English: Writing Sentences

Now is the time for our class to take another look at correct punctuation and writing extended sentences.

BBC Bitesize has an excellent online activity about types of sentences.

There is also excellent background infomation available on different types of sentences.

A good commas game is here.

Using apostrophes online lesson from BBC Kids, and an online presentation from draggeneric explains apostrophes for possession and contraction.

'Match the contraction' game would be great to play between lessons.

The classroom activity we used to test our knowledge was from BBC Skillswise.

Fisnish your lesson with a fun online game called 'fly by contractions.'

Week 2: Olympics Opening Ceremonies

Beijing - 2008



Athens - 2004



Sydney - 2000

Can follow this link to view 'best bits.'

Atlanta - 1996



Barcelona - 1992



Seoul - 1988



Los Angeles - 1984



Will you be watching the 2012 London Opening Ceremony? Which do you like best? I like the 1988 Barcelona Games, particularly the way the cauldron is lit, you will have to watch to see for yourself!

HSIE - Week 2 - The Olympics

This week we are looking at Olympic Symbols and traditions.

A comprehensive look at the history of Olympic Torch Cauldron Lighting and Opening Ceremonies:



Watch 2012 London Olympic Medals being made!



A fun animation featuring the Olympic Creed:



The Olympic Motto:



A good summary of the Rings, Flag, Motto and Flame can be found here.

The wreath and medals are covered here.

A quick tutorial on how to draw the Olympic Rings is right here!

This page of links and activities could be very handy for teachers!

Science: Spinning in Space - Week 1

This week we commence our next unit of Primary Connections Science, called 'Spinning in Space.'

This particular lesson also offers an indigenous perspective, some information is below.

Indigenous people have been observing the sky for many thousands of years. Some Indigenous people still use the stars as a guide for hunting and food gathering. Astronomical observations of the positions of the stars and constellations and their apparent movement across the sky correlate with particular weather conditions and the availability of certain foods. This Indigenous knowledge is preserved through storytelling, ceremony and visual representations.

Burarra Gathering contains information about navigating using the stars during the dry season. As a class or in small groups we will complete a 'Told us... Made us wonder' sheet.

Olympics Countdown Clock

Championship Countdown

HSIE - Week 1 - The Olympics

This week our class will being a new HSIE unit by looking at the ancient Olympic Games.

Before we look back at history, it's important to remember why the Olympic Games are so exciting and special!



BBC Primary History has a great interactive webpage about the history of the ancient Olympic Games.
The official website of the Olympic movement also has an explanation with a cartoon history of the ancient Olympic Games!

This Year 3 class in England produced a fun class video of the history of the Olympic Games:



A presentation has also been produced about the history of the torch relay:



Some activity ideas and printables are available here. Some high-quality printables for students and classroom are here.

An excellent free pack of printables more appropriate for Stage 1 / Early Childhood.

An amazing printable workbook is here (8 pages long).

Directions for making an Olympic torch, medal or olive leaf crown are here and here.

Activities specific to the London Olympic Games can be found here.

Premier's Spelling Bee

Our school is taking part in the 2012 Premier's Spelling Bee.
You can read a guide about the Bee here.

A really fun film you can watch about 'Spelling Bees' is the 2002 film 'Spellbound.' You can find out some more about it here.

The film's trailer:


Another fun excerpt: