Reading
Without our local library I would not be able to keep up with BlueBelle's voracious appetite for books. I place books on hold by subject as BlueBelle's expresses interest in a subject/topic and this leads to self-directed learning. We have been avid story-time attendees at our local library. We shall continue to read daily.
Writing
BlueBelle is happy to write with a purpose, (lists, letters, labels), but other than cursive - which she considers ‘fancy writing’ - is not keen to simply ‘practice writing’ for the sake of it. I’m always on the lookout for a fun writing programme to supplement the basics. Until recently, I have been taking dictation but will encourage BlueBelle to start writing down her stories by herself. We shall design a short story book, and keep subject notebooks.
Grammar and Punctuation
We have started analysing grammar.
We explore idioms and collective nouns as well as discussing various forms of writing, nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and articles; and the possessive.
We shall continue to analyse grammar and punctuation.
Literature (including Learning Language through Literature)
We shall Discuss the difference between fiction and non-fiction; and discuss the form of poetry using :-
- ‘A Child’s Garden of Verses’ (Robert Louis Stevenson)
- ‘Me I am! ‘ and ‘My dog may be a genius’ (Jack Prelutsky),
- ‘Read-aloud rhymes for the very young’ - (Marc Brown) and
- ‘When we were six’ (AA Milne).
- many more which I shall add as we go
Drama class will provide an opportunity to learn formal public speaking skills. There is also an opportunity to attend a debating group. Expressing ones’ opinion, (whether we agree or not), in a respectful way is always encouraged. BlueBelle is very comfortable with the persuasive form of conversation, and always has ‘a great idea!’, to share.
Listening
We listen to audiobooks, read aloud and shall be conscious of verbal instructions in various activities.
Resources
- www.montessorimaterials.org
- www.starfall.com
- http://donnayoung.org/penmanship
- various school zone work books
- The Libraries
- Specific books as above and more to be added
- weekly book club
- weekly library visit
- weekly grammar
- weekly formal reading
- daily writing practice
- daily reading
