Learning Our Phonic Sounds In a Fun Interactive Way
In Pre-Reception the students start to learn phonics which provides the building blocks to later success in reading. We use the Jolly Phonics programme as one of our tools to learn the letter sounds and names. It is a fun and multi-sensory method which is active, with stories, actions and rhymes. Multi-sensory learning is when students learn with all their senses, they are then more likely to remember what they learn.
Here we have some hands-on activities that we did during the week that are fun and interactive:
- Playdough is synonymous with excitement for students of all ages. Phonics can also be made more enjoyable for students using playdough. Playdough mats allow the students to form the sound correctly. This activity encourages not only sound recognition, but also fine motor skills development.
- Students all benefit from this great kinesthetic activity. The students practiced writing the sound with their fingers. A salt tray engages the senses and is an exciting way for students to learn how to form the sounds correctly.
- Q-tip painting is a fun way to strengthen their fine motor skills while learning the sounds.
- The students enjoyed creating their ‘S is for Snake’ activity. In addition to being fun, this activity helps students strengthen their fine motor skills that they will need for writing and helping them with phonemic awareness.
We introduced the Pre-Reception students to the Sound Puppy as well, the students will take turns to take him home with them and find something that starts with the sound of the alphabet that we are learning about this week at home and bring it back to school the following day.
It is important that we as teachers and parents put a lot of effort in phonic activities as students at this age develop their basic ability to recognise sounds. This can help the students to become better readers, writers and listeners in the future.
Martie van Dyk
Pre-Reception Teacher
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FOUNDATION STAGE AND JUNIOR PRIMARY FUN SPORTS DAY 2022
We recently hosted our annual Fun Sports Day, where all the Foundation Stage and Junior Primary students were dressed in their class and house colours, disguising the field as a moving rainbow.
It was also an exceptionally important day for Nursery, as it was the first time our students partook in such an event, and it definitely showed. Some of our students jumped over the mini hurdles, instead of under them and some even skipped the obstacle course completely – all for a chance to tackle their tutu-wearing teacher waiting at the end.
When it came to the races, we had a few tears, a few walkers, and even a few crawlers. I could have sworn that we practised the week before, but that’s no biggy – because they did eventually get to the finish line, and I suppose it’s all we could ask for.
We ended the day off with much-deserved ice cream and said our goodbyes to the students, thinking the day was over, and that they would not remember the few short hours we spent in the sun. However, on Monday, I was greeted with big smiles and lots of burning questions about that special day. “Did you see my daddy, teacher?”, “When can we go to the big field again, I want to practice for mommy?”, “Why were you and Teacher Lissa wearing tutus?”, “Where were your school shorts teacher?”
I realized that it may have been a few short moments for us but for our students, as little as they are, they engrained every detail in their heads. They were able to participate in a big kid activity, and they were so proud! So, even though the obstacle course and the races didn’t go quite as planned, they still remembered everyone who showed up to support them, and they laughed about how silly their teachers looked.
So, I think if we can take anything away from that day, is that it was the first of many happy sports days for our students and that it is not the activities that make them memorable – it is the people that cheer on the side lines.
Thank you to everyone who came and cheered for our little ones – they remembered you.
Jo-Anne Dickason
Foundation Stage Teacher
(Photo Credit: Brendan Atti – BIS Year 10 Student)
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Aftercare And Holiday Care
At BIS our main focus for Aftercare is to provide support for students when formal school activities close for the day. Some of the benefits and value that students receive when enrolled in our BIS Aftercare Programme includes:
- Basic homework routines support by aftercare assistant.
- Fun activities such as reading, drawing, arts and crafts, movies.
- Basic needs are met which includes safety, a snack, play time.
- Strengthened relationships with peers and more quality time to spend with parents at home, as homework and other activities are completed at Aftercare.
We also offer a fun, interactive and structured Holiday Care Programme, where extra-mural activities and recreation forms part of the daily routine.
Some of these activities include:
- Participation in sporting activities to strengthen and develop physical and team building skills.
- Learn life skills through participation in a range of informal and structured activities that teach children how to cope with everyday situations.
We have an exciting Holiday Care Programme planned for the June/July school holidays; enroll your child by clicking on the link below.
Avril Lai Wing
Aftercare Manager
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A Fun-filled Year of Growth and Learning in Foundation Stage
Our little ones have really grown from strength to strength this year with so much development taking place in all areas. It has been very rewarding to see them master many skills. Some have experienced the joy of writing their own name or cutting out a shape on a line. For others learning to read, write their own sentences or calculating sums has been a highlight.
On Tuesday, 30 November, the students will be meeting their new class teacher from the class they will be in next year. This is what the students are looking forward to: for 2022:
Nikraad Manoucheri: “I am looking forward to doing sums.”
Mackenzie Theunissen: “I am looking forward to doing homework.”
Liam Okebalidiet: “I am looking forward to learning to read.”
Joshua Mpako: “I am looking forward to finding new friends to play with.”
Isabella Oosthuizen:”I am also looking forward to making new friends.”
Myles Xegwana: “I am looking forward to meeting my new teacher and doing homework.”
Jadey Howes: “I am excited about wearing my new school uniform in Year 1.”
Arye: “I am looking forward to making new friends.”
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher
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Junior Sports Day 2021
Fun Sports Day!
There was great excitement in the junior campus as the students arrived for Sports Day this past Saturday. The students proudly marched onto the field to the song “We are the Champions”.
We then rotated between the different stations of sprints, potato and spoon race, obstacle course and the sack race. Mr Swart even got the teachers to have their own potato and spoon relay, much to the delight of the students. The highlight of the morning was the sibling and parents’ races, with the students eagerly cheering on their families from the sidelines.
The students returned to their classrooms for a well-deserved treat of an ice-lolly before going home. We would like to say a big thank you to all who participated in this memorable event.
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher
Foundation Stage Experi-Buddies Inting
The Foundation Stage was very excited to have Experi–Buddies visit us for an inting to teach us more about Space. Experi–Buddies is an educational extra mural program that uses experiments to show young children that the world of Science can be fun.
The students could not wait to put the lab coats on! They learned that Neil Armstrong was the first astronaut on the moon and that astronauts have to wear weighted moon boots to stop them from floating around because of no gravity in space. They spoke about the Solar System and were delighted to learn the planet song.
They all participated in the experiments and took great pleasure in watching the rocket take off outside, when Mentos were added to Coca-Cola and it “exploded”!
Students should do experiments for the same reason that they listen to stories, take part in sport, etc. Experiments encourage them to be inquisitive, creative and build their self-confidence. Experiments also help to teach children to observe, compare and to predict outcomes while having fun!
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
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Learning About Space
For the last two weeks, we have been learning all about Space in the Foundation Stage.
The little ones have been very busy, making beautiful rocket pictures and alien pictures. We even have a few astronauts floating about our classroom.
It is a very exciting topic and the students are always eager to share some of their own knowledge with their friends. It is so encouraging to see their love of learning when they share their stories.
We have even incorporated our sensory play into the theme. Simple flour and oil has magically been turned into “moon sand” by our very imaginative little ones.
It is such an amazing privilege for the teachers to experience every learning opportunity with the little ones. Their excitement and enthusiasm make every day special.
Monique Meyer
Reception Year Teacher and Foundation Stage Coordinator
Measurement In Reception Year
In Reception Year, we have been learning about measurement. First, we learnt about length and more recently, we have been learning about capacity.
The students learnt that capacity means how much space a container has that can be filled. At this stage, we measure with non-standard units and therefore used smaller containers to fill larger containers. The students watched eagerly as the water trough was filled with water. Green food colouring and glitter was added for fun.
They then had so much fun using spoons to measure into cups and cups to measure into larger containers. The students had to count how many spoons of water would fill a cup and how many cups would fill a larger container.
They learnt so much from this activity and had a lot of fun in the process.
Bronwen Nuthall
Reception Year Teacher
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Learning About the Farm in Pre-Reception
For the next two weeks, the Foundation Stage students are learning about the farm. It is a very exciting theme for them and they look forward to it every year.
The Pre-Reception students have been practicing saying farm animal names, baby animal names and noises that they make. They have been playing fun farm animal games and activities with farm animal toys, creating wonderful farm pictures, singing farm songs such as Old Mac Donald and listening to a collection of farm stories.
They are not only learning about farm animals, but also about all the different farms you get, and the crops harvested from them. They thoroughly like investigating planting seeds and farm machines too. Some students were fascinated to find out those potatoes, carrots and apples, etc. come from farms and then get distributed to the Supermarkets.
We even planted some tomatoes at school and the students are watering them and watching them grow with great anticipation.
Next week Friday, we are ending off the theme by having a Farm dress up day and a Petting Zoo is coming to visit us in Foundation Stage.
The students are enjoying all the activities and are learning so much as they explore and discover new things about the Farm.
Cindy Nunan
Pre-Reception Teacher
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