Hello Everyone,
Welcome back to Term 2!

Science

This term in Science we are looking at Chemical Changes and how materials are used and changed to make different things. This is a very hands-on unit which should be very fun, and a little bit messy!

Geography and History

As the 2016 Olympics have now started we are currently investigating the history of the Olympics and studying the various countries that are competing. We have also been learning about the continents and the oceans. These lessons have facilitated many interesting conversations and questions. Many of which, have made it onto our Wonder Wall. This term we will also be focusing on researching and answering our many questions through some Inquiry Learning. NAIDOC Last Thursday we participated in the NAIDOC incursion. We learnt about the eco-system, what a totem is and how it is important to treat others kindly. The students also learnt a dance and had some time to look at interesting Aboriginal artefacts. In class we read a Dreamtime Story and completed a comprehension activity, and then we drew a picture.

Literacy

This term we are focusing on writing narratives during our Big Write time. Just like last term, students will take home Talk Home work with the topic provided. It is important you take time to talk to discuss the characters, setting, problem and solution with your child. This will ensure that they have had adequate time to expand on their ideas before writing. Also, if a student can talk out a story then they can write it! Oral language is a very important part of writing. You do not need to write the story down in full, however if you or your child want to take some notes to help jog their memory please do so. We have been completing story planners in class before our Big Write, which help to keep our ideas on track. If you would like to use one with your child you can find a free template here http://www.firstgradebuddies.com/2013/03/workshop-wednesday-reading-organizers.html

Numeracy

This term in Numeracy we are focusing on fractions, division and times tables. The students in Room 25 are fantastic mathematicians and I am always pleased to see their enthusiasm during math lessons. We are also focusing on learning the Bar Model to represent and solve word problems. If you would like to practice these at home or simply have a look at what they entail you can find them in the link below. http://www.mathplayground.com/wordproblems.html

ICT

We now have two working computers in Room 25 as well as 5 Ipads. ICT is an important part of student education and provides plenty of fun and engaging ways to learn content. In year two students should be able to turn on a computer, log on, open a webpage and save to a file. It would be very beneficial if these activities could be practiced at home if a computer is available.

Miss Mills