Class Six
Our current main lesson is Australian History. In our first week we were transported back through story to the 1700’s and learnt about the discovery of Australia by Captain James Cook. Cook had navigated some parts of Australia but not all. Along came a keen sailor by the name of Matthew Flinders with his friend, the ships surgeon George Bass. Together they circumnavigated Australia (in a few leaky ships) and discovered Bass Straight. This week we have thrown ourselves into the many trials and tribulations of the 1800’s from the perspective of the convicts sent to serve their time in the Australian penal colonies, the free settlers, sailors, soldiers and our indigenous Australians. The children have enjoyed the stories of Buckley’s Chance and Moondye Joe, a bushranger in the Perth Hills. Geographical facts and many rich opportunities for writing have appealed to the children after a fascinating main lesson of Astronomy.
As a class we have begun to read Nanberry, a beautiful story of a young aboriginal boy and his brother set in 1789. A surgeon John White defies convention and adopts Nanberry. Jackie French writes the book. We are all enjoying the unique tale thus far.
In numeracy each day we are focusing on skills to enable us to work out larger sums in our heads and trying to avoid long procedures. Lots of ‘math tricks’, when working with larger numbers and putting into practice what we already know. Math mental for now has been replaced with math dictation and time given to revise previous main lessons.
Our camp, which was planned for Week 4, had to be postponed due to restrictions so we have booked in surfing lessons at Ocean Beach for 4 weeks. Our first lesson was some practice paddling and board maneuvering in the inlet before we hit the waves. Some very tired children but lots of smiling faces.
We finish each week with handwork. For many a certain favourite and it is wonderful to see their skills built on each year. Projects are being completed as we begin to prepare for the Class 6 sewn felt elephant.
A little thank you for all the support my family have received after losing our house in the recent fires. Our school community is truly wonderful.
Robyn
xx
