I looked out this morning and even though it was still cloudy, it felt like the rain had decided to give us a break. We have had more than enough of the wet weather.

So far, this term has graced us with two great ‘Books of the Week’. The first one was The Very Cranky Bear. The students decided to again create a new version of that story and came up with ‘The Very Cranky Bat’. Isabelle chose to be the crocodile, Jace was the leopard, and Mac was the green parrot. We made masks and the students enjoyed acting out their favourite part of the story. As the sheep in the story made the Cranky Bat a beanie, so did we. The students used the knitting machine to help make their own beanies. They will be completed just in time for winter.

Our next book to read and enjoy was ‘Piranhas Don’t Eat Bananas’. Our new version of that book was titled ‘Mosquitoes Don’t Eat Doritos’. This book related to their health lesson on junk food.

The students have really enjoyed using expression and ‘reading; their books. Look out as these books will be coming home shortly. You too will have the pleasure of having those stories read to you!

Within mathematics, we have continued our measurement journey and have built tall, taller and the tallest towers. We have explored tall and short with straws and string. In number, we have been consolidating numbers 1 to 10, counting forwards and backwards and looking at quantifying our numbers. Students are shown a numeral like 4 and must get four blocks out to represent the number. We have also looked at 10 using the two hands made of cardboard. The students have enjoyed counting backwards and Blasting Off!

Science allowed us to use the force of push and pull in cooking. We have made some delicious ‘Puff pastry cheese twists’ and some ‘Chocolate banana muffins.’ The muffins were finger licking good. Watch out Junior Master Chef!  

The students have also enjoyed using ramps and testing different balls and cars to see how far they would roll. They discovered that thick carpet slows down both balls and cars and that a smooth floor allows a ball and car to travel further.

This term, Coach Tim has been concentrating his teaching on Athletics. The students have experienced javelin throwing, shot putting and discus. We are honing our skills and making slow but steady progress.

Using Bingo games to teach phonics has also been lots of fun. We have used the rime of ‘at’ and ‘it’ so far with great success. Sounding out the beginning, middle and end sounds is at times challenging but fun.

To help with social skills we have been playing board games. We are learning to wait our turn, roll the die and count the dots, carefully manoeuvring our ‘car’ around the board and using our manners. There is however always a reward at the end whether you finish first or last.

The new object gaining great attention this week has been the ‘Calm Corner’ box. Students can choose to ‘chill out’ by sitting in the box and relax whilst watching small colourful lights buzz around. Even during their Free Time, they will sit patiently waiting for their turn to enjoy the soothing visuals in their own little cubby box! Destressing and staying calm is very important if students are to be at their best

There is still another five weeks of fun and excitement to be had before the term ends so keep reading those diaries and check your calendars for ongoing events and special news.

To all the parents and carers, from the Team here in EY5, THANK YOU for all that you do day to day for our precious students. Your continued support, communication and dedication is valued and so very much appreciated.

Cheers from Miss Gaelle and Miss Codie