 'swim for life' lessons.  Two instructors from Swim Magic come and work with the students on their water skills.

In the first lesson the students had the opportunity to wear life jackets and practice floating.

This week the students have been doing a range of activities related to their skill level.  Some kids were learning to put their face under and blow bubbles, some were practicising their floating and others were working on their freestyle technique.

Look at our awesome art!

Problem solving in maths

On Friday we practise solving word problems.  

We look at questions like: "Cooper bought 7 marbles to school.  Cayl gave him 3 and then Ben gave him 4 more.  How many does he have altogether?"

At the moment we are modelling to the students how we can work this out by drawing pictures or using equipment.  

Once the children are familiar with what is expected of them they will start working on these problems in small groups.