Friday 31 January 2014

We have been learning...

This week, we have been learning the routines of class so the children know exactly what to do. Today we practised basic facts and spelling. We also made lanterns to celebrate The Year of the Horse for Chinese New Year. Thank you Kareena for bringing in your Chinese fan to show the class - we loved it!
For spelling we learned what the vowels are and sang, "A, E... A, E, I, O, U ooo, and sometimes y." Then we learned how to write the short a sound, like the "a" in "hat." We practised our words with a multisensory approach by making the sounds with:
  • our mouths
  • playdough
  • felt tip pens
  • chalk
We practised basic facts (answering maths problems with quick recall) to see which level we are at - check out the Basic Facts page above.

Next week, we will start spelling and basic facts homework.Well done Krishna and Sancy who have started early!

Tuesday 28 January 2014

First day at school

What a glorious day to start school - such a beautiful sunny day!

We spent today getting to know each other by talking about holiday experiences - there were so many: Singapore, being on a marae, boogie boarding, family visits... Then we practised working cooperatively in maths tasks and making finger print art. Tomorrow we will continue to learn the routines of Room 24... and don't forget your swim suit!






Friday 24 January 2014

Hello 2014 Room 24 children!!

Hello to my new Room 24 children,

My name is Fleur Tuck and I'll be warmly welcoming you into class on Tuesday morning. This year we have an overall "Green" theme. For Term 1, we are covering the routines of school. We are calling it "The Green Team," because we will all be part of Arahoe School... which is becoming greener.

Arahoe school will be moving from taking home all rubbish to... recycling rubbish and composting food at school - isn't that great news!

I look forward to meeting your child and finding out about what they got up to in the holidays and what their likes and interests are. In the holidays I saw lots of pigs in Coromandel that roll over onto their backs when you tickle them. It was pretty funny.


On the first day of school, children will bring home a newsletter with all the information you need to know about Room 24. Please email me your email address so I can also email you future information. I will also post information on this blog for your convenience. Please read the Room 24 blog and newsletters carefully. In Year 2, there will be many differences to Year 1 to ensure progressive and challenging learning. For example, children will be taking home weekly spelling lists and will need to also practise basic facts three times per week. Homework starts in Week 2.

If you buy stationery, please only cover the notebook and one of the largest books. This is to minimise waste. If you want to cover all books, there are reusable eco-covers available from bookstores. Thanks for being waste-wise. Don't worry if you have already covered all books - you were early and missed the memo.

I'm very excited about the learning this term. There are some wonderful art, dance, maths, Maori and English units for the children to enjoy. It will be a lot of fun!

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

Fleur Tuck