Twice the Awards!

Since our Assembly was rained out last week, we had twice the award recipients this week!

Congratulations to Cadence, Ano, Benita, Simron and Jemma! 

I'm so proud of you!

Learning about Living Things - Animals

At the beginning of the term I asked the children what they know about animals. The whiteboard was filled with a mind map of words showing their prior learning. 

My next question was, "what would you like to learn about animals?"

The next day Olivia asked, "can we learn about hibernate?"

Nash asked, "can we learn about habitat?"

So, we learnt about animals that hibernate and what a habitat is. 

We created a word wall which we add to each time we learn a new word.

So far, the children's interests have guided to explore animals that are nocturnal and animals that can camouflage. We've learnt about the difference between insects and spiders. 

Ano was particularly interested in fossils, so we talked about why they are important. We've even had a go at making fossils of our own. 

First we made the dough using flour, salt, used coffee grounds and cold coffee. 

Then we stamped our shells and left our dough in the sun to dry. 

Most of our creations made realistic looking fossils. The children are really pleased with their work!

I absolutely love the paths the children's interests take us on!

I wonder what question they will ask next?!

More Fraction Work

In our work on fractions, we have been trying hard to understand that fractions are about dividing shapes or objects into equal parts. We've practised writing fractions with a focus on the number at the bottom showing the number of parts the objects have been divided into. Today we did some more work on quarters and looked at thirds. The children have become very proficient at recognising equal and unequal parts. 

We continued to consolidate our learning using food. Today we used a box of Smarties. 

The children were divided into groups of three. 

First each group was asked to divide a paper plate into thirds. 

Next the children took turns to share their box of Smarties so that each received an equal portion. 

The last step was to check that the portions were in fact equal. Each child was asked to count their Smarties to ensure they were divided into 3 equal parts. 

And when all was done, the children ate their Smarties!

Maths can be so much fun!

Jelly Bean Guessing Competition

As part of our Missions Week he children have the opportunity to enter a jelly bean guessing competition. The winner takes one of the jars (pictured below)  to share with family and friends. 

Cost:

$0.50 for one guess

$1.00 for three guesses

Competition closes on Friday. 

What is One Quarter?

Today we moved from the concept of one half to one quarter. We talked about the fraction symbol and the meaning of the number at the bottom. 

During our Math Daily 3 rotations we explored this a little further. 

The children drew the other half of a picture cut from a magazine 

They also made a pizza and cut it into 4 equal parts. Ano cut his into eighths!

As a class activity we explored the notion of equal parts as getting a fair portion. We used Kit Kats to do this. We split into four groups of four. Each child cut a portion of their Kit Kat so that there were four equal portions. 

Our last step was to draw what we made, then write the fraction. 

I'm looking forward to our lesson on sharing into three equal parts. 

Meet Mrs Ballard

Mrs Jesscia Ballard joined us yesterday. She is a university student in her final year. In fact, this is her final prac. After her term with us she will be a fully qualified teacher. Mrs Ballard is helping out at the moment, but eventually she will be teaching full days. This term she will be with us for a total of 10 days. Next term she will be with us full time.

I'm so happy to have Mrs Ballard with us. She is a very welcome addition to our class!

What is Missions Week all about?

Next week is Missions Week. It is a week of fund raising where 100% of the profit made goes towards supporting organisations such as orphanages in China, 100% Hope from Uganda and Operation Christmas Child. 

Yesterday a note went home outlining the details. You can find a copy of it through the MACC App. 

I thought it might be helpful to clarify a few things for those who are unfamiliar. 

Helping Hand Tree

This is a tree that is made up of cardboard hands. Each hand has the name of an item (mostly medical or school supplies) that is needed by any of the orphanages we support in China. By taking a hand and purchasing the product on it, we are helping make life a little more comfortable for the children. There will be a helping hand tree in Primary from Monday. If you take a hand please leave the product you purchase at the office by Friday. 

'M' Themed Mufti Day on Tuesday

Mufti days are always exciting (and a little stressful). Your child's outfit can be as creative or as simple as you wish. 

My favourite 'M' to dress as is 'Me'!!

Please send a $2 donation in with your child on the day. 

Missions Fair on Friday

All parents are invited to attend! 

This will start at lunchtime. You still have the opportunity to pre order a sausage, bacon or bacon and egg sandwich or a burger with the works. You can do this through the MACC App. Drinks will be available for purchase on the day for $2.50. 

The Missions Fair is made up of a range of different stalls from lollies, to nail polish, hair spray, guessing competitions and more. I will be running a slip n slide (please pray for that warm weather to return!!) so anyone who is able to help with the supervision of the children will be very much appreciated! 

It's going to be an exciting and busy week!!