Dear Parents,
Hare Krishna! Welcome to Term 3, 2011. A huge and warm welcome to Braj, our new entrant student for this term. Here is an overview of what we will be learning in this term.
Values and Shastra (Religious studies)
The values focus for this term are kindness and self control. These values will be interwoven throughout the curriculum, especially in Shastra (religious studies). The main shastra focus will be celebrating the term’s major festivals; Lord Balarama’s appearance day, Jhulan yatra (the swing festival) Janmastami (Lord Krishna’s appearance day) Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day and Radhastami (Srimati Radharani’s appearance day. There will be lots of Krishna stories, decoration making and art and drama activities to celebrate this Vaisnava festive season.
Sanskrit
In Beginning Sanskrit we will be learning numbers, colours and a selection of Sanskrit slokas and prayers related to the different festivals.
Maori-Te-reo – Children will be revising days of the week, numbers and colours
Thinking Skills- We will be introducing the children to the ‘Community of Inquiry’
This is a series of lessons or that involve talking around the things ‘we wonder about’. It supports children in being able to formulate questions based on their curiosity and in being able to dialogue with each other so as to better understand their own and others’ ‘wonderings’.
English and Literacy
In English, the children will be continuing with their story writing and reading activities. We will also be continuing with the ‘Jolly Phonics’ programme which is proving to be a successful and fun method of learning for the children. As well as learning their basic sounds children will be learning high frequency spelling according to their particular level. In oral language we will be focusing on listening and responding as well as expanding existing vocabulary. We will also be giving the children lots of speaking opportunities in group discussions and class presentations. Those children needing extra support in speaking English will receive one-on-one support from our teacher aide.
Math
For Math this term we will be focusing again on number knowledge which includes identification, ordering and place value. We will also be working on number strategies in addition and subtraction- creating, as well as building upon, already existing ones. Math Strand this term will explore early Geometry concepts such as recognising 2 and 3D shapes in our environment.
Topic: Science/Technology and Social Sciences
The theme for this term’s integrated topic is Creating A Peaceful World. The unit title is “Peace Lessons.” These lessons are aimed at developing an inner peace to build students self esteem, self reliance and self resilience.
Health and Physical Education
Physical Education will focus on developing movement concepts and motor skills using ball catching and throwing activities as well as Yoga for Kids.
The Arts
Visual Arts will be integrated into the integrated term topic of ‘Creating a Peaceful World’. Nalini Mataji has planned some exciting art projects around this theme. There will also be lots of art, craft, drama and dance opportunities in the “Let’s Celebrate Festivals’ unit. Music will encompass learning devotional songs and bhajans in both English and Sanskrit. As always we incorporate lots of songs, chants and rhymes to assist children in catching both rhythm and beat. Amit Prabhu, a very talented ‘bhajan’ enthusiast, will again be joining us in teaching the children in devotional songs to celebrate the major festivals.
Homework
Starting from week two, children will be given a weekly homework sheet according to their abilities. Homework sheets will be collected on Friday and corrected over the weekend. Homework certificates will awarded for best efforts. A reading book will be taken home each evening. Please read with your children and remember to mark the book in the Reading log and return the next day. Poetry/song books will be sent home once a week for reading to and with your child. Please return this book the next day as you would a reader. A colouring or puzzle sheet may be given out for the weekend. There will be no formal homework over the holidays.
I hope that this overview gives you a picture of the term ahead. If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact me at school or at my home in the evenings (47 33643). I can alternatively be contacted by email at vimalahowie@gmail.com
Sincerely Yours,
Vimala Dasi /Nalini Dasi
Reception/Year 1 Teacher
Important Reminders–Please make sure your child has shoes that are easy to put on and remove as they do this often throughout the day!!!
Snacks - We have noticed a lot of very sugary snacks in children’s lunch boxes. You can ask any teacher about the connection between too much sugar and children’s ability to focus!!! Great snack alternatives are all kinds of fruit, chapattis with veges or spreads, vegi sticks – such as carrot slices etc…. I will post more information and ideas about this important topic on our school blog.