Term 1 2016 Review

Ahipara School Term Review Term 1 2016

Name___Jessica Neave

English (Written Language)	We had guided writing 4 days a week looking at aspects that could improve our writing. Then I aimed to see at least 2 groups a day and made sure that I saw every ones writing everyday when marking and going through with them. Focus was on recounts and procedure writing.  Recount writing was looking at the way to sequence out a recount correctly and what words we could use when introducing our paragraphs. Also using more descriptive words and using different sentences. I thought this went well as the children seem to understand why we sequence recounts a certain way. Procedure writing focused on looking at writing instructions for different things eg. Games, making toast and brushing teeth. We had to try and make sure that after we wrote out instructions we could follow them in order without missing any steps. Fridays we focused on publishing and presenting a piece of work from the week. To share at junior syndicate assemblies.
English (Reading)	Reading was every morning mon-thurs I aimed to see all 6 groups a day as they were all reading under level 20. Along with me reading Alison was working with some groups involving her target learners. This term for reading we focused on different reading strategies and being able to re-tell our stories in our own words. Reading consisted of teacher time, activities to engage reading and then worksheets to reinforce teacher time learning. I noticed that having younger students this year was different from last as some groups at level 5 and 6 I had to read individually with each student as their needs showed that they found it hard to read in a group situation. On Fridays along with completing a poem activity I would aim to see my target reading groups. Phonics I would try 4-5 days a week.
Social Sciences	We looked at what it means to have positive classrooms and kids.  Completed Socio-grams and goal set for each subject. Along with making a class treaty and creating positive relationships.
Numeracy and Statistics	Numeracy was carried out Mon-Thurs and I aimed at seeing at least 2 groups a day. We worked through each groups needs based on their step up results. Statistics was carried out once a week for our topic maths. Either with the release teacher or on Fridays. We looked at height, favourite colours, foods and eye colour. These were plotted, discussed and graphed and are now on the wall which shows the differences in our class culture.
The Arts	Self-portraits and observational drawings. Focusing on skills and techniques of drawing and observing objects.  This was a great topic as the students enjoyed completing drawings of each other and of objects around the school.
Science
Technology	Using technology to present and find information linking to topic. Printing, typing and publishing writing. The children enjoyed using the Ipads during math and reading rotations and we started looking at different apps we can use in the classroom. Students learned how to use the app Seesaw and share items on it to their whanau.
Health and Physical Education	Junior Sport with Paulo on Friday’s. Daily Swimming focusing on skills, movement and different swimming styles. We also had Louisa and Frances coming in fortnightly to teach new swimming skills and how to be safe in the water. Health focus was looking at positive classrooms and relationships.
ICT- (How have you integrated ICT into the Curriculum?)	Using technology to present and find information linking to topic. Printing, typing and publishing writing. The children enjoyed using the Ipads during math and reading rotations and we started looking at different apps we can use in the classroom.
Values	Looked at each of the values and brainstormed how we show these values in our class. Made a display that has our responses. Was a great learning activity as it related to our positive classroom focus and our treaty.
Goal Setting. Your next steps,	Set goals in the middle of the term for reading, writing and maths with the children. Have them when they are working on a certain area and it is good for them as they can see what they need to do to improve their learning. It is great in reading as I have a peg for each child on their reading level and they all enjoy moving the peg when they move up reading levels. I think it makes them work a bit harder with their learning.
Key competencies	Looked at each of the key competencies in class and drew pictures of us showing each of them.
What strategies have you used to engage your Maori students?	Authentic learning, knowing the learners, extension activities and longer teacher time or extra teacher aid time.  Using technology and Ipads.
What strategies have you used to engage gifted and talented students?	Authentic learning, knowing the learners, extension activities and longer teacher time or extra teacher aid time.  Using technology and Ipads.
What strategies have you used to engage challenges or “at risk” learners?	Authentic learning, knowing the learners, extension activities and longer teacher time or extra teacher aid time.  Using technology and Ipads.
What strategies have you used to engage our “of concern students?”	Authentic learning, knowing the learners, extension activities and longer teacher time or extra teacher aid time.  Using technology and Ipads.
What strategy has worked really well that you could share with colleagues at a staff meeting?	Authentic learning and using technology has really helped for me as I know the children and know what works and doesn’t work. Its also great to ask the past teachers what they were like in prior years so I can get to know work habits etc.
Literacy targets? What have you done for these children? What progress have they made?	For the literacy targets we have writing groups and reading groups in the class. So during writing time I aim to see 2 groups a day and one of those is my target learners. We focus on different parts of writing to help them improve. I also have a teacher aid who works the slower learners who may not be target learners. For reading I see 4 groups a day and my teacher aid works with the target learners as extra time so they see me everyday also.
Numeracy targets? What have you done for these students? What progress have they made?	Numeracy targets are seen everyday to work on aspects of mathematics to improve their learning. Also the target learners are being seen by our MST teacher everyday aswell. They have not made much progress as yet but are more interested in maths and have been trying really hard.
Student Advocacy, learning relationships with whanau. What progress have you made with implementing this?	Trying to ask children what they would like to learn and why. I have made some great relationships with whanau and feel like I am being respected as a teacher.
Now what?	To continue using my Blog to keep on track with my Practicing Teacher Criteria and keep on track with my Inquiry topic.
Is there anything you would like help with?