EYES NEWS

Toddler Literacy

Written by Ms. Ann

In the world of toddlers, every day is a new chapter of discovery. With wide eyes and eager hands, these tiny learners delved into the wonders around them, embarking on a journey of language and literacy this term. They actively participated, using hands-on exploration to enhance their self-help skills. It was a joy to watch them solve practical puzzles, like the accomplishment of peeling an orange for the letter /o/. 

As their understanding of everyday items deepened, they dived into imaginative play. Picture these little ones joyfully using an umbrella in a make-believe rainstorm and dipping their hands into underwater exploration, a testament to their growing awareness of the world.  In addition to that, the children also explored writing the letter on a tray using their pointer fingers. They also followed directions on putting the ball up and passing it to the next person when the class learned the letter /u/. 

The adventure continued as they touched grass, explored grapes, and immersed themselves in the colour green, all while mastering the sound of the letter /g/. Their world transformed into a canvas, with each step and touch awakening their senses. Additionally, the toddlers expressed their creativity through arts and crafts, weaving these experiences into their ever-growing toolbox of skills.

Nursery Mathematics

Written by Ms. Ruby and Ms. Eliza

We are delighted to share the latest happenings in our Nursery classrooms where our little ones are hopping on a thrilling journey of numbers 1-5! These little ones have been embracing the world of numeracy in the most imaginative and engaging ways. Rote counting has become a joyous activity as our young learners enthusiastically sing and perform actions, making the process not just educational but also a lot of fun.

Recently, they have started exploring the captivating world of numbers 1, 2, and 3 through number pathways. What makes this learning experience even more exciting is the use of sensory materials like flour, salt, and various other textures to create and trace these numbers. This hands-on approach not only enhanced their fine motor skills but also added an element of creativity to their learning. In the world of storytelling, our Nursery children have been captivated by tales related to counting, such as "The Three Little Pigs" and "One is a Snail and Ten is a Crab." These stories not only entertain but also provide valuable context for their budding understanding of numbers.

We are thrilled to witness the joy and excitement these children experienced as they plunged themselves into the world of numbers. Indeed, each day is a new and exciting chapter in the growth and development of our little ones!

K1 PE

Written by Ms. Sherly

Over the recent weeks, our K1 children have diligently focused on honing their fundamental movement skills, with a particular emphasis on strength and power development. Our PE lessons have been filled with engaging activities designed to enhance upper body strength. Students have embraced animal movement exercises such as the bear walk and crab walk, demonstrating not only physical agility but also a keen enthusiasm for the learning process. 

Furthermore, the introduction of the new playground has provided an exciting platform for our students to explore and apply their newfound skills. Climbing the spider's web has proven to be both an exhilarating and challenging experience, fostering a sense of achievement and enhancing their physical capabilities. High-fives all around for the commitment to fun and growth! We are pumped to see even more fantastic moments and successes with our K1 children. Keep rocking, K1!

K2 Mathematics

Written by Ms. Klara

The Kindergarten 2 students are shining bright in the world of numbers! They've been recalling and ordering numbers from 1 to 20 with enthusiasm, showcasing a strong grasp of numerical sequencing. But that's not all—ordinal numbers have become their new friends as they confidently identify positions from 1st to 10th. The excitement of learning is palpable, especially during fun activities like racing and following step-by-step instructions.

They are also exploring more positional words. From "up" to "down," "in front of" to "behind," they are building a rich vocabulary to express spatial relationships. These skills are not only fundamental for communication but also lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Lastly, they are on a captivating journey into the world of number pairs to make 20. Through interactive and engaging activities, they are not just learning math; they are falling in love with numbers. These activities are designed not just to teach but to instill a joy for mathematical exploration.

ES Maths Workshop for Parents 

Written by Ms. Cherry and Mr. Christian

In a quest to unlock the secrets of mathematics, ES parents climbed aboard on a thrilling journey through the Math Workshop titled "🌿Math Powers: Key to Supreme Problem Solving🌿." 

The workshop aimed to achieve two significant objectives:

1. Connecting with SWA’s Mathematics Program

The workshop sought to immerse parents in the highlights of SWA’s Math programs through captivating activities and interactive learning experiences. Parents simulated their children’s classroom experiences by navigating Numerica, a magical land where math comes to life. Here, they encountered various challenges and collected the four gems represented by the power of number fluency, perseverance, reasoning and reflection, and critical thinking.

2. Equipping Parents with Tools and Strategies

Recognising the crucial role parents play in their children's education, the workshop aimed to provide parents with valuable knowledge, tools, and strategies to effectively support their children’s mathematical learning at home. By actively participating in the workshop, parents gained insights into fostering a positive math environment beyond the classroom.

During the workshop, parents enthusiastically engaged in diverse math activities. One highlight was the Kahoot Quiz titled "Submarine Squad," where they collaborated to win over the shark and deepen their understanding of fractions. The challenges didn't end there; parents faced a square puzzle, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. The overarching goal was to instil perseverance and critical thinking, and the parents' unwavering determination to overcome challenges exemplified the workshop's core message.

As the workshop concluded, participants received a Jungle Pack to take home. This pack contained key takeaways for parents, emphasising the collaborative role of school, home, and community in enhancing children's math fluency. The Math Workshop not only empowered parents with the tools to support their children's mathematical journey but also instilled a sense of perseverance and excitement for math exploration. It is through such initiatives that we hope to cultivate a generation of problem solvers who view mathematics not as a daunting challenge but as a magical realm waiting to be explored.

Grade 1 Music

Written by Ms. Melissa

In our music lesson, Grade 1 students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of music notation. They have started learning about the music staff, an essential element in understanding written music. Through engaging activities and visuals, the students will become familiar with the placement of notes on the staff, laying the foundation for reading and playing music. 

As we approach the festive season of Chinese New Year, Grade 1 students are preparing it by learning and practising playing xylophone and glockenspiel. These instruments not only provide hands-on experience but also help in developing essential musical skills such as pitch discrimination and rhythm awareness. The rhythmic and melodic exploration will be an enjoyable and educational part of the music lesson. 

Grade 3 Science

Written by Ms. Shirley

The Grade 3 students eagerly engaged themselves into the basics of forces. Their exploration centers around the three types of forces: frictional, gravitational, and magnetic forces. With enthusiasm and curiosity, these budding scientists engaged in practical investigations. They unravel the mysteries of friction. Armed with Newton meters, they measured the force required to overcome friction on various surfaces, discovering how this resistance affects the movement of different objects.

Additionally, students actively explored the concepts of air friction and air resistance during their engaging paper plane challenges. Through these challenges, they not only observed the effects of these aerodynamic forces on the flight of their paper planes but also gained valuable insight into how varying designs and shapes influence the interaction between objects and the air. 

Grade 4 Civics/ Indonesian Studies

Written by Ms. Junita and Ms. Marcel

In a lively language acquisition class, Grade 4 Indonesian Language Arts (ILA) students recently undertook an exciting scavenger hunt to unravel the secrets of words with the prefix "me-" (kata berawalan me-). 

Armed with enthusiasm and a list of words like mencari (to search), membuat (to make), and mencoba (to try), the G4 ILA students set out on their linguistic adventure through the charming lanes of Kotagede. The scavenger hunt not only made language learning dynamic but also allowed the students to absorb the cultural nuances of the ancient town.

Upon completing the scavenger hunt, the students gathered to craft sentences using the newfound vocabulary. It was not just about words; the emphasis was on constructing sentences with proper structure and coherence. Collaborative discussions ensued as the students shared their sentences, creating an interactive learning environment.

Simultaneously, another group of G4 students, part of the Indonesian Language and Literature (ILL) class, were engaged in a unique endeavor. They were tasked with creating a denah (map) of Kotagede based on the text provided by their ILA peers. This cross-disciplinary collaboration added an extra layer to the learning experience, integrating language arts with geography.

Through this cartographic activity, G4 ILL students skillfully translated the textual descriptions into a visual representation of Kotagede. The process not only honed their mapping skills but also deepened their understanding of the historical town's layout. The collaborative effort showcased the students' creativity and demonstrated the potential for intertwining language arts with other disciplines in a meaningful way.

Grade 5 PE

Written by Mr. Dominic

In the exciting world of elementary school physical education, fifth-grade students are embarking on a thrilling journey of learning how to play volleyball. This popular sport not only promotes physical fitness but also fosters teamwork, coordination, and strategic thinking. Under the guidance of their enthusiastic physical education teachers, these young athletes are mastering the fundamental skills of serving, bumping, and spiking, transforming their school gymnasium into a bustling arena of laughter and camaraderie. Through engaging drills and friendly matches, students are not only honing their individual abilities but also discovering the joy of collaboration as they work together to set, pass, and score points. The volleyball unit not only serves as a fun and dynamic outlet for physical activity but also lays the foundation for a lifetime appreciation of sportsmanship and teamwork.

As the fifth-grade volleyball lessons progress, students are gaining a deeper understanding of the sport's rules and strategies. They are not only learning how to position themselves on the court but also developing essential communication skills to coordinate movements with their teammates. The curriculum emphasizes fair play and respect, teaching students not only how to succeed individually but also how to uplift and encourage their peers. The volleyball unit in grade 5 not only contributes to the students' physical development but also fosters a positive and inclusive environment where every participant feels valued and supported. As they dive, pass, and spike their way through the lessons, these young athletes are not just learning a sport; they are cultivating essential life skills that extend beyond the court, preparing them for a future filled with collaboration, perseverance, and the joy of staying active.