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 lots of 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 sound (phonological awareness) 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.
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 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 try to 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 2 in Room 5:
This term our topic is "What's My Job?". We have talked about many different roles and jobs that people have in our community. Our visits from the Ambulance service and the Fire service were much enjoyed by the children. Our walk around Swanson was very successful and the children were able to see the many different jobs and services in Swanson.
We are also spending alot of time focusing on Reading and Writing. Many thanks to the parents who spend time every morning listening to the children read and helping them learn their sight words. It makes a huge difference to the children'e learning.
This term is longer than normal - 11 weeks. If your child is unwell please keep them home for a few days. I am happy to give you extra readers for this time.
Happy learning - Vivien Adam Room 5 Teacher. :)
