Reception Newsletter November 2013

PYP News!

Developing critical thinking skillsLifelong learning has long been a part ofthe IB PYP. As educators we encourageeach of our students to develop criticalthinking skills, and question what theywant to learn, as opposed to what theteacher wants them to learn. Somechildren find thinking critically about theirown learning a challenge, but if at home,and school, we follow some simple stepsto help us assist with developing andrefining these skills, students will be ableto think critically about their own learningand as a result feel more successful intheir own learning.

Stop and ask yourself, what do Ireally think?

Ask someone else for their ideaand listen to it

Understand what it is you needto do

Think again of alternatives, thinkof positives, negatives, feelingsand the bigger picture.

Change your mind Finally, know yourself and be

confident in what you believeIf you would like some literature to supportthis, please do not hesitate to ask me.Miss Lisa HughesGrade 5 teacher and PYP Coordinator

UNIT 2: Where We Are in Place & TimeCentral Idea: Homes reflect family life and cultureLines of inquiry:

What constitutes a home How homes reflect family life How homes reflect culture

LANGUAGES:Reading: We will focus on answering who, what, when, wherequestions, the beginning, middle and end of stories, sequencing andunit specific vocabulary.

Writing: Students will describe in pictures and words the homes wevisit on field trips or their home.

Oral Language: We will practice interviewing skills, forming questionsand answers, listening and speaking. A student will act as the host/tourguide if we visit their home.

Language Support: It is fun and rewarding to work with the Receptionchildren three times a week and to watch their languagecommunication skills develop. Sue Fleming

MATHS:Data Analysis: Students will use Venn diagrams to compare howthe form and function of the rooms of their homes are alike anddifferent by using photographs, drawings and captions.

Survey: Students will create surveys based on field trips andclassroom learning then represent and interpret the results invarious forms of graphs.

Number: We will continue to practice math facts to 10 and beyondwith addition and subtraction games, conservation of number andone to one correspondence

Unit 2

THE ARTSIn this unit Reception will inquire intosound. The students will exploredifferent sources of sound and thematerials that are used to create thesesounds. The activities in this unit aredesigned to help the studentsunderstand opposites and contrastloud/soft, high/low and fast/slow. Thestudents will use motion to show beatand rhythm as well as high and lowpitches; use signals to identify soundsproduced by metal instruments anddramatize their favorite line from apoem.

PSPEStudents are learning hand eyecoordination skills including how topass and receive different sportsballs, to throw accurately and tomove with a ball.

VIETNAMESEStudents will listen to the story the“Three Little Pigs”, and discuss whatconstitutes a home and understandhow homes reflect family life andculture in Vietnam.

Key DatesNovember 15th (Friday): International DayNovember 18th (Monday): Early Finish, 11:40am, Three Way ConferencesNovember 24 HIWC Charity BazaarNovember 25th (Monday): Regular finish, Three Way ConferencesWeek starting December 9th: Book weekDec 12th (Thursday): Book week assembly, followed by Bookwork book saleDecember 13th (Friday): Last day of semester, school finishes at 11am.

Mr Warren’s comment:As you can see on the Key Dates above, we have Three WayConferences coming up towards the end of November. This is anopportunity for you, your child and the teacher to meet together todiscuss progress and for you to set goals for your child for this schoolyear. It is also an opportunity for you to visit the classroom and seeevidence of the learning that is taking place in classes.I would like to congratulate Ms Carla Holmes who recently attendedtraining to be a PYP Workshop Leader. This training took a whole weekof intensive learning situations, and Carla has her first workshop comingup at the end of November.I would like to remind parents that you are welcome to visit the school atany time. We have elementary assemblies most Friday mornings at8am and all parents are welcome to these.

Student ReflectionsIf you don’t have friends you will be lonely. If you are caring you willhave friends. It is important to welcome friends.

Hanoi International School enables all students to realise their fullpotential in a caring and positive learning environment. Through our

broad and balanced international curriculum, we endeavour to developresponsible, globally conscious citizens. We strive to develop the whole

child as a lifelong learner with a strong sense of self worth.

Unit 2