Reception Newsletter November 2013
PYP News!
UNIT 2: Where We Are in Place & Time Central Idea: Homes reflect family life and culture Lines of inquiry: ● What constitutes a home ● How homes reflect family life ● How homes reflect culture
Developing critical thinking skills Lifelong learning has long been a part of the IB PYP. As educators we encourage each of our students to develop critical thinking skills, and question what they want to learn, as opposed to what the teacher wants them to learn. Some children find thinking critically about their own learning a challenge, but if at home, and school, we follow some simple steps to help us assist with developing and refining these skills, students will be able to think critically about their own learning and as a result feel more successful in their own learning. ● Stop and ask yourself, what do I really think? ● Ask someone else for their idea and listen to it ● Understand what it is you need to do ● Think again of alternatives, think of positives, negatives, feelings and the bigger picture. ● Change your mind ● Finally, know yourself and be confident in what you believe If you would like some literature to support this, please do not hesitate to ask me. Miss Lisa Hughes Grade 5 teacher and PYP Coordinator
Unit 2
LANGUAGES: Reading: We will focus on answering who, what, when, where questions, the beginning, middle and end of stories, sequencing and unit specific vocabulary. Writing: Students will describe in pictures and words the homes we visit on field trips or their home. Oral Language: We will practice interviewing skills, forming questions and answers, listening and speaking. A student will act as the host/tour guide if we visit their home. Language Support: It is fun and rewarding to work with the Reception children three times a week and to watch their language communication skills develop. Sue Fleming
MATHS: Data Analysis: Students will use Venn diagrams to compare how the form and function of the rooms of their homes are alike and different by using photographs, drawings and captions. Survey: Students will create surveys based on field trips and classroom learning then represent and interpret the results in various forms of graphs. Number: We will continue to practice math facts to 10 and beyond with addition and subtraction games, conservation of number and one to one correspondence