Welcome to our Back to School Curriculum Night!

The Plan for Tonight A little about your teaching team The GWA approach to education Our class Essential Agreements The year ahead academically Communication How you can support

A Little About the KG1 NB Teaching Team

GWA Approach to Education Inquiry based- aim is to develop children’s knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and actions through an integrated curriculum. Challenged according to what students are ready to learn next (developmental approach) Focus on differentiation, activity based, small group and individualized learning

How We Know What Students Have Learned Prior knowledge to drive inquiry Assessment (observations, authentic) Process oriented more often than product (reflection of learning) Portfolios (shows progression throughout the year). Kids can reflect on their work. Student Led Conferences (later in the year)

Class Essential Agreements PRINCIPLED BALANCED RISK-TAKER Class Essential Agreements Embody the Learner Profile Our classroom essential expectations fosters shared responsibility. What we are encouraging and how you can help at home (consistency) Independence , confidence and positive social interactions KNOWLEDGEABLE INQUIRER COMMUNICATOR REFLECTIVE OPEN-MINDED CARING THINKER

The Year Ahead Academically Units of Inquiry overview- There are six transdisciplinary themes Who we are: Our senses Central Idea: We use our senses to find out about ourselves, each other and the environment We will be inquiring into the following: The five senses How we use our senses to learn about the world Why senses are important and the impact of their absence Our other units of inquiry: How the world works: Water Sharing the planet : Minibeasts How we organize ourselves: Tell me a story

The Year Ahead Academically (listening and speaking) ICT Ipads Promethean boards Computers Swimming Library Math Number Shape & space Measurement Pattern & function Data Handling PE Music Language Oral communication (listening and speaking) Reading Writing Art

Role of Play in Early Childhood Play provides opportunities to explore, create, develop social skills, role-play, express themselves, learn about emotions, release stress, test limits, take risks, and enjoy themselves Play supports both the academic and social aspects of learning through a child’s perspective. Teacher’s role is to act as the facilitator; to guide students in generating their own questions about their learning and help them locate the resources they need to find their own answers.

Communication How can we work together? All classroom news and upcoming events will be posted on the Weebly site. http://gwakg1.weebly.com/ Many ways to be in touch i.e face-to-face and email Ask questions as they come up; we have an open door policy

Supporting Learning at Home How parents can help Independence is key At home: dressing alone, setting the table, taking responsibility of their school bag, quick goodbye’s at the school door. No official homework in KG1 Encourage questions/ inquiry through modeling” answer a question with a question Talk to your child about their day, ask specific questions rather than general

EC Teaching and Support TEAM Vice Principal Ms. Huson Margaret Sikora Music Teacher Martin Hamilton Swimming Teacher Neil Clark ICT Teacher Kathleen Morton-Shepherd PE Teacher Nina Garza Counselor Ms. Anita EC Librarian Emma Hamilton Art Teacher