Week Four

This has been a busy week for Kindy Blue. They have started to work in teams and rotate through activities. The students have done an excellent job and need to be commended for their efforts.

Literacy

The students have been learning to identify their name and the sound it starts with e.g. Max starts with M, M, M. For the next two weeks we are focusing on the initial letter sounds Aa as in apple, Ss as in sun, Tt as in turtle. To reinforce the letter sounds please have a look around your home for an object that starts with one of these letters and bring it in to add to our class ‘Phonic Mystery Bag.’ (Please label items so that they can be returned.) Try this website for learning the alphabet with phonic sounds:  

www.starfall.com

Numeracy

We are learning to identify the written numerals 1 and 2 and matching concrete objects using one to one correspondence. The students are also learning to touch count each object only once when counting “How many?”

Assembly

Our *BRIGHT SHINING STARS*  on Friday  22^nd February were Emily and Kean. Congratulations!

Please note parents are welcome to attend assemblies. Please wear school uniform.

Show and Tell

Beginning in week 5 each child will have a turn to bring in an item or photo to talk about something that they are grateful for. They will be asked to share this with the class and will need to practise what they say with parents at home before their rostered day. A class gratitude book will be compiled and be on display in the classroom. This is a whole school approach and will form part of the Kindy oral language, speaking, listening and values program. Please speak to the teacher if you would like any clarification.

It is requested that children be encouraged to greet teachers when they enter the classroom in the morning. This is part of the Wattle Grove Way and not only teaches them to use their manners but also alerts the teachers of their arrival and you can leave at ease knowing that your child is safe in their care.

Friendly Reminder: Please return document wallets every morning when your child comes to school.

Parent Information Evening

Thank you for attending the parent evening this week. I have attached the PowerPoint for your reference. If you were unable to attend, I have sent the handouts home with your children. At the meeting we discussed how it is very normal to see tears from children in the first few weeks of school but please be assured that we will speak to you if we have any concerns about how your child is settling in. 

We have been focusing on orientating the children to the classroom and introducing the routines of school. This has included how to sit on the mat nicely, raising your hand to speak, stopping when they hear the bell, being kind to our friends and teachers and looking after our beautiful classroom. 

We have been helping children to recognise their name at school. This is an important skill and will support them to be more independent at school. Drawing your child's attention to their name at home and helping them to see all the letters in their name will support this. 

Starting school is a big step for children (and parents) so please don't hesitate to speak with me if you have any concerns. We have an exciting year ahead and I am really looking forward to teaching your child this year.