Spelling, Mental Sums, Word Bank Book, Journal and Letter Box

Dear All,
you should be informed by now that Spelling is on Mondays and Mental Sums is on Fridays [unless stated/updated otherwise].

Spelling
The first Spelling was on 29th January with most pupils scoring full marks. Every child that scored full marks was rewarded with a sweet. Those who did not have to do corrections. They are to rewrite the same word that was spelt wrongly as many as three times on the next page. Pupils who score full marks for 4 out of 6 Spelling exercises will be given a'bigger' reward. Spelling will be sent home for signing on Monday itself, if not latest by Tuesday.

Mental Sums
The pupils should have finished with their 3rd Mental Sums last Friday. Each Mental Sums will consist of 5 questions read out by the teacher at least 2 times before moving on to next question. Pupils will have to attempt each question mentally and refrain from writing any of the questions down. This exercise aims to sharpen pupils' alertness and thinking skills within a limited time period. Of course, pupils will be asked questions based on a topic which they are learning or have learnt. The questions will be read out once again after the 5 questions are done for the purpose of checking. The Mental Sums will be marked and I will attach a piece of paper with the questions for your perusal and your child's revision. Corrections can be done on the piece of paper attached or by the side of the mistake; indicated by a bracket. Mental Sums Book will be sent home on Friday itself, if not latest by Monday.

Word Bank Book
This book is to hold words that coincide with the phonics that the pupils learn from the English Activity Book at the end of each unit. At the end of each unit, the pupils will learn beginning and ending sounds. After learning the sounds, we will use this book to note down the words that start or end with the sounds. These words are useful when doing Written Expression or writing. For every sound learnt, we will do one page in class while children are encouraged to look for more words at home to fill up another page of the same sound.

Journal
This book [jotter book] is to hold thoughts and ideas the kids have. It keeps them occupied constructively while waiting for friends who are not done with their work. I use this book as a tool to start them reflecting about their day's events and the people around them. Hopefully, this culture of reflecting will be instilled in them and they will love writing and expressing themselves. I try my best to read through their journals and give my 2 cents worth.

Letter Box
I have an new letter box that I have placed in class. I put this up so that the kids can send letters to me, letters that only I can read. Kids like sharing secrets and I hope that this simple act will bond me and the kids further. I'm looking forward to reading those letters.

P.S. Please teach your kids to draw a margin especially for Spelling and Mental Sums. Some children have managed to do it but some still have difficulty.