Sarah’s Class: Term 2 Week 3
Dear parents,
We’ve had a gorgeous week with the inclusion of some very chilly mornings and days. The temperature dropped on Thursday before we ventured off into the bush for our ‘Documentary in a Day’ incursion/excursion. Thankfully, the wind gusts held off for us to continue our descent into Warraroon Reserve. Before leaving, Sophie, our guide for the day from Field of Mars, explained what a documentary was and showed us some examples of what makes a good documentary.
In pairs, the children were given an iPad and using a digital book, focusing on habitats found in hollow logs, trees, water, leaf litter, bushes/shrubs, rocks and logs, they began writing a script for presenting their found information. Once in the reserve, children dispersed to start their filming of habitats. Using newly taught skills on camera angles, close-ups, panning and capturing an ‘ants view’ children focused on the different habitats in our local bush. Sophie gave us some wonderful commentary about different things we saw and explained the importance of termites on the forest floor and the part they play in biodiversity.
When back at school we had a lunch break before taking the next steps of editing, chopping, adding commentary and finally music to what would become the final product. Sophie took all the films away and will be splicing them into a folder before forwarding back to us for viewing. We’re thinking of structuring the children’s “Pip” presentations a little differently this term and talks between Jess, Susan and myself might see the children all present their projects in one fair swoop to their class, and parents, over one afternoon, after school.
We may bring the documentary presentations into this event as well, so all can be seen together. This is not yet confirmed and it will be something we run by the children before it’s set in stone and we lock in a date. So watch this space for confirmation.
Other things we ticked off this week included a gorgeous afternoon down at Gulawa playing Pickleball. We had 4 courts to share and practice our skills at hitting the ball back and forth to an opponent. We learnt balancing skills, how to hold the paddle and the importance of foot work.
For our History topic we compared and contrasted, in greater depth, the Aboriginal and Australian Maps and really dived deeply into their differences. We also listened to a story about how the Torres Strait Islander flag came to be and we coloured in this and the Australian and Aboriginal flags, recording the meaning of colour and symbols. We practiced more strategies at multiplying and dividing and continued with personal projects.
Next week on Monday, we return to Lane Cove Library, so please bring in any books needing returned. On Tuesday, we have Basketball here at school, so children will need appropriate shoes for this activity run by Michael (ex pre-school assistant).
And, for our topic work, we will be looking at The Dreaming, affiliated stories and myths.
That’s it!
Love,
Sarah