Grade 1

This term in English 1B students have been learning about Explanation text and the topic focused was “How the Life Cycle of a Sunflower Works”. Students enjoyed viewing various Youtube videos and endless discussions based on the topic which gave them an abundance of knowledge in order to help them write an explanation text.

During Health, 1B students have been learning about “Hygiene for me and others” by participating with putting some glitter on their hands and shaking hands with others. They enjoyed the discussions and presented their project on how to avoid germs and the spread of germs.

Guided Reading

Guided reading is where teachers work with a small number of children to analyse a text in detail, making sure each child can read each word. Generally, teachers need to think about two things when carrying out a guided reading session: decoding and comprehension.

Decoding means literally turning a written word into a spoken word, regardless of whether the meaning of that word has been understood. Teachers will teach children how to decode by encouraging them to split a word up and sound out all the separate sounds. They may also ask them to look at the picture to help them. Another strategy is to read the whole sentence to them, missing out the word they have struggled with, then asking them to work out what the word could be, based on what they have heard of the rest of the sentence.

Comprehension means understanding what has been read and being able to talk or write about it.

Once the students read with the teacher, they are generally provided with comprehension activities.

Swimming

Learning to swim has many benefits for our children. It's great for their health and well-being, it enhances their self-esteem and importantly teaches them a respect for water. You need to give your child the chance to learn to swim. The most important reason is that swimming is the only sport which can save your child's life. Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.

The Year 1’s and 2’s attended Epping Swimming Centre All the students were grouped according to ability and lessons provided accordingly. The students have learnt many things such as; pool safety and emergency procedures and swimming skills. Each group focused on different areas of learning, such as basic freestyle arms, backstroke, frog kick, breaststroke, safety rules and to be confident in water.

The students were very engaged with the program and enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you to the parents for their support and assisting the teachers.