Stage 2 Term 1 2017 Overview MATHEMATICS- Students will be learning about: Number and Algebra Place value and ordering larger numbers. Adding and subtracting using various written and mental strategies. A range of strategies for multiplication and division. Measurement and Geometry Measuring length and area. Experiments with chance and probability. The properties of 2D and 3D space. Telling the time on digital and analogue clocks.   Library Library lessons occur every week on Wednesdays. Please encourage children to borrow regularly and bring a library bag. This can even be a plastic shopping bag which will protect the books. ENGLISH Reading – All classes will take part in a unit on The Riddle of the Trumpalar by Judy Bernard-Waite. They will participate in a wide range of activities designed to build comprehension strategies. Writing - This term students will study persuasive writing, with a focus on vocabulary and the structure of persuasive texts. Spelling - Students will participate in spelling activities that examine phonemes, prefixes and suffixes, spelling rules, and theme words. Speaking and Listening – Students will start to build their public speaking skills in preparation for the Multicultural Public Speaking Showcase in Term 2. Skills include eye contact and expression. Handwriting – Students participate in formal handwriting lessons weekly. They use a text book focusing on NSW Foundation style handwriting. History, Science and Geography History: First Contacts Students will conduct research into the European colonisation of Australia over 2017. In Term 1 we will focus on what life was like for Aboriginal people before the arrival of Europeans. Geography: The Earth’s Environment Students will learn about the climate, plant life and native animals of places in Australia and Asia. They will explore the way people value various environments. Science: Earth and Space Students will investigate how the sun creates day, night and seasons on earth. CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS Music: Children will participate in weekly Music lessons with Mrs Caponas. Students learn to play the recorder in an ensemble. Drama: Drama lessons are run by class teachers. Students will be working towards a whole school performance later in 2017. Dance Group: Students have the opportunity to join the dance group with Miss Pana. Dance is also incorporated into fitness activities. Visual Art: Students will explore a range of mediums such as oil pastels, acrylic paint and water colours. Stage 2 Term 1 2017 Overview COMPUTERS/ TECHNOLOGY All students are given opportunities to use technology for research, presentations and other multimedia projects. Stage 2 will be using our school iPads and laptops to support learning in class, especially in Literacy. LOTE: Happens every Thursday morning. The LOTE teachers integrate their programs with that of the class teacher. The teachers expect that all students bring their books and equipment to each lesson, as they would normally to other classes. Please refer to more detailed LOTE overview. PD/HEALTH/PE You Can Do It program All children at Marrickville West will continue to learn about five keys to successful learning: organisation, confidence, persistence, resilience and getting along. Sport: On Friday mornings, Stage 2 will complete a cricket program to develop a range of movement skills. HOMEWORK Homework will consist of Home Reading and a simple activity based on the "Super Six" comprehension strategies, designed to assist students to gain a deeper understanding of what they read.   Educational research suggests that young children gain little benefit from traditional homework activities. Reading regularly however, has been found to have a very positive effect on learning in all areas of the curriculum. This year, Stage 2 teachers are hoping to encourage students to read more often and with purpose. We would also like to facilitate our students' participation in other activities known to benefit learning, health and development, such as such as rest, sport, spending time with parents and other family members, helping out at home and interacting with siblings.