Reading is not just for now, Reading is for Life

We all want the best for our children, and one of the most important things we can do for them is to encourage them to read. Reading is a skill that opens doors to all kinds of opportunities, and it's something that children can enjoy for their entire lives. That's why we're excited to introduce you to Literacy Pro, a reading program from Scholastic that can help your child develop their reading skills and love of books.

The Literacy Pro program is designed to help children in primary school become confident and proficient readers. It includes a range of books that are carefully chosen to match each child's reading level and interests, as well as interactive quizzes and assessments that help track their progress. The quizzes are fun and engaging, and they help your child develop important literacy skills like vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. With Literacy Pro, your child can enjoy reading and improve their literacy skills at the same time.

Why is reading so important? Well, studies have shown that children who read regularly are more likely to succeed in school and in life. Reading helps to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, and it can also boost creativity and imagination. Plus, reading is a great way to relax and unwind, and it can provide a welcome break from screens and other distractions.

One of the best things about Literacy Pro is that it's tailored to your child's individual needs. Each child has their own reading level and interests, and the program takes this into account when selecting books and creating quizzes. This means that your child will be challenged, but not overwhelmed, and they'll be more likely to enjoy reading and feel motivated to improve their skills.

Another great feature of Literacy Pro is that it's flexible and easy to use. Children can access the program from any device with an internet connection, whether it's a computer, tablet, or smartphone. They can read books and take quizzes at their own pace, which means they can fit reading into their busy schedules. And if they ever get stuck or have questions, they can ask their teacher or a parent for help.

Each child from Year 3 – 6 has been given a login and password which you can also access to see how your child is going. Please follow the link below to access the Literacy Pro Program.

Thank you for your ongoing support of your child's education, and happy reading!

Supporting Your Child to Become a Confident Mathematician

I would like to share some insights into the world of times tables and reciprocal division facts and why understanding these essential math concepts provides a strong foundation for our students, enabling them to thrive academically and in their daily lives.

Building Confidence

When our young learners master their times tables and reciprocal division facts, they feel a sense of achievement and pride in their abilities. This newfound confidence not only helps them excel in mathematics but also encourages them to tackle other challenges with enthusiasm and positivity.

Laying the Groundwork for Success

Times tables and reciprocal division facts serve as the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts. When students have a solid grasp of these basics, they are better prepared to understand and tackle complex topics such as fractions, decimals, and algebra.

Mastering Mental Maths

By learning times tables and reciprocal division facts, our students become mental math wizards! They can quickly perform calculations in their heads, making everyday tasks, like shopping or sharing treats with friends, more efficient and enjoyable. Mental math skills also sharpen their problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, which are valuable life skills.

Engaging and Effective Learning

At St Joseph’s Kingswood we recognise the importance of keeping learning engaging and enjoyable. That's why we incorporate a variety of techniques, such as games, songs, and interactive activities, to teach times tables and reciprocal division facts. Our aim is to foster a love of learning and make math an exciting adventure for our students. We pride ourselves on working in partnership with our families, so we have included two links in this newsletter article. The first is to a Spotify playlist which has all the timetables. We hope you enjoy signing a long with your children in the car to these tunes.

https://open.spotify.com/album/0zevmKSpNhzDHQzPZCnRqc?si=FOEdqCalSKWoWe8Z2THHiA

All the children from Years 3 to 6 have also been signed up to the Numerical Acumen Challenge. This is a fun way children can get faster with their times tables, division facts and fractions. There are also awards the children can win at the end of the challenge so get solving.

Here is the link to the website, each child has been given a username and password. If they are unsure, please check in with your classroom teacher.

https://www.numericalacumen.com/login

In conclusion, mastering times tables and reciprocal division facts is crucial for our students' success in mathematics and beyond. We encourage regular practice and celebrate their achievements as they progress. Let us work together to nurture their passion for learning and help them unlock their full potential.

Wishing you all a math-tastic week ahead!

Problem Solving

Problem solving is a crucial skill that can help you navigate through life's challenges. Whether you are facing a personal problem or a work-related issue, having strong problem solving skills can make all the difference.

The ability to solve problems allows you to identify the root cause of the issue, develop a plan of action, and implement a solution. This can help you overcome obstacles, achieve your goals, and improve your overall quality of life. In fact, problem solving skills are highly valued by employers in today's job market. Companies seek out employees who can think critically, analyse data, and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. By developing your problem-solving skills, you can become an asset to any organization.

Some problem solving techniques include brainstorming, mind-mapping, and trial and error. By using these techniques, you can come up with creative solutions that you may not have thought of otherwise.

I will be including a problem for families to solve as part of the newsletter.  I look forward to hearing your answers!

This week we will begin with an easy challenge. Good Luck!