The document provides an overview of the learning plans for Term Two in Room One, including a focus on writing journals, spelling practice, integrated iPad use, differentiated learning programs, and teaching core subjects like math, writing, science, and physical education. New releases for the Beginning Teacher Dawn Pahl are also outlined, as well as suggestions for parental involvement and communication between home and school.

1. Two Term!
Learning that will be
happening in Room

2. New for Term Two
• First Thoughts Writing Journal
• Used to encourage writing - the ‘have a go’ and ‘take risks’ attitude
• I ‘s et the scene’ prompts what to write about & model. Every few weeks will
write about one topic for a week to show ‘progress’ and to publish
• ‘Banned’ words to encourage description (5 W’s & H and senses)
• They are private - students choose to share their writing with me (other than
writing to be published)
• Spelling cards - extra practice
• Homework
• Maths is matched to learning in class (what they did the week before or
currently doing); this is to consolidate learning
• Spelling is five words from writing (list in back of their writing books) and five
new words from group lists. Each student was give the spelling options list
• Students earn triangles for completing maths and spelling options - this will
stop being rewarded in term 3

3. Examples of journal growth so far!
Week Two - describe the weather
Time 1 Time 2
This morning is a very bright
morning and there is no white in
the sky. It is pure blue absolutely
beautiful. I feel as if it is a great day
to run around outside or do the
cross country. I can here the traffic.

4. What I am working
• Differentiated learning programmes
• Marcus with be working with ‘The Nerds’ using the Avail Programme - more
information will be available to you soon if your child is involved with this
• Extra learning support booklets - comprehension, sentence building, vocabulary
and phonics
• Reciprocal teaching with reading - ‘The Brainy Viruses’ as a trial - (Link)
• Oral language programme
• Goals are to be confident in speaking in front of a range of people, explaining our
thinking and ideas, developing listen skills, learning to extend on what others are
saying, assertively giving opinions and acknowledging the ideas of others.
Basically, positive communication!
• Integrating iPads into reading/ writing programme
• Grammar activities which students find fun and valuable
• Have tried a few - they like active ones where they get to move around and
perform. I will be trialling a ‘play’ type one before I buy the book (Link)

5. New BT release - Dawn
Pahl
• My Beginning Teacher release day is now Wednesday
• Dawn will be covering:
• Fitness - Cross Country Run (9.10-9.40)
• Strand maths - this term - Time (measuring, analogue
clocks etc.) and Geometry (2D and 3D shapes) - Morning
block (9.40-10.30)
• Journal writing (set by me) and Language Activities/
Literacy: mainly research/ dictionary skills (to match our
topic) and expository writing - Middle Block (10.50-12.30)
• Art and/ or Physical Education - Last Block (1.30-3pm)
• Please pop in and say hi (if you can!)

6. Teaching and Learning
• Maths - Addition and Subtraction (Numeracy Development Project and New Zealand
Curriculum Mathematics Books)
• Basic facts programme - all students progressing (making improvements even if on same level!)
• iPads will be used for maths concept and basic fact focused games - students will be on iPad ‘ ctivity’ once
a week. Maths games available for free time
a
• Writing
• Learning the structure of short stories - We are aiming to send a selection to the Puffin Short Story
Awards (Week)
• Expository (matches topic work) - designed to convey information or explain what is difficult to
understand - explains and shares information
• Descriptive language - 5 W’s & H and senses, setting (scenes), character, problem, resolution, editing (for
enhanced message and spelling etc), grammar and vocabulary development
• Physical Education - Fitness everyday: cross country run, circuits and jump jam
• Science and the National Community
• Hidden Taonga (Insects) (Science Hub) - will be focusing on New Zealand insects: Individual research
projects, and conservation
• Language experience - some insects related work, mainly using chemical reaction experiments

7. What you can do at
homewill affect your child
• Let me know when situations that
change - There is already fantastic communication with this!
• Communicate any problems, questions, concerns or feedback -
let me know if you need to arrange a time to talk to me
• For ward me a contact email and let me know if you would like
to receive notes home electronically
• If you child is doing ‘outside learning’ please let me know so
we can do our best to match what is happening
• Basic facts - Look at blanks at the start (? + 9 = 11) and the
change (5 + ? = 9)
• Ask your child to explain their goal/s to you - this will help
them remember to keep on track and to celebrate successes

8. Thanks for coming!
and THANK YOU for
• Keep up-to-date with what’s happening in Room One by
following our blog
• You can use the school computers in Room One if you like
• Up and coming events in the school: Book fair & What Now?
assembly (wk 4); School Cross Country (wk 5); GO4it (wk 6);
ICT parent evening (wk 9); OUR ASSEMBLY WEEK 8
• Is there something you would like Room One to consider
implementing into our programmes?
• Any questions or comments? Is this something you would like
to do every term?