Extension and Challenges

Hi everyone!

We wanted to ensure that you had the opportunity to develop your interest, motivation and strong learning behaviours while learning at home.

Maths

For all students we have added the Singapore Curriculum to Mathletics. Singapore have taken an innovative approach to teaching primary math- the curriculum focuses on problem solving particularly with diagrams which has resulted in Singapore students leading the world in math.

Non-routine (new to the student) math problem solving provides extension to students with:

· An interesting and enjoyable way to learn mathematics that develops a child’s quantitative reasoning

· High order thinking skills- intellectual skills that call for more than the retrieval of information

· The need to pay attention to detail and think clearly

· Exposure to initial confusion and failure so they learn how to persist and trust their thinking

· Read, interpret and manipulate precise and intricate ideas

· The need to apply themselves steadily across time

Can I encourage you to log onto the Singapore section of Mathletics?

Writing

I encourage you to write a journal. Covid19 is an unprecedented world event. There is a story to be told from the perspective of children as historians. Keep a daily diary and use the seven steps techniques to make it engaging for a reader:

Did you know, “The Diary of Anne Frank” was a book of the writings of a young girl while she was hiding during WWII?

Reading

What a wonderful opportunity to read until your hearts content! Can I encourage you to start to read the classics? Classical literature is a story that has enduring quality over many years. This may be a source of growth, knowledge and a good read as a timeless source of joy to readers. Here is my top fifteen list:

  1. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
  2. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
  3. The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann D. Wyss
  4. The hundred dresses by Eleanor Estes
  5. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
  6. Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
  7. The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois
  8. Mr Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater
  9. Heidi by Johanna Spyri
  10. The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green
  11. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
  12. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
  13. Mary Poppins by PL Travers
  14. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
  15. Matilda by Roald Dahl

So why not download on Kindle or listen to an audiobook?

I’d love to read a book report about the books you’ve read, or a blurb about the plot of the story?

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)

Looking for interesting science, technology engineering and maths ideas? For an excellent resource the CSIRO Double Helix blog is awesome! Please follow this link for awesome ideas:

https://blog.doublehelix.csiro.au/

A few of my favourites are:

I hope these ideas inspire you to be curious and have fun with your learning.

Kind regards,

Natalie Oddy