In Class 2 we have been helping Woodsy Gnome as he collects and sells his timber.  The children have been reinforcing their place value knowledge and learning how to solve vertical addition and subtraction sums.  We started by using lots of concrete materials - pop-sticks and gems bundled in groups of 10, 100 and 1000 - and the children have been progressing to more abstract work with the written sums as they gain individual skills and confidence.

Our excursion to the Nullakai to visit Angela and Andrew Dickenson's property was really interesting.  Angela and Andrew have rehabilitated their property on the Nullakai and it is registered as land for wildlife.  They took us to some special sites on their property where long ago Noongar people collected food and water.  We were shown some karda mia (lizard homes/traps) built on the granite rocks and a gnamma hole - water collecting rock. 

We walked to find some bush food and collected some special tiny and very sweet berries yurenburt as well as trying some snotty gobble berries that lived up to their name in texture!  The day was cold and wet but we stayed warm near the kaal.

In our wind down to the end of the year we have been continuing with form drawing - this week trying horizontal mirror forms that the children are enjoying playing with.  This week we also started creating our Advent table and the children have enjoyed bringing special shells, crystals and bones to grace our Advent table.

The first light of Advent,

It is the light of the Stones,

Stones that live in crystals,

Seashells and bones.

Next week we will begin our final main lesson for the year - World Legends - and we will explore special tales and legends from all around the world, including some special Christmas time tales from different cultures.