1. Woolsthorpe Primary School
Grade One
2012
M is s Bridget Fi n ch

2. Grade One Learning
VELS - Victorian Essential Learning Standards
Literacy - Reading and Writing, Speaking and Listening - every day
Numeracy - every day
Integrated Studies - Science, Studies of Society and Environment
(SOSE), Interpersonal Development
Physical Education/Sport, every Friday
Specialist - Art & Music, Media/ICT

3. Visible Learning
We believe students should know what
they are learning and why.
Keeping students ‘in the loop’ about
their learning gives them a positive view
of their work and we have noticed
students are more willing to challenge
themselves to improve.
We make our learning visible through
displaying and discussing our learning
intentions and success criteria:
Today we are learning...
We will be successful if...

4. Reading Goals
Children are placed into groups based on reading levels, fluency and
comprehension skills. Groups change quite regularly as different needs
are identified.
Students have 2 sessions per week in a guided reading group with the
teacher. We focus on areas that have been identified as needing
improvement. In this time, students are supported in reading increasingly
challenging texts.
Students are expected to read every day, both at home and school.

5. Take Home Readers
What should my child be reading at home?
Each student chooses a ‘just right’ book to take home every day.
The book should be easy for them to read, with only one or two errors
expected for every page.
Book too difficult? Read with them or to them!
Read for Beads
Every Monday, student diaries are checked and students receive one bead
for every night they have read. If they read five (or more) nights in a row
over the week, they also receive a special bead to add to their string.
Beads are given to students when the string is full, to keep or give as a gift!

6. Writing
The Writing Process
The planning process
Composing - Beginning, middle and ending
Recording - Teaching students to record, focus on handwriting,
keyboarding, listening carefully to sounds, spelling, grammar and
punctuation.
Revising
Publishing
Text types - narrative, recount, information, report, persuasive...

7. Speaking & Listening
Encouraging children to participate in conversation and
discussions that develop their confidence and clarity when
speaking to peers and an audience.
Give children lots of informal and formal opportunities to
develop their speaking and listening skills, for example
recalling instructions giving presentations.
Model and practice skills in the classroom through
language experiences. For example reciting poems, singing
songs and acting out plays.

8. Maths Learning
Level 2 of VELS Numeracy incorporates Year 1 and Year 2.
At Level 2, mathematics is organised into 4 dimensions:
Number - Our main focus!
Space - Shapes and position (turn, flip, slide, reading simple maps)
Measurement, Chance and Data - Using a ruler, mass/weight, graphs...
Working mathematically - Logic and decision-making

9. Extra-curricular Activities
There are many opportunities for students to
participate in extra-curricular activities such as:
Excursions and Incursions (visitors to school)
Ground Force
Netball/Cricket
Kitchen Garden Program
Zumbatomic
Swimming
Dance Club/Choir

10. Parent Helpers
Parent help is very welcome and much
appreciated.
Listening to children read or helping during
writing sessions is particularly helpful.
Let me know if you would like to help out!
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free
to call or make a time to see me...

11. Other...
Food:
Preferably no lollies (they tend to get eaten first thing in the morning!)
If a student brings lollies, they are asked to put them on my desk and I
give them back at the end of the school day.
Birthday cakes are most welcome, however, we do have a few student’s
with food intolerances, so you will need to check with me first.
Water is preferred as the only drink in bottles, as it decreases the
chance of ants.
Meditation/reflection time:
As needed - usually a session of around five minutes once or twice a
week.
Focus on slowing breathing and relaxation. I’ve found this super
helpful if kids are ‘wound up’ or really tired and need to relax.