Term Overview Letter
26th July, 2010
Dear Parents,
Hare Krishna! Welcome to term three! A huge and warm welcome to our new students, Tisha, Vasudev, Vasundhara, Lila and Rohan. Here is an overview of what your child will be learning in this term.
Values and Shastra (Religious studies)
The main value focus for this term is cleanliness. This will be interwoven throughout the curriculum, especially in shastra (religious studies).
Sanskrit
In Beginning Sanskrit we will continue learning vowels, consonants, simple commands numbers and colours. We will also be learning a selection of Sanskrit slokas and prayers.
Thinking Skills
A variety of Thinking Skill techniques will be integrated throughout the curriculum. This term we will be exploring and using De Bono’s Six Thinking hats.
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. 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 with an emphasis on number identification, ordering and place value. We will also be working on number strategies, creating as well as building upon already existing ones. Math this term will also continue with Geometry with a focus on 3D shapes and how to identify them in the environment.
Topic: Science and Social Sciences
The Science and integrated Technology topic for the term will be called ‘Light and Colour’ where the children will explore simple science concepts and ideas. In Social Sciences the children will be learning about Holy Places such as Mathura, Vrndavan, the birth place of Lord Krishna.
Health and Physical Education
Physical Education will focus on keeping fit by learning skipping and ball skills (catching, throwing and kicking). In health, covered in our ‘Skills for Growing’ curriculum, the children will be learning how to Growing Up Healthy where the children will be learning how to take care of their bodies and stay healthy.
The Arts
Visual Arts will be integrated into the Shastra theme with Festivals of India. The children will learn to make decorations and cards to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday and other major Vaisnava festivals. Music will encompass learning devotional songs and bhajans in both English and Sanskrit. Amit Prabhu, a very talented ‘bhajan’ enthusiast, will again be assisting us in teaching children to sing. Drama will include skits and small plays on Krishna’s pastimes.
Homework
The 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 of the Reading log and return the next day. A colouring or puzzle sheet will be given out for the weekend. There will be no formal homework over the holidays.
Ihope 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 (412 8063). I can alternatively be contacted by email vimalahowie@slingshot.co.nz.
Sincerely Yours,
Vimala Dasi