🔢 Maths

This week in Mathematics, students moved into practising subtraction of teen numbers by counting back and recording number sentences using equations. They consolidated the strategy of starting with the larger number and counting back, which saw lots of success. We used playdough balls on tens frames to build the teen number, squish the balls that are subtracted and counting how many are left. To consolidate their understanding of subtraction, they then recorded the number equation on paper.

To finish up our subtraction unit, students played 'one less, two less, SNAP'. This card game requires students to 'snap' when the consecutive cards are either one or two less than the card above. This builds their fluency and speed of recall.

In our Mass unit, students used hefting to compare the weight of different objects in the classroom. They recorded their thinking by ordering the objects by weight.

✨ Ask at home:

• Can you show me how you start with the bigger number and count back to solve a subtraction problem?

• Show me how to count forwards and backwards from 0-20.

• Ask comparison questions about mass, such as 'what is heavier, a car or a baby?'

• If I have $10 and spend $4, how much is left? Can you show me with coins?

✨ Practise at home:

• Write a list of teen numbers. Roll a dice and practise writing subtraction equations, remembering to start with the bigger number and count back.

• Play the game 'one less, two less, SNAP'.

• Collect objects around the house and order them by how heavy they are. 

• Practise recognising and counting Australian coins during everyday activities, such as helping to pay at the shops or sorting coins at home.

This week in Health and Wellbeing, we focused on developing our problem-solving skills through the game Melting Tiger. Students follow the story by acting out the actions of the tiger as it experiences a range of emotions, from anger to calm. This highlighted to students that when they feel like their body is out of control, they can talk themselves through tensing and releasing their muscles, laying down, squeezing a teddy and closing their eyes. Students also shared their own strategies that they like to use, which was a fantastic opportunity for some peer teaching and learning! 

We cconnected this notion of resilience and strength in our Digital Wellbeing learning through our Cyber Safety lessons. This week we looked at the importance of using inner strength to balance screen time with both rest and active play.

In Inquiry, we learnt about the difference between natural and manmade. After unpacking the definitions of each of these terms, we took the learning outdoors by visiting Haliday Park to find examplse of natural and manmade resources in our local environment. This was a lovely way to celebrate the end of our unit into the local community!

Students also participated in their weekly Class Meetings, providing a valuable opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on their feelings using the Zones of Regulation, discuss classroom and playground experiences, celebrate successes and share highlights from their week. These meetings continue to strengthen our classroom community while supporting students' social and emotional wellbeing.

✨ Ask at home:

• What is the Melting Tiger? Can you teach me some moves?

• Why is it important to rest away from screens? Why is moving your body also important?

• What does natural and manmade mean? Can you give me some examples?

• Which Zone of Regulation were you in today? What helped you move back to the Green Zone if you needed to?

✨ Practise at home:

• Talk through strong emotions such as anger, sadness and fear and when you might experience these.

• Create a list of your child's favourite strategies for calming themselves when they feel strong emotions. You might like to stick this somewhere in their room.

• Go on a walk to identify examples of natural and manmade resources.

• Set some time limits on device/TV time. You might even like to have a goal of having active and rest time away from screens before they come out.