Simple sentences to make our own book, heart word art, and speed sounds to support retention over the holiday break.

This week the tamariki have been busy making their first book and a placemat to support Literacy retention over the holidays. Tamariki have been learning about simple sentence structure throughout Term 1 and this week they used this knowledge to make a book focused on using Stage 1 sounds. The tamariki have been introduced to 4 characters in the decodable books that they have been reading at school, and they are going to introduce these characters to you at home. The idea around this is so tamariki can practise reading this story over the holidays, practising the skills of segmenting and blending, and celebrating their new ability to write. 

We have also created a placemat in which the tamariki have written the heart words from Stage 1-3 and Stage 1 and 2 sounds on the other side. The intention of this resource is to practise reading and writing heart words over the holiday break. Tamariki know that every time they eat they must read the heart words and the "speed sounds". This follows our Peka peka motto of "The more we practise the better we get", which the tamariki have quickly learned is very true in their first Term at school. 

During Inquiry, we have looked closely at Water conservation and how we can sustainably water our flower garden. Lots of ideas were discussed, with the idea of collecting rainwater the most practical. We then talked about developing a water pump to move the water from the collection tank to the garden and then made one using a straw, balloon, and a plastic bottle. See if they can remember how to make this in the holidays! 

Week 11 will see another action-packed week for the end of the term. Literacy and Maths will carry on as usual, but the afternoons will see fun, hands-on Easter Art crafts that will be focused on developing fine motor skills. 

Week 11:

Monday: Normal school day, bring Library books, Easter Art

Tuesday: Top Team-send tamariki in mufti with their uniform in their bags to change into afterward, as they will get wet! 

Wednesday: Staff only day and Parent/Teacher interviews-book your slot!

Thursday: Normal school day, Easter Art, and Easter egg hunt! 

Enjoy your weekend-make the most of the sunshine before winter is upon us! 

Arohanui,

Penny, Juanita, Sophia, Triana, and Sally.