Dear Primary 1 Parents,                                                                               December 6, 2010

This week we are beginning our 3^rd Unit ‘Where We Are in Place and Time’.  As a tuning in time, during this first week, we will have the students define the terminologies in relation to where we are.  Our line of inquiry will begin with discussing how the universe began.  As there are many theories, and we want to be sensitive to all those around us, we will take the scientific approach, as well as, cultural or religious beliefs. 

Our Learner Profile for this Unit is that we develop the students to be inquirers, and knowledgeable.  As the students are learning about the universe it will create curiosity, and enthusiasm to understand where we are in the universe, solar system, planet earth, as well as, a country in Asia.  A very exciting unit!

Also in PYP this week, we will be celebrating Pasquale and Surya’s birthday.

From Chinese perspective, students will also learn some terminology related to the universe and planets. They will be introduced to a famous Chinese mythology about how the universe started. They will listen to the story, look at some related pictures and will write down their own reflections.

Just a reminder once again, that Christmas is around the corner… if you haven’t noticed, hang a left onto Orchard Street and you will get a better picture of what we mean! J  So, as we begin our preparations for the Christmas concert, to be held on the 17^th of December, we will be taking time throughout the week to prepare for our performance. Please note that homeroom lessons may be shifted around in order to practice. 

We are happy to notice that the students are enjoying the many books from the National Library.  A quick reminder to make sure that your son/daughter takes time to read the books opposed to just looking at the pictures.  Our goal, as adults, should be to encourage the children to read 10-30 minutes daily.                                                   

This week in language arts the students will complete the long vowel sounds in phonics and take time to look back and review the long vowels all together.  For language experience, we will continue consonant blends and sentence structure.  We would like to introduce writing in a journal to help practice this.  Each student will be given a journal so that they may start by writing 2-3 times a week.  Students will be guided by their teacher of when / what they will be writing.  

In Math we will continue to work with the topics volume and graphing. We are thankful to the Gardening Parents who have volunteered to be our special guests.  They will have some practical time with the students in the garden.  This will stimulate the students to apply what they are learning.