This term our Small Group classes participated in a gymnastics program organised by Trent and Dianna through GeckoSports. The program offered benefits that support physical, mental, and social development. It builds strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, laying the groundwork for lifelong fitness and athletic skills. Beyond the physical, gymnastics fosters confidence, discipline, and resilience as kids work to master new skills. The program also encouraged teamwork and social interactions, helping children develop communication and cooperation skills. 

SGMC

Students in SGMC have been reading the book Little Blue Boat by Susea Spray. While reading students have been practising their reading goals

• I can look at all the pictures before reading my book.
• I can point to the words as I read.
• I can use my finger to chunk words I don’t know how to read. 

We were very fortunate to have Susea Spray visit us for story time. Children reflected on a time they were brave and created their own little blue boat.

SGMC students have been working on extending their writing skills through writing about common activities, events and weekend recounts. They are beginning to work on rereading their written pieces and editing their work.

Students have been exploring addition, learning to use the numberline to add two groups. We are practising to count on from the bigger number. 

Students are counting to 100 by 1s and 10s. Exploring number patterns and the 100 number chart.

SGSG

During Reader’s Workshop students continue to work on their individual reading goals. Each student has been encouraged to read a combination of right fit books as well as books to develop a love of reading. Our focus this term has been on developing an understanding of what we are reading. This is supported when students take time to read and notice punctuation and read with fluency. Students have also been looking at identifying the setting and characters in their text.

In Writer’s Workshop SGSG has been working on organising and structuring their writing. We wrote short stories and recounts of events. Students have explored how to add a voice to their writing and use speech marks. We continue to work on strengthening fine motor control and work on handwriting stamina.

In Maths SGSG have been looking at time. Students have focused on how to identify time at o’clock, half past, quarter past and quarter to, using an analogue clock. Students are continuing to work on addition and subtraction number problems, moving on from single digit to double digit sums, with a focus on place value. 

SGEP

During our Writer's Workshop, SGEP focused on writing to inform. Students looked at a range of different information texts and discussed the similarities and differences between them. Students worked towards adding detail, paragraphing, and using punctuation accurately in their writing. Students researched their choice of animal and worked towards creating their own inspired ‘National Geographic” magazine.

During Maths lessons, SGEP have been focusing on ​demonstrating proficiency in single-digit multiplication and division. We have been recalling multiplication facts for twos, fives and tens, and using a range of strategies. Students have been learning about data. They have collected data to create column graphs. From there students created and answered a range of questions. Students continued to work on individual maths goals.

During Reader's Workshop, SGEP has been focusing on individual reading goals to continue to develop a love of reading and improve fluency and accuracy. As a class, students have continued to build their skill set with a range of strategies such as tracking with bookmarks or a ruler. Students have been reading aloud to one another, noticing when a strategy is being used, and providing written or verbal feedback. As a class, we have enjoyed listening to ‘National Geographic’ Texts and learning about different animals which is linked to our writing unit.

SGEP and SGSG have been enjoying our library time together this term. Students have volunteered to read books to both classes for enjoyment.