Problem Solving in Maths
We have begun teaching our problem style approach in maths this week. This has required the children to work in co-operative whānau groups with 3-4 children. We have had an emphasis on what effective group work looks and sounds like and it has been exciting to see the children participate in rich mathematical discussions as they share or question the ideas that are shared when solving the problem. Here are examples of some of the group thinking.
Life Education / Inquiry Learning
Next week, it is our turn to visit the Life Education van. Each class will have two lessons with the focus being on friendship, showing empathy and how we communicate with others. These are all important concepts to explore, especially at the beginning of a new year at school and supports our current class teaching around feelings and emotions.
Buddies
We began buddies last week with some of the children in Kauri Whanau. Most of the big buddies had 2-3 children. The focus of our sessions has been to get to know each other with the creation of fortune tellers and buddy posters.
Literacy
This week we began our writing programme and we have been highly impressed with the quality of writing being produced by the children in our team. This often occurs when parents read books regularly to children as this exposes them to wonderful language. It also enables them to hear how reading should sound as well as promoting a love of reading. Keep up the great work!
The focus next week is on establishing our reading programme across the team. We will be developing the necessary routines for reading where the children will read in a variety of ways: reading by themselves, reading to a buddy, listening to reading, playing reading/literacy games and even visiting our new school library! FYI-Home Learning will begin in week 4 with books being sent home then.
Learning Conferences
We would like to say a huge thank you to all the families who were able to attend a learning conference at the start of this term. As a teaching team this has enabled us to learn more about your child and how we can meet their needs this year. We really enjoyed meeting you all and are looking forward to the year ahead with your whānau. We are always available through email and are very happy to meet to discuss anything that arises. If you haven't done so yet, please take the time to fill in the google form which was sent out in the last newsletter via this link. This feedback is really valuable for us as a school.
Discovery Learning
Each day we begin with Discovery Time. This time provides the children with the opportunity to work together and to learn through play and exploration. It has been great to see the children problem solving, exercising their creativity, working together and developing their communication skills. We have learnt many things about the children through our conversations and observations which will be reflected in our teaching approaches with them. Here are some photos of the children in action.Wellbeing at Beckenham te Kura o Pūroto
Do you work or dabble in art, design or advertising? Would you be interested in helping design our wellbeing definition? This will be central to our student wellbeing strategy this year....and beyond! Please contact me if you can help. Many thanks, Charlotte (charlotte.verity@beckenham.
School Fair
The P.T.A. is working very hard to organise the school fair. Please mark your calendars- Friday 23rd March 2018 will be our first TWILIGHT FAIR since 2014. The P.T.A. are calling all Artists, Musicians, business owners & generous soles…..as they are on the hunt for donations of prizes, vouchers, cash, food, services & acts to help us to create an amazing Twilight FairIf you are a business/person that can help, please click on the link for more detailed information: https://goo.gl/forms/UXBCuV3Z4iURxLhB3
All funds raised from the Twilight Fair will be added to the PTA ‘OUTDOOR SPACES’ FUND.
Dates for the Diary:
Wed 21 Feb - Walk or Wheel Safely to School
Wed 14 Mar - Kowhai Top Team Afternoon (We do need parent help for this event)
Fri 16 Mar- Storylines Festival- Visiting author to our team
That's all for now. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Kōwhai Teaching Team
Wed 14 Mar - Kowhai Top Team Afternoon (We do need parent help for this event)
Fri 16 Mar- Storylines Festival- Visiting author to our team
That's all for now. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Kōwhai Teaching Team