Term 3

  Haumoana School – Room 3 Newsletter, Term 3

                                                    24 July 2017

Dear Parents and Guardians

Welcome back to Term 3 in Room 3.  I hope you and your children have had enjoyable holidays and are over all the illnesses we were experiencing before the holidays.  Term 2 was so busy with Matariki and our School Production!  This Term the children will be deciding on what they will learn through their new research skills and based on their play. 

Brain Food – Continue to provide several healthy snacks for eating first thing in the morning and throughout the day when children feel the need.  Named water bottles should be at school each day too to ensure the brain functions well.

Our Habits of Mind foci this term are Thinking Flexibly and Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and Precision.  We will continue focussing on articulating our thinking more clearly to learning buddies.  As a follow up at home you could expect your child to justify their thinking by using the word ‘because’ and to add detail to their discussions with you.  This is a good habit to develop and will ensure our learning accelerates.  For some people this feels a little uncomfortable, but our best learning is done if there is a challenge that is overcome.  The Key Competencies are an important part of the curriculum and this term we will focus on  “Using Language, Symbols & Text” and  “Thinking”. 

Integrated programmes:  Last term we brainstormed topics the children would like to learn about.  Many expressed an interest in MAGIC so we will begin with children exploring an area of Magic that interests them.  The main focus of all learning will be research skills but will integrate all Curriculum areas – including Art, Drama and play etc. Our aim is to explore values such as Respect and Integrity.  

Play-based Learning – This concept complements the strong literacy and numeracy programmes that are already in place.  We will try to play and work outside (weather dependent) for either a half day or whole day each week.  We have several knitters amongst us and more children will add to the pool this term!  Irene (Yannick’s Mum) has made a very good start to the mosaic wall along with Cat (Theo’s Mum) and the children.  It is looking fantastic.  This will continue each Tuesday afternoon.  The Potions table is set up now and children will no doubt be looking for more ingredients to use in their potions. 

Learning Stories in the children’s portfolios will also update you on their learning in this area. 

Resources will be required so please keep an eagle eye out for anything that we may be able to use. 

*  Natural resources (e.g. seed pods, pine cones, drift wood etc) will be used for creating;

*  Remnants from old bottles of vinegar, shampoo, spices, sauces etc for our potions table

Writer’s Notebook -  Please encourage your child to bring along items of interest to glue in e.g. photos of pets, holidays, special events; newspaper articles of personal interest; tickets for rides, movies etc. 

Even interesting words or phrases that you come across or that tickle your fancy which could be used in their writing can be included. 

Homework

Although homework should not require more than 20 minutes each night, tasks still need to be completed and books returned to school each day. 

☺   Spelling - Please encourage your child to learn words before being tested.  Refer to the chart in their books.  Using colour to practice with is a very good way to aid memory. 

☺   Reading Logs - Please remember to help your child record the date, title and a comment about the content of reading.  This could be related to what your child already knows about the topic, what he/she has learnt, what surprised, frightened, worried or made him/her laugh.  It is important to talk about the book before, during and after reading.  If your child is tired, share the reading.  Discuss their/your experiences around the topic.

☺   Number Knowledge must be learnt each day.  It is a good idea to sign up to e-ako maths and this is a more motivational way to learn their number knowledge.  Thank you to those people who have offered to help out with testing this term. 

Finally, if there is anything you are unsure of or that is worrying you, or you have something to celebrate please do not hesitate to email, call in, text or phone to make an appointment to discuss these matters. Please use the homework book as a communication book.  It saves losing notes.  

Sue Jensen

Teacher – Year 3.