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Prep

Welcome to Prep 2020

The teachers in Prep this year are Amanda Craig, Sophie Houlden, Prue Smith and Andrea Eales.

The Prep students have been settling in well and a big congratulations goes to all the families for their support of their child’s independence and preparation for the school year.

Literacy – Reading

In Prep students have their own individual reading folder, they will have a variety of texts to read each day. In term 1 we will be supporting each student to develop early reading strategies such as understanding how books are made, looking at titles, where we start reading a sentence and which way we go, browsing through the book, using the pictures to tell the story, recognising camera words (high frequency words) and using our developing knowledge of the sounds in words to decode words.

During the year our focus in reading will also include:

  • Building Stamina (reading independently)
  • Checking for understanding (comprehension strategy)
  • Using beginning and ending sounds (accuracy strategy)
  • Blending sounds, stretching and re-reading (accuracy strategy)

Letters and Sounds

The Letters and Sounds program is an important focus in the Prep classrooms as we teach the sounds that letters make in a systematic way. After each letter has been taught a little Pocket Rocket book will come home to reinforce blending the sounds into words. This will support both reading and writing skills throughout the year as we move from single sounds to blended letters and their corresponding sounds.

 

Writing

During Term One, students will be working on recording their ideas. The aim of writing sessions are to develop independence and the opportunities to just ‘have a go’ at writing using the sounds heard in a word. It is important at this stage to allow the students to explore and be confident with their own writing attempts. As the students build their confidence, Prep writing may include some or all of these:

  • Drawing, copying including High Frequency Words
  • Talking about writing and reading what has been written
  • Exploring different ways to write (labels, letters and cards, recounts of our weekend and lists)
  • Writing the sounds heard and having a go at spelling
  • Experimenting with punctuation- (Capital letters, spaces and full stops)
  • Using ideas to add more to each writing task
  • Handwriting – lower case Victorian cursive

Numeracy

Mathematics

We are focusing on the following areas

  • number and algebra (place value, touch and count)
  • developing maths language and using concrete materials
  • statistics and probability (data)

All Prep students will have a one on one assessment to enable Prep teachers to plan appropriately for all students at their level. Students will consolidate their mathematical knowledge by relating what they learn to real life problems and to other areas of the curriculum. They are introduced to a variety of strategies to solve mathematical problems.

Inquiry

This term the Prep students are discovering their new environment, new friends and how to navigate as an independent member of APPS. Our theme for the term is, ‘THE BEST OF ME” We will be asking the question How do we stay healthy and safe at school? A big focus will be unpacking the values of our school. What are they and what do they look and sound like.

 

The Albert Park Way

The Albert Park Way (our school community’s code of conduct for establishing and maintaining positive relationships) is integrated into all curriculum areas and we will be unpacking each value. The five values of the Albert Park Way are:

  • Be Kind and Fair
  • Act Safely
  • Respect Everyone’s Rights
  • One Voice at a Time
  • Keep Trying

Communication and Diary Dates

Information, regular updates, and resources will be posted through the app Konnective and on the school website at www.albertparkps.vic.edu.au. All forms and notices are available in PDF form on the school website. The Prep Take Home Folder is a good way to send daily information to your child’s teacher. Please let your child know if there is a note to be passed on.

Throughout the year, families will receive updates on their child’s learning and areas for improvement in all areas of the curriculum via the Seesaw app.