Junior 1 Meeting Scholastic Year 2017-2018

Thematic Approach

What does it mean? Our new pedagogy is a Thematic Approach one: Using manipulatives to enhance learning, the classroom culture will be a more positive and motivating one.

Subject teaching through a thematic approach All subjects rise out of the theme rather than the subject making the theme. The emphasis is on the hands on aspect rather than the amount of writing (workbooks). These are used for recording purposes only.  The booklets are also multi-levelled to reach out to each learner individually according to their needs and capabilities.

Daily Schedule The learners will, each day, have half an hour of groundwork, eliciting prior knowledge and highlighting any concepts that would be covered during that day; 2 hours of rotation stations to work on the concepts in a fun and interactive way.  This will engage each learner fully to enhance more learning.

Homework First term : Written Homework will be given once a week only starting from the second week. Second term: Once a week increasing to twice a week towards the end. Third term: twice a week in preparation for Junior 2.  Interactive homework using online games will be made available on the blogs every week to be used as needed.

Reading In term 2 we will have a library card and children will borrow books from school (graded reader technique). The children will read these to you with some help. It is very important to instil the love for books through example and to read a little bit everyday. 5 to 10 minutes everyday.

                                                                               Using exit tickets in  Assessment Assessment is continuous and feedback will be regularly given. Children will also be asked to reflect on their own progress. At the end of each classwork booklet, the children will be given feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement. (2 stars and a wish strategy)

Booklets from School Items which will be bought from school: Numbers, letters, word laminates, Maltese flashcards, Number lines and number grids, Reference book handouts, Literacy 1, Numeracy, Literacy 2 and Science booklets. These will be charged separately and the payment will be per term. More information to follow on the blog later on.

Learning Journal and reference book Feedback sheets to be stored in this folder. (2 stars and a wish) It is also used for ideas, ‘tricks’ and methodologies related to new concepts. Should be in children’s bag everyday. Do use this to help children with their work at home.

Practical Matters Punctuality – we start at 7.50am. First term H.W. – pages will be marked on the first page of the booklet. No money is allowed for canteen. Organised school bags – check everyday. No toys allowed. Very Important to label ALL items which are sent to school. Pencil case will remain in class so another will be needed for homework.

Blogs and E-mail Blog address: Junior 1B- www. msbernicejun1bblog.wordpress.com E-mail address: Junior 1B- bernice.ebejer@.stcatherines.eu Weekly curriculum forecasts and frequent updates are to be posted on the blog. It is very important to register/follow the blog in order to receive frequent updates by email.

- 1st days of school …Orientation Days Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th are orientation days, children only. Getting familiar with our classroom – areas, teachers, rules, Junior 1 books and fun stuff to use in class. Children will be guided to the bathroom at first and then eventually they will start going on their own. Party: Monday 25th – please send some yummy healthy food to share amongst all children. Very important - Nothing with nuts or Nutella.

Conclusion This way we are catering for all learners regardless of their learning ways.  The learner has space to grow, increase his/her knowledge and develop in a steady way.  

Thank you Thank you for your attention…See you all on the 25th. May we face the year positively by working together, so as to make each and every day a meaningful one for the children.