The Chatterboxes: Term 3 Week 2
Happy Week 2!
Despite the chilly weather, the Chatterboxes have been full of energy as we settle into another wonderful term of learning.
Literacy stations returned this week, and it has been fantastic to see how much reading growth has continued over the holidays. Many of the Chatterboxes have clearly been practising their reading skills and it has been awesome to hear their confidence and fluency developing.
Our Conflict Resolution unit this term is focusing on the important topic of Friendship. This week, we explored what friendship means and shared some ideas about what makes a positive friendship. One thoughtful definition that was shared was that friendship is “the bond you share with another person.” We then created our own Friendship Soup, writing down the qualities we value in a friend on different vegetable shapes and adding them into a big bowl.
In Maths, we are nearing the end of our Mass unit. This week, we used equal arm balances to measure the mass of different classroom objects. We practised using our hefting skills to make predictions about which objects would be heavier and then tested our ideas. We also spent some time repairing our sundial, which unfortunately became a little wonky over the holidays.
PIP’s have started this week and the Elders are off to a great start, with some really interesting topics being discussed. Our Juniors (and the Elders from the Axolotls) meanwhile are embarking on their first GIP (Group Interest Project). We will be exploring the world of insects and learning how to be responsible researchers and confident presenters. We started off by looking at the anatomy of an insect and getting up close with some insects and other bugs encased in resin.
Our Currents of Care unit continued this week with a focus on the places that are important to us and our communities. We shared our favourite places and explored the difference between natural and man-made environments. Using Google Maps, we investigated Lane Cove and identified places that support our community. The Chatterboxes then became explorers of their own local areas, locating important places such as hospitals, schools, vets, parks, grocery stores and sports fields. We discussed different ways we can care for and improve these spaces.
We continued this learning with a visit to the Secret Garden with the Axolotls on Thursday. While we had a great afternoon playing and spending time together, we also observed the features of the park, identifying what was natural and what was man-made. We discussed who looks after these spaces (including wondering who put up the possum boxes!) and how they could be improved. The Chatterboxes shared many thoughtful ideas such as more play equipment and improvements to the bitumen area.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Faith x