Term 1, Week 1

 

To help you make the most of the Talking Stories software and books I have compiled a complete year plan that will enable you to cover every story (and touch on every assessment standard of the home language curriculum) during the course of the school year.  This assumes that you have one session per week in your school computer lab.  I will also provides tips, ideas and worksheets for classroom use.

Each week I will post an update on this blog, with resources for each level.  Click here: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 or on the tabs at the top of this blog to find an index that will build up as the weeks go by.

Due to the growing number of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) in Foundation Phase classrooms, I also hope to provide a weekly link to a brilliant IWB resource for your class.

Please, please provide feedback and ideas of your own.  Let me know if this blog meets your needs.  Share your own links to excellent literacy resources.  Stay in touch!

Here we go for Term 1, Week 1:

Level 1

Harness parental enthusiasm right at the outset:

Grade1 Term 1 Letter to Parents + Phonics sheet

If you have an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, here is a fabulous and colourful story about Jack’s first day at school. Use it for whole class story time – the children will love it!http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/misc/stories/jacksbigday/

Level 2

Get your parents involved from Day 1!

Grade 2 Term1 Letter to Parents + Phonics Sheet

If you have an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, then here is a great story to use on the first day back at school. It’s about a big, orange school bus. Perhaps it’s a Golden Arrow bus!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/razzledazzle/stories/theschoolrun/

Level 3

Here’s an easy way to encourage parents to help you with revision:

Grade 3 Term1 Letter to Parents + Revision Sheet

If you have an interactive whiteboard and internet connection in your classroom, then here is a terrific, interactive story for you to enjoy with your class on Day 1. It’s called “The Big Beastie Thing.” Learners will love selecting the missing words and watching the animated characters leap about. The web address below will take you directly to the story. Have fun on your first day back!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/razzledazzle/stories/bigbeastiething/

Start of the School Year

Your new children have arrived. Some are bewildered and apprehensive. Others seem confident and happy. It’s going to take a while for them to settle down, and for you to establish your classroom routine.

There are a number of ways to help ensure that Day 1 is successful:
1) Be really well prepared. Make your classroom a clean and welcoming place. Have interesting pictures up, and perhaps a vase of flowers on your desk. Make sure that all your photocopying and admin are completed.
2) Introduce an open-door policy in your classroom. Invite parents to stay and help their children settle. Keep your eye out for those who might be able to assist you regularly in the classroom. Look for people who are available during the day, and who are warm and kind towards ALL the children. Parent helpers can be a Godsend in large classes.
3) The start of the year is an important window of opportunity with parents as well as children. Make contact with as many parents as you can. Convey love and warmth to each child.

What are your Day 1 tips and reflections?