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How do we learn (continued)...?
Following my message to parents last week [Head of Primary Message Week 10] I would like to share some further insights into the visible thinking routines we use in school. The aim is that as we share more information with parents, we further nurture the positive home-school partnership.
When we ask a child to 'think about it', what are we actually asking them to do? Do they know? Do they look up and to the left to make it look like they have taken action or are they actually thinking? What even is thinking? One of our Key Priorities this year is a closer look at Metacognition and Self-Regulation. Ms Gemma Smith is taking the lead in this area and has undertaken an active research project linked to her role on the Primary Leadership Team.
Created by Harvard Graduate School of Education and a part of Project Zero, at ISB we use a visible thinking routine called See/Think/Wonder.
This is a simple thinking routine that can also be used at home. By initiating a conversation with a child and asking the following three questions, we can set a routine that encourages careful observations and thoughtful interpretations. These questions also help to stimulate curiosity, using the knowledge they have within their long-term memory.
What do you see?
What do you think about that?
What does it make you wonder?
Use this routine when you want your child to think carefully about why something looks the way it does or is the way it is. Use the routine to motivate interest or try it with an object that connects to an area of learning at school. Consider using the routine to further apply knowledge and ideas. I would be really interested to hear from parents if this is useful, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw with any feedback or questions.
This is just one of a number of visible thinking routines we use in school. Ms Gemma Smith continues to further develop this work and will share more information with parents (as well as hosting a parent workshop) during Term 2.
Barvember continues and I have been delighted with the wider community engagement with this Maths event. So far we have awarded more than 8️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ House Points over just 8 days! Each day, I have published a new set of questions and the video solutions to the Primary Newsfeed. Questions are also available within Seesaw for students in Yr2 and above. A special congratulations to those families who have submitted their answers to the tricky Question 5. We have been awarding special certificates for these bright sparks. If someone shows you their green Q5 certificate, you can be very impressed with their Maths skills. 👏 👏 👏 Fantastic bragging rights.
International Day takes place on 🗓️ Friday 24th November. We are all very excited about this important event in the school calendar, celebrating the diversity and culture of the ISB community. This year, we are planning some small changes to the event to ensure everyone has the very best experience. Once the initial registration for students has taken place at 7.25am, we will be enabling families to sign out their children to accompany them in enjoying the day. There will be a Parade of Nations, a community song performance, food from around the world, games, songs, dances, performances, and much more.
Of course, for our youngest students, if parents do not plan to attend International Day, we will continue to provide close supervision and care throughout the event. We have put together this short form for parents to indicate their preferences for the day. Please note that a new submission is required for each sibling. 👇 👇 👇 🙏
We would also like as many families as possible to participate in the Parade of Nations, a tremendous opportunity to represent your home country and parade your home country's flag and national dress with pride. If you would like your child to participate in the Parade of Nations, please also use the International Day link above.
Next week is Art Week. There will be a number of activities planned and lots of creative learning opportunities taking place throughout the week. On Friday 17th November, all students will be invited to come to school in art-themed attire. This non uniform day will promote colourful outfits and artist inspired clothes. More information about Art Week activities and the Friday dress up day to follow in Seesaw.
It's been a busy week... 🤩
This week Year 6 have been using a green screen, Year 5 have been plotting coordinates, Year 4 have been using thermometers and stopwatches, Year 3 have been creating ancient Egypt timelines, Year 2 have been answering Key Questions, Year 1 have been learning about conjunctions, Reception have been creating patterns, Kindy have been digging for worms and Pre Kindy have been looking at their faces in the mirror.
There is always so much going on within our very active school community. As always, if you have any feedback, ideas or suggestions, please do not hesitate to message in Seesaw.
Mr Michael Everett | Head of Primary