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A new blog for Room 3

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Here is a link to the Whitebait connection...this link features Otaika Valley School [|http://www.whitebaitconnection.co.nz/information.php?info_id=173]



Welcome whanau to Room 3's wikispace

The plan for term 1 is starting to be very busy with many exciting opportunities for your child. I have included below a basic outline that will be the backbone of our year.

Otaika Valley School will be focusing on 7 Habits for effective learning. (Link to example) These habits consist of:

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For more information on these 7 habits the book will be in our school library for you to issue, also the Whangarei Library has it available. Or view the following web page [] ======

Reading (example link) is a major part of our school day. We are reading as a class at the moment, while I am testing the children, then they will be put into groups at their reading ability. We use one story/text over 2-3days, gaining as much information, from it as possible. Having activities such as word predictions, dictionary work, questioning etc. The days your child is working on these activities they can read a book from home or school. Your child has a responsibility to take the reading home which may be in the form of a photocopy or a jo ur nal. ( Habit 1: Be Proactive)

 Writing (example link) will include many genres. Writing will be introduced through an example given by myself, this showing your child what I would like them to work towards. (Habit: 2 Begin with the End in Mind)

Spelling: (example link) we are following on with the program Smart Words. I will test your child to assure that they are in the appropriate level. The program is run like so: Day 1 Children will be given a dictation, which will have their list words in, your child will work through their list words, say the word, sounding the word out, spell it, cover it, write it and then check it. They will then highlight spelling patterns, discuss meanings etc. The words can be seen as being easy for your children but the following days (Day 2 and 3) the children will use the words in a variety of ways such as extensions to words, superlatives, plurals. Day 4 is an extension of knowledge gained and strategies developed. The words are used frequently during the week so your child will gain a good understanding. Your child will also be given extension words based around topic being studied and from the essential spelling list. A great web tool to use for spelling words is [|www.spellingcity.com] [|.]

=== In mathematics (example link) we will focus on the numeracy project that your child has been involved in since they have started school. This focusing greatly, on number knowledge and number strategies. There will also be a variety of strands taught – statistics, measurement, fractions etc. The first few weeks we will focus on time. I do encourage your child to learn or continue learning their multiplication and division at home. === []

=== Our Inquiry (example link) this term is based around The Enviornment. (Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw) ===

== Swimming (example link) is part of our day and all children are required to participate, it is also a great time to cool off in this heat. Our swimming session will give your child confidence in the water and also prepare them for swimming sports. (Habit 1: Be Proactive) ==

== Homework (example link) will consist of a quiz sheet that will cover current events and general knowledge. Each week the quiz consists of 10 current events questions, 5 visual current events based on material provided and 5 general knowledge questions. Homework will also involve reading every night, learning multiplication and division and spelling words. ==

== All whaunu are welcome to room 3 at any stage; I have an open door policy. If you have some free time and would like to do parent help this would be most appreciated. I would like to get small groups together to go to the hall for baking, this is where parent help will be most needed. The hall is free Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Please email me if you have time available thanks...room3.otaika@xtra.co.nz. ==

== We will be having 3 way interviews (parents, child, teacher) for us to meet and discuss goals for your child. Goals will encourage your child to be proactive in their learning. (Habit 5: Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood). Parent Interviews are Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 March 2011. ==

== Camp (link) is also a great time for us all to get to know each other - parents, teachers, friends, students. This year room 2 and 3 will be attending Marsden Bay Christian Camp. This will take place 5 April till 8 April 2011. Helping hands for these 4 days will be appreciated.(Habit 6: Synergize) ==

Planning for term one link.