One current focus for us in maths in PS1 is sequencing, particularly becoming familiar with and understanding language including 'before', 'then', 'next' and 'after'. We felt a fun way to use this language in a practical and authentic way might be to follow step by step instructions for food preparation. We settled with something as simple as possible; making a sandwich. To begin with I went through the steps one by one with the children, creating my own sandwich.
Then (after washing of hands) it was time for the children to make their own sandwiches following the same sequence.
We followed up (on more than one occasion) with looking at the sequence for washing our hands before eating, after outdoor play or after using the toilet:
It would be fantastic if the children could practice both saying (in your home language) and using this hand washing sequence at home. It would also be very beneficial if when doing anything else that involves a sequence with your child, you try to ensure you are using the same terminology in your home language (before, next, then, after, first).
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Our second line of inquiry centres around ways to become happy and healthy. The teachers felt that an effective way to focus on how we can be happy would be to take time over several weeks to consider the 10 keys to happiness from the inspiring Action for Happiness initiative. The first key to increased happiness is giving -doing things for others. The Action for Happiness site states "When we give to others it activates areas of the brain associated with pleasure, social connection and trust. Altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain and boosts happiness for us as well as the people we help." First we read the Julia Donaldson book, The Spiffiest Giant in Town (alternatively known as The Smartest Giant in Town). We talked about how the giant over time gives away his smart new clothes to his animal friends, to help them out. We noticed how the giant seems happy (he is smiling) each time he does something for a friend. We then explained to the children that we would also be trying to do something for others, by making some treats in class, and then giving them away to our families. We explained that we were going to make a batch of chocolate cornflakes treats together, and that then each child would make and decorate their own individual treats to take home and give away. First we looked at the recipe together. Then I showed each of the ingredients to the children before weighing them out. They especially enjoyed smelling the honey and the melted chocolate! Each child took turns stirring the bowl to ensure that all the ingredients were well and truly mixed, and especially to make sure that all the cornflakes were covered in chocolate. Then one by one each child took turns to carefully spoon some of the mixture into two cupcake cases... Before choosing 4 treats (either M&Ms or mini-marshmallows) to decorate the 'cakes' with. On an entirely different note, this week we took advantage of the beautiful autumn weather to go outside to discover and collect some of the fabulous natural treasures that are to be found right now on the ground on campus. We took a basket with us and within ten minutes the children had filled it with hundreds of shiny chestnuts. They were very interesting to see some that were still partially encased in their spiky outer shell, and that one even had two chestnuts inside; twins! As you can see from the pictures below, we had a lovely time. We will endeavor to find interesting ways to use our bounty after the break. Wishing you all a wonderful October break. See you back at school on the morning of Monday 21st October.
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