Last week was quite the rollercoaster, with parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) and a bout of strep throat adding some challenges along the way. Despite these, our kids have been exceptionally busy and productive.
This blog is a bit shorter than usual, but I hope you find some time to explore the photo albums. Take a look at what they’ve been up to!
We welcomed back Meredith to our AM class, who had been overseas for the birth of her baby sister. The kids were thrilled to see her again, and she couldn’t wait to share pictures of her new baby sister! I was so proud to see how excited the children were to welcome her back. To say she was well looked after upon her return would be an understatement!
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We introduced some new technology in the classroom; a visualiser helped to bring the children's creations to life on the screen, allowing them to see their drawings and projects in a whole new way. Using the visualiser made the activity quite lively, as everyone wanted their turn to have their work displayed. It was wonderful to see their excitement as they watched their creations projected for all to admire; this gave them a sense of pride and community among them, and who doesn't like an extra bit of attention now and then😉
We have put a lot of effort into developing their mark-making skills, fostering extended focus and attention in each session. I've encouraged them to add more detail to their drawings, prompting them to think creatively and push their boundaries. By providing guidance and support, I'm helping them explore new techniques and ideas. This process not only enhances their artistic abilities but also encourages them to express themselves more fully. As they engage with their art, they are discovering the joy of creating and gaining confidence in their skills. Each session is an opportunity for growth, and I'm excited to see how their capabilities continue to expand.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of skills and techniques on display. Each child's work is unique, reflecting their individual stages of development and the different methods they use. None is better than the others; they all represent valuable expressions of creativity.
What I see and what I hear...................
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Teaching children about body percussion is a fun way to explore rhythm and sound. Body percussion means using parts of the body, like hands and feet, to create music. You can start with simple clapping and stomping, then add different sounds like patting thighs or snapping fingers. An echo game can help them practise by repeating the rhythms you play. Encourage the kids to create their own body percussion sequences and perform them in groups. This activity helps them develop rhythm skills, be creative, and build confidence. Overall, body percussion is a great way for children to connect with music and express themselves!
Here are the links to a couple of the more successful ones we tried in the classroom
Please find the AM/PM Body percussion videos in the album below
Given the hot and humid weather, there are some weird and wonderful bugs appearing. Teaching kids about bug awareness is essential for fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature. By encouraging them to observe and appreciate insects rather than squash them, we can help them develop empathy and respect for all living creatures. Here are a few engaging ways to teach kids about bugs:
Nature Walks: Organise walks where children can spot different insects. Encourage them to observe behaviours and habitats.
Bug Journals: Have kids create journals to document their findings, drawing pictures and writing notes about the bugs they encounter.
Insect Habitats: Build simple habitats to house insects temporarily, allowing kids to study them up close.
Educational Games: Use games that teach about the roles bugs play in the ecosystem, highlighting their importance.
Storytime: Read books about insects that emphasise their value and the need to protect them.
By instilling a sense of curiosity and care for bugs, children can learn to coexist with these vital creatures rather than harm them.
Although we will still be visiting the library, we will now stop home borrowing to give us time to collect all the books before the end of the school term. The children have really enjoyed their library time, exploring new stories and discovering different genres. If you happen to get a book in a different language, this is a great opportunity for your child to make up their own story based on the illustrations! If there is a book listed under your child’s name that hasn’t been returned, please watch for a reminder email. I understand that books can easily get mixed up, so consider this a gentle reminder that it is still outstanding in our records. Thank you for your understanding!
Thank you for attending the PTCs! It was great to touch base with everyone again. Although it really made me realise just how fast this year has gone by!
Lastly – Just something I saw online that may be of interest......
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