EYES NEWS

Toddler Literacy

Written by Ms. Ann

Our little explorers are setting out on a thrilling educational journey, and their destination is the world of the letter /c/. These hands-on activities have been tailor-made for our tiny tots, and they're turning learning into pure joy.

The scent of freshly baked peanut butter cookies fills the air, and our little learners are loving it! They got hands-on with peanut butter, sugar, and eggs to craft their dough, widening their eyes in amazement and taking in the delicious aroma as the cookies baked. But it's not just about the sweet treats; it's also about refining those fine motor skills, making every child a budding pastry chef in the making.

But there's more to this adventure than just cookies. Our little ones have been delving into the world of corn, where peeling the corn skin and cutting carrots have offered them sensory-rich experiences. These activities allowed them to explore the touch, feel, and sound of the letter /c/, present in words like "corn" and "carrot." The climax of their adventure came when they gathered to read "The Very Hungry Caterpillar." This enchanting story whisked them away into a world brimming with /c/ words like "caterpillar" and "cocoon." It was indeed a wonderful kick-off to start the term with our little learners excited about the journey ahead.

Nursery Indonesian Language

Written by Ms. Mila

In a colourful and vibrant nursery classroom this week, young minds embarked on an exciting journey to discover the world of healthy foods. Through an engaging and interactive experience, they learned new vocabulary related to fruits and vegetables while also discovering the joy of hands-on learning. The children were captivated by the colourful array of fruits and vegetables displayed before them. They explored the vibrant colours, unique shapes, and textures, fostering a sense of curiosity and excitement.

As they interacted with these foods, they acquired new words such as "jeruk", "pisang", "apel", “wortel”, “tomat”, and "mangga". This engaging approach not only enriched their language skills but also sparked a love for nutritious eating.

The nursery class now understands the importance of consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables for their health and well-being. This hands-on experience has set them on a path to make informed and healthy food choices, creating a positive impact on their future.

Pre-K Literacy

Written by Ms. Joy and Ms. Jill

The Pre-K class had an exciting week of learning the letter “c”. Using the Jolly Phonics song for the letter ‘c’, the children sang along while pretending to click the castanets. Our little learners dived into a treasure trove of words as they identified pictures with the beginning /c/, such as “castle”, “corn”, “cake”, and “carrot”.

The children had a week-long exploration of “corn”. They described how it looked, talked about how it smelled and enjoyed feeling its texture. They also engaged in a hands-on activity, peeling and plucking corn kernels. ​​This seemingly simple activity has a remarkable impact on their development. It hones their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while they enjoy the tactile joy of working with corn. The children extended the activity by pretending to cook the corn kernels using the kitchen toys. It was a feast for their senses! 

K1 Music

Written by Ms. Melissa

In our music class, we are taking your little musicians on a captivating journey through the magical realms of rhythm and melody. Here are some key highlights of what your child is learning and experiencing in this music class:

• Exploring Beat with Percussion Instruments: Our young learners are discovering the fascinating world of rhythm through hands-on experiences with percussion instruments. They are learning about the concept of "beat" by clapping, tapping, and creating rhythms with instruments such as castanets, tambourines, shakers, and more. Through these activities, they develop an innate sense of timing and pulse, which is essential for all future musical endeavours.
  
  

• Simple Song Singing: I believe that singing is a powerful and joyful way for children to express themselves. The students have the opportunity to sing simple songs using the solfege syllables So-Mi-La. These songs are carefully selected to be engaging, fun, and age-appropriate. Singing helps your child develop their sense of pitch and express their emotions through music.
  
  

• Creativity and Expression: Music class encourages creativity and self-expression. The students have opportunities to improvise and create their rhythms, melodies, and simple compositions, fostering their musical creativity.
  
  

• Musical Games and Movement: Learning through play and movement is an integral part of our music class. Children will engage in interactive musical games and activities that make learning fun and active.

K2 Mathematics

Written by Ms. Klara

The K2 students dived into the world of measurement at the beginning of this term. They learnt to measure length, weight/mass, and capacity using engaging, hands-on experiences.

• Exploring Length Using Nonstandard Measurements

Our little learners have been having a blast measuring length with nonstandard units. They've used colourful strings, building blocks, and even their own small hands to measure various objects and each other. This activity not only enhances their understanding of measurement but also promotes teamwork and cooperation.

• Balancing Act: Measuring Weight and Mass

In our 'balancing scale' activity, the students have been introduced to the concepts of weight and mass. They have used a child-friendly balancing scale to compare the weight of different objects. These activities help them understand the principles of 'heavier' and 'lighter' while having tons of fun.

• Measuring Capacity with a Splash

When it comes to measuring capacity, our K2’s are making a splash! They've been pouring water from one container to another, learning about 'full,' 'half-full,' and 'empty.' Through these experiments, they are becoming familiar with the concept of capacity in a playful and interactive way.

• Practical Life Skills in the Making

By participating in these measurement activities, our young learners are developing important life skills, including cooperation, problem-solving, and attention to detail. These early mathematical experiences help build a strong foundation for their future education.

ES Fun Day

Written by Mr. Dominic

The ES family had their annual term ender ES Fun Day last 5 October 2023. They showcased their talents through various trivia and physical games. They were divided into their houses to compete for precious points for the SWA House Challenge 2024. First up was the SWA Genius game, where one person from each house had to guess a word and only ask yes or no questions to get a clue. With time pressure and having the whole house staring at you, it was a nerve-wracking, boiler room pressure type of atmosphere for the guessers. Komodo came out on top and won the SWA Genius game. 

Next up was the SWA HulaZoom game. This game involved teamwork and timing as they divided each house team into groups of 3 and ran around the track while inside a hula-hoop. One mistake and the group can find themselves falling to the floor. It was Gajah who showed athleticism and teamwork as they dominated this event. 

Finally, we had the Blind Maze game where each house member must navigate from one end of the grid to the other side with only the maze master(official), knowing where the correct sequence and path are. Each member must move by trial and error, one square at a time until they reach the end. That’s not all, each member must memorize the path or else they start from the very beginning if they miss a square. It was the quick thinking of Elang that made them finish the maze first, bagging first place. 

At the end of the event, everyone had an amazing time and they all congratulated each other for playing fair and being a good sport. 

Grades 3 - 5 Leadership Camp

Written by Ms. Kelly

Fun team-building games, campfires with marshmallows, exciting cooking adventures, and the joy of sorting and organising – these were just a few of the engaging activities that filled the air during our Elementary School (ES) Leadership Camp. The primary objective of this camp was to foster teamwork among our Grade 3 to Grade 5 students while underscoring the importance of mastering the 10 executive functioning skills.

The leadership camp provided an incredible platform for our students to bond and grow together. Team-building games not only brought smiles and laughter but also instilled valuable lessons about collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Sorting and organising, initially appearing as a simple task, turned into a learning experience, highlighting how order and attention to detail play a crucial role in life. Cooking activities not only taught students to read and follow instructions but also honed their organisational skills.

Of course, no camp would be complete without a campfire. Gathering around a campfire may sound like a scene from a storybook, but it truly amazed our young elementary school children. Many of them mentioned that this was their first time experiencing a campfire. The campfires with marshmallows allowed students to relax, share what they learned during the camp, and connect with their friends on a deeper level.

Through these engaging activities, the ES Leadership Camp effectively reinforced the significance of the 10 executive functioning skills, including organisation, time management, and flexibility. Students left the camp with new friendships, improved teamwork abilities, and a deeper understanding of the skills they need for success, both inside and outside the classroom. This memorable experience will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their journey toward becoming well-rounded, capable individuals.

Grade 1 Indonesian Language

Written by Ms. Junita

Grade 1 students are learning “Kata Tanya”. They knew how to use the words: apa, siapa, kapan, di mana, ke mana, dari mana, kapan, and bagaimana. They applied some of the words to ask their friends about their hobbies, favourite food, and feelings. They took turns to interviewing each other.

After they learned some terms of Kata Tanya, they worked together in group to figure out some pictures and wrote some questions according to the pictures they had. They discussed what types of question words that are suitable for describing each picture.

Grade 2 PE

Written by Mr. Dominic

In the second grade, students embark on an exciting journey of discovery in the world of swimming. The curriculum is designed to help young learners become familiar with the swimming pool environment, grasp essential safety rules, develop water familiarity, and even learn the basics of the freestyle stroke. This holistic approach ensures that students not only acquire vital water skills but also develop a deep respect for the aquatic environment.

One of the first lessons in our swimming curriculum is understanding what to do and not to do in the swimming pool area. Children are taught the importance of safety around the pool. They learn that running and rough play are not allowed in this area, as it can lead to accidents. We emphasise the significance of following the lifeguard's instructions and not entering the water without permission. These early lessons instill a sense of responsibility and awareness, preparing students to enjoy the pool safely.

As the grade progresses, students are introduced to the basics of the freestyle stroke. They begin by mastering essential techniques such as arm movements, leg kicks, and proper breathing coordination. These foundational skills are taught in a gradual and supportive manner, ensuring that students gain competence and confidence at their own pace.

Grade 3 Music

Written by Ms. Melissa

Grade 3 students are learning how to play recorder instruments properly. The students have been diligently practising their recording skills. They have learned how to produce clear and melodic sounds by blowing the recorder correctly. Their ability to play simple melodies and maintain proper fingering will be on display during upcoming performances. In music class, students are also working together in a musical ensemble. Along with the recorder practice, they also learn how to read the notes in treble clef. 

Grade 4 English

Written by Mr. Marc

The Grade 4 students have been working hard in class to improve their test-taking skills for reading comprehension. They are focusing on the Mark It Up strategy to improve their synthesis of the passages in the OIE Student Book passages. Students read a passage, then mark it up by numbering the paragraphs, underlining the main idea, starring the important details, putting a question mark where they are unsure of the meaning, and a heart next to the parts they find most interesting.

The students seem to be enjoying their learning and improving in Grade 4 English.

Grade 5 Science

Written by Ms. Shirley

Plant Reproduction and Heredity

The grade 5 students commenced their exploration by observing the different plants in the school garden. This led them to identify the vital components of a flower: the male and female parts. The hibiscus dissection experiment conducted in the class provided a deep insight into the life-cycle processes of these remarkable plants.

The students observed the different types of plants in the school garden. They also collected the specimens needed for their experiment. The students dissected a hibiscus flower to observe the reproductive parts of the flowering plant. In this experiment, they learned where the pollen comes from, and identified the flower’s ovary and ovules.

The students dissected a hibiscus flower to observe the reproductive parts of the flowering plant. In this experiment, they learned where the pollen comes from, and identified the flower’s ovary and ovules. Beyond the exploration of plants, our also students embarked on a fascinating journey into the world of heredity. They interviewed their parents to discover the inherited characteristics from their ancestors. To conclude this lesson, the students created and crafted a small family tree, visually connecting the dots in their family history.