New Beginnings...

WOW!!

Today has already  whipped past in a flurry of newly dura-sealed books, excited children, new friendships and the anticipation of an exhilarating year.

It was fantastic to meet all of the children  of Room 14 today, and i was really impressed with their organisation skills and their willingness to get 'stuck in' to school again after such a long break.

Today we began by creating our new Portfolio covers.  This year the children will be compiling a folio of work which they feel represents their effort.  It is more like a C.V rather than the clear-file that they have brought home in the past.  The children will be really proud of their Portfolio work and will be bringing it home to show you later on in Term 2.

We are currently creating mind maps focusing on areas of the curriculum and skills that will require effort in order to improve over the next term.  These mind maps are a great reference point for the children when they begin to create their term goals.  Mind maps are an effective tool for helping children brainstorm and get all of their thinking onto paper.  They can use words, phrases or pictures to represent ideas.

My favorite part of the day is when i get to read the class novel to the children.  This term i have chosen a slimy tale by Paul Jennings called 'Wicked,The Slobberers'.  It is really fast paced and exciting, and also offers the kids a myriad of creative writing opportunities.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of our instructed swimming lessons.  This is a great opportunity for the children, of all abilities, to develop their confidence in the water.  Please make sure your child brings their togs and a towel each day to school.  We will be swimming in the light rain!

It was a pleasure meeting some of you today.   See you all on Thursday afternoon for our quick meet and greet.