Room 5
Welcome to Room 5, the new entrant reception class. Our aim is to help children settle into school, and to feel happy about coming into a new environment. Learning should be fun and it is important that the transition from either home based care or from early childhood centres is as easy as possible for the children. For this reason our 5 year olds spend time in play activities, making, doing, cutting, pasting, drawing and colouring. This develops both motor skills and social skills. We also spend time exploring sounds, talking about rhyme and syllables, saying the sounds we hear in words and learning the letters that make those sounds. Our aim is to develop a good knowledge of sounds so that children can begin to read and write with confidence. We also focus on early Maths skills, particularly number knowledge and maths concepts. Room 5 children also love to share news and talking takes up a big part of our day.
How you can help:
There are many ways you can help prepare your child for learning. Lots of physical activity allows children to develop a sense of their body, to build muscle and to learn balance that allows them to sit comfortably both at tables and on the mat. Lots of talking and listening to your child is important, as well as experiences such as cooking, trips to the supermarket, to the beach and the park. Encouraging your child to be independent also helps to develop good work habits - let them dress themselves, pack their bag, help with their lunch. Insisting on good manners and friendly speaking will help them develop good relationships with both adults and their peers. When conflict occurs, help your child to work through the problem and come up with solutions themselves, by using their voice, not their hands. Encourage your child to learn their full name, address and phone number. Being able to count and recognise numbers to 10 is also a good skill to bring to school.
A great song to help your child learn their letter sounds is on youtube - follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saF3-f0XWAY
They might also enjoy this alphabet song!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XYQd_sJVzk
Starting School
We have children starting in Room 5 at all different times throughout the year. I try to keep the routines going every day, so new children will become part of the class very quickly and will soon be doing what the rest of the class is doing. Stationery lists are available at the office and it is great if your child can bring in their stationery on the first day.
Another big adjustment for our new children is that we don't stop for morning tea until 11am. It may be good for your child if they have an extra big breakfast or a snack before coming to school. I let the children drink water when they are thirsty, so a bottle of water in their bags is important.
The playground can be quite daunting and it can often take a few weeks for new children to feel comfortable about moving away from the class at morning tea and lunch. I have colouring pens and books available outside the classroom, as well as a quiet reading area. I also buddy up each new child with a friend from the class. It takes time for children to make new friends but most will be off into the playground within a few days.
The school day finishes at 2.55pm. Please discuss with your child arrangements for after school. I like the children to wait with me until they are picked up. I have had some try to walk home by themselves,so please make sure they are clear about waiting for you at the classroom.
If you have any queries or concerns, I am in the classroom each day from 8.30 and also after school until 3.15. You can also send me an email (see my contact address on this website).
Many thanks - Vivien Adam - New Entrant Teacher; Pohutukawa Team Leader.
Term 1 2011 in Room 5:
This term our topic is "Communication". We will be getting to know our friends in Room 5, sharing information about ourselves and learning about our five senses. We will also look at different ways that people communicate with each other.
I like to send home work for you to support and share your child's learning. Homework will include sound learning, word learning, reading and Maths.
Our library day is Tuesday afternoon. Children are able to choose two books to take home. They need to be returned before the next library day.
Team sports is on Friday, first block. Children will need to have a hat and suitable footwear. We will be focussing on summer sports and co-operative games.
Please let me know if you are able to help in any way in the classroom, it would be much appreciated.
Pop in and see me if you have any queries,
Happy learning - Vivien Adam Room 5 Teacher. :)
