Pyramids and Peas and also Amazing Step and Truncated Shapes

The focus was on pyramids and how they are named. It builds on from the sequence focusing on polygons. The spelling bingo promotes associated terminology. The kids had to buy the peas and the toothpicks too. They were on a BUDGET. They were only allowed to make pyramids this lesson. They were working in pairs. They received 30 counters and each counter buys two constructs. So they can figure out which pyramids they can afford to make and how many. This activity allowed for some mistakes that are need to be creative. Also thank you Jacque Turner for your amazing support with the different groups we have running each Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Spray painted finished products

A peas peace sign made at home by one student

Third Term: Major Focus - Geography

This term our focus in the classroom will be on geography, specifically looking at Australia and its states. Students will be writing their own story book about Australia with a Possum Magic or a Rosie and Mack Head Outback  type of feel to them. The unit started with a blank map of Australia and the children were asked to put in the names of the states of Australia, the capital territories and the oceans and straits. There was also a focus on the use of capital letters for proper nouns. The children were then given an atlas and asked to revisit their initial ideas and place things in the correct places. We discussed scale as well. Luckily all double units, now have access 30 brand new up-to-date atlases to refer to. Yes, there is the internet and google maps, but this is still kind of special! Below are two of the books being used to motivate the class and to jump start the unit. Below each book cover there is a link to reviews of these books which are both part of our classroom library.

http://littlelibraryofrescuedbooks.blogspot.com.au/2016/07/rosie-and-mack-head-outback-adventure.html

http://littlelibraryofrescuedbooks.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/possum-magic-by-mem-fox.html

Our First Geography Lesson:

"Do What You Love": a new display in the classroom

When the children produce something spectacular and heartening I take the time to double back the art works. This is a new display in the classroom. More to go up next week too.

I miss my beautiful class...back on board Tuesday 14th of June: presenting Flinders and Trim

Hi all. It has been an extremely sad month for me but I will be back on deck on Tuesday June the 14th. We all enjoyed this presentation by Flinders and the fabulous cool cat Trim immensely. How proud were we all. I just love the way the kids support each other. Hopefully we will get the rest of the presentations filmed this term.

UPDATE: June 23rd
We will be presenting them a few at a time in upcoming assemblies. Nicolas Baudin's performance in front of Prep/One Saunders this afternoon was priceless (June 23rd) and I loved the sudden appearance of a marauding plant (Thank you Joseph Banks) and some new lines which had the younger kids in stitches.

Macassan Fishermen

Captain James Cook

Willem Jansz

Antoine Bruni d’Entrecasteaux

Joseph Banks

Luis de Torres

Pedro de Quiros

Bungaree

One of the many faces of Baudin

Nicolas Baudin

Pensive Nicolas Baudin