Term 2 2014

This term has been a short term and trying to cram everything in has been a mission. 

Our numbers were getting quite high and with our new class being completed and the seniors moving into it we have moved our New Entrants and most Year 1's into the hub.This has enabled us to have 2 teachers in the 2 classrooms. The noise level has decreased but it is a pity as it defeats the purpose of keeping all the Juniors together - our NE and Year 1's do not see what is expected of them as they progress through the class. 

We have changed our programme a number of times in Whare Iti trying to ensure we cover everything. The children are all very adaptable and enjoy the change. We are still moving students between our 2 classes and it is great that children are able to work with others at their level.

We have now included our Handwriting into our Reading time and children have the choice of when they do this. We are looking at changing our Spelling Programme again as we seem to run out of time to do and we are not seeing any improvement in the children's writing.

Our focus for the term in writing has been Fairytales. We have looked at characters, settings, time connectives, adjectives and verbs used. It has been a fabulous term of writing and we completed it with our giant footsteps in the classroom. 

Giant Footsteps that were in our class when we arrived one morning.
How did they get there?

In Maths we have been working on Measurement, Geometry and Number. Most children are able to use a ruler correctly now which is great. We have looked at 2D shapes and their properties and continue with 3D at the beginning of next term.

We have had Technology Challenge up at Waitaki Valley School again this year. It is wonderful to watch the older students taking the lead in their groups. 

Our speech competition was held in the second last week of term. The Year 1 and 2 children recited poems. There was some varied results but all children got up and said their poem which was fabulous.

In topic the class has been looking at Food and what is available here and overseas. We also start PrEP which continues in term 3. We are having a Cafe on Market Day and are making Ginger Beer and  baking to sell at it. 

I have discontinued one child off Reading Recovery with pleasing results. I am starting another child at the beginning of the term and hope to have another finished by the middle of next term. 

It has been a changeable term with us teachers trying to get the right mix that will work for us. I look forward to next term and keeping our programme the same. We may find other challenges with calving in full swing and tired children.