Back by popular demand, we have a Holiday LEGO Challenge. You can be as creative and as decorative as you like and can involve the whole family. If you don't have any Lego, that's okay too - you can use any household items to complete the challenge.

Three Levels of Challenge:

1. A bridge that can hold an apple.
2. A bridge that can hold a can of soft drink or a can of soup (or something similar).
3. A bridge that can hold a pair of shoes.

Once you complete the challenge, feel free to email me a picture of yourself with your creation sabbo6@eq.edu.au . Please let me know if you don't want your photo shared with the community through the newsletter or social media.

I’ll add the challenge to Facebook in Week 10. I look forward to seeing what you make during the holidays!

THE POWER OF LANGUAGE

In classrooms, there is a hidden power in the type of language that is used. The power lies in the language’s ability to convey subtle messages that shape the children’s thinking, sense of self and group affinity. The language you choose to use at home can also have the same effect. Ron Ricthhart (2015) identifies seven different types of language which can be used to promote a culture of learning and thinking.

 

1. THE LANGUAGE OF THINKING – Think how many words mean the same as the word ‘think’. Wonder, analyse, clarify, ponder, justify reason - the list is endless. When we challenge our children to think about the world, be specific and name the type of thinking you would like them to do. Teach them the difference between using the types of thinking.
2. THE LANGUAGE OF COMMUNITY – Using pronouns such as, we, us and our, can communicate a sense of inclusiveness and collaboration in learning. When undertaking tasks and discussions with children, use these pronouns to help children feel like they are part of the thinking and problem solving process.
3. THE LANGUAGE OF IDENTITY – Language can bring children into new worlds and invite then to step into new identities. When gardening, invite your child to think and act as a gardener. When cooking, invite your child to think and act as a chef.
4. THE LANGUAGE OF INITIATIVE – We are trying to encourage our children to be flexible, innovative, independent learners. Instead of rescuing our children with ‘this is how you do it’ statements, encourage problem solving with ‘how could you solve that problem?’, ‘what could be the next step?’ so children feel empowered to think on their own.
5. THE LANGUAGE OF MINDFULNESS – A subtle change in the use of language can lead thinking to become more mindful and flexible. For example, the use of ‘might’ – ‘What is going on in this picture’ compared to ‘What might be going on in this picture?’ The use of ‘might’ opens up a range of possibilities to explore and allows the child to think more critically and creatively.
6. THE LANGUAGE OF PRAISE AND FEEDBACK – Research indicates that praise linked to a person’s efforts is more likely to encourage ongoing learning, risk taking and the embracing of new challenges. Instead of saying ’Good Job!’ would it be better to say ‘I can see you have worked hard and pushed yourself!’
7. THE LANGUAGE OF LISTENING – Listening is one of the most powerful ways we show respect for and an interest in other people’s thinking. Sometimes we have to pause our talk to give the children time and space to air their own thoughts. Seek first to understand, then be understood (Covey).

2021 PREP ENROLMENTS

Prep enrolments are open, please come to the school office to enrol your child.