Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Welcome to Room 16! My name is Laura Jackson and I am thrilled to be your child’s teacher this year. I know that 2012 will be an exciting and productive learning year!
Here is some information about the year.
For the first few weeks of term, we will be setting up class routines, going over behaviour expectations, practising manners and revising class/school rules. We will also be covering some basic number knowledge and reading / writing skills. Testing will take place at this time so that learning goals can be established.
By Week Three, our main instructional programme will start. This is when we will begin our formal reading, writing and maths programmes. At this time, homework will begin to come home. The aim of homework is for children to regularly practise academic and time management skills. On average, I expect each child to do twenty minutes of homework per night for five nights. Details regarding homework will be sent on a separate notice.
Our initial topic is “Myself” with a focus on getting to know each other. By Week Four, we will move into some inquiry learning and our focus will be “Our Community”. We will be learning about what makes a great community and how we can each make a valuable contribution to our local area.
In Maths, we will focus on statistical investigations, then we will move on to addition and subtraction. While we will get lots of practice at school, it is important to remember to keep practicing the basic facts and times tables with your child as this really gives them a big advantage in their learning.
Our Reading programme will kick off in approximately Week Three, and the focus will be on each child’s specific needs. We will be reading lots of different texts. Each day, every child will be expected to choose a new book from their group’s “Pick Box” to read at home, which they will bring home in their own (named) book bag. Reader books are to be returned to school the next day. (Please note that if your child is an independent reader, they may read books from home or the library). Reading mileage is critical for your child to become a reader, so do try to keep up the home reading.
In Writing, children will focus on learning on recount, letter and diary writing. We will be writing about a variety of topics and continue to practice spelling, correct grammar, handwriting and editing skills.
This year, our Library day is Thursday so try to make sure library books come back in time! Our ICT day is Monday and Sport is on a Thursday. (Remember that your child needs a hat for sport during Terms 1 and 4).
Nikau Fitness will begin this term and will take place each day from 9 - 9:20. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for fitness and that they have suitable footwear. It is also important to have your child arrive at school early enough to get settled for our 9:00 start.
School uniform must always be worn and if there are any problems in this regard, please let me know.
Thank you to those parents who have already sent in their child’s stationery. It is important that children have their stationery as early as possible as I need to set up each student’s workbooks before the formal programme can get underway, and your child needs pencils, glue sticks, etc. so that they can be doing activities in class without having to rely on others. It is very distracting to the entire class when children are not fully equipped for their learning, so I really appreciate your assistance in this regard.
Please name all of your child’s stationary / clothing (pencils and rubbers included) and do not send “designer” equipment (eg. Smiggle) as these often get lost and cause problems. Any items that your child has more than one of (e.g. glue sticks, pencils, spare workbooks) will be collected and given out as required throughout the year. If there are any problems regarding stationery, please let me or the office know so that we can help.
Please note that we do not allow children to bring electronic equipment into Room 16. Please do not send Ipods, cell phones or Nintendos as these are distractions to learning and will be confiscated.
Please also do not send medication to class. Medication can, however, be given to the office staff who are able to administer it during the day.
Tissues are used by everyone, whether it be to blow a nose, cough or wipe hands, and I am keen to keep the classroom as hygienic as possible. In light of this, it would be appreciated if each child could contribute a box of tissues for classroom use throughout the year.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or issues to discuss. The easiest way to contact me is via email, so we can set up an appointment to talk.
Many thanks for your cooperation.
Regards,
Laura Jackson
lauraj@swanson.school.nz
