Welcome to Term 2

Dear Parents,

For the first two weeks of Term 2 I will be assessing all children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 in the area of Literacy. There are three areas of focus:  phonological knowledge, high frequency word recognition and in Years 1 and 2, speed of reading.

A baseline of information is evaluated, built upon, and then reassessed throughout the year to monitor progress.  

It's an enjoyable task (other than the paperwork!!) as I get to spend time with each child on an individual basis.  It's also a fresh pair of eyes viewing how each child does the same task, as it's not only the results which are important, but also the process.  

Darine Groch

Occupational Therapy Ideas for Homework

Here are some ways to support your child at home if they are having OT:

• Remember the pyramid of learning - don't just concentrate on the academics but the foundations of learning
• Play with your child - let them guide the play
• With homework allow 'movement breaks' (short breaks such as trampoline, jumping on the spot, climbing) rather than insisting the task is completed before a break.
• First plan the homework ' talk about a plan of attack with your child: pan, plan, plan, then begin. Make sure your child knows when and where the end is (especially boys) and work out short, achievable goals.
• Do homework in different body positions - sitting, standing at a vertical surface, lying on the floor on tummy (short bursts) with elbows bent and symmetrical.
• Some children need to fiddle to concentrate - so let them, but not to distraction.
• Hand strengthening is important for handwriting improvement.
• Be aware of child's sensory processing - 'calm, alert state for learning' is optimal.

Taken from an article in LDC (Learning Difficulties Coalition) Newsletter