Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Week 2, Term 3

We have had a very busy week in Renwick 3!

On Tuesday we had Anne come to visit us with her guide dog called Penny. She talked to us about how she lost her sight, how she uses her white cane and how Penny, her guide dog, is able to help her.
























Kyah and Maddy have started participating in Kelly Sports after school on a Thursday. Here are some photo's of their 'action'!



During maths we have been learning to count backwards. We made a rocket ship counting down to blast off! We decorated our rocket ships using a mosaic technique.



Our social skill we are working on is 'No Put Downs'. We have been trying really hard to only say positive things to each other as we know that hurtful words will hurt our friends' feelings. We believe it is our right to have a safe environment to learn and play therefore it is our responsibility to make sure everyone is happy and safe.

Next Week...

Our sounds will be or/z and er/ar. Our words will be 'too' and 'of'.
During maths our class focus is to know groupings with 5.
Our folk dancing has started with the Birdy Dance. We are having so much fun learning some old dances! We hope to put a concert on towards the end of the term so we will keep you posted.
For topic we have narrowed our inquiry down to discovering more information about the abilities and disabilities of people who are blind. We really enjoyed Annes visit and found out lots of information.
A big thanks to all those parents who came for parent/teacher interviews. Steph and I are very proud of all of the children and their achievements. Well done to you all!
Have a happy and safe week!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Term 3, Week 1

Welcome back everybody to Term 3! It was lovely to see everyone back happy and safe on Monday morning.
On Wednesday this week we had some visitors from the ELTO Group. These are government officials that have travelled to Nelson from Asia to improve their english speaking skills. We sang some songs and shared some of our learning about saving the planet because sustainability is one of their key interests while they are in Nelson.

















This term for topic we are learning about Rights for Everyone. We are looking at how we all have different abilities and disabilities.
Overcoming disabilities takes courage and skill. This week we tried playing and painting without using our hands!


Next week ...
Our letters will be ie/ee and oi/ue. Our words will be went/see and after/made.
During maths we will continue to look at counting backwards as our whole class focus.
Next week is Maori Language week. Youy may want to take a look at this site
www.korero.maori.nz/forlearners/basics/lessons
I am hoping to teach the children a very basic mihi, so that they can introduce themselves. We also have Matua Almas coming for a visit on Friday to share a story..or two!
For our Inquiry topic Steph has arranged to have a lady bring in her guide dog for the children to hear about her experiences.
Steph and I are very much looking forward to meeting with you this week for teacher/parent interviews. If you are still to make an appointment it is not too late!
Have a happy and safe week!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Week 10, Term 2

Kia Ora, I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday!

We had a fabulous last Friday of the term as it was Humphrey's birthday. We all brought our Teddies to school to join in with the fun.
At news time we introduced our teddies. There were all different shapes and sizes. Then Humphrey unwrapped his present.... a jar of honey, which of course is his favourite!
We took our teddies to assembley to sing Happy Birthday to Humphrey. Rachel gave him a sticker too!
After morning tea we had party games such as, pin the nose on the teddy, musical statues and a balloon game. We laughed until our sides hurt!
At the end of the day we all took a big smile and a balloon home!


Next week...
Our sounds will be 'ai' and 'oa' or 'q' and 'ou'. Our words will be this and out/shout.
During maths time we will start back into number. This term I want to really focus on backward number sequence, that is, counting backwards from 20.
For Visual Arts this term we will be in the process of Mask making for the Annual Nelson Mask Parade. Nelson Central enters every other year and this year we are taking up the challenge! We will also be looking at Creative Dance.
P.E. will involve large ball skills and folk dancing. During the first week back we have Dallas coming in from Nelson Basketball for some skills coaching for the children.
Our topic will have a Health focus looking at Disabilities in our community.
Please make sure you have booked in for a parent interview if you have not done so already.
I hope you are all happy and well and enjoying your break. We look forward to seeing everyone's cherry smiles next Monday.