Preparing for High School can never begin too soon…
High School is a fast-paced learning environment with a much bigger workload. There is a different teacher for each subject and students are expected to be able to work more by themselves. High Schools also tend to split their Year 7 classes into high and low achievers. Sadly, the lower classes usually have the less motivated to learn and more disruptive students in them. So it is more important than ever to be fully prepared to give your child the best opportunities possible.
The transition to High School is both exciting and scary for children and parents. Here are a few suggestions, which may help:
Christine Hawkins
Owner KMEC Hunter
- Visit the High School. Most schools have orientation days for Year 6 students to attend.
- Keep the lines of communication open. Ask your child how they feel about going to High School. If they are feeling anxious, reassure them that everyone is probably feeling the same, but they just don’t show it.
- Choose a High School that friends or relatives attend. Hopefully, they will look out for each other.
- Keep their self-confidence high. If children do well in the last few years of Primary School, they will be placed into the highest class possible in Year 7 and this will help them feel better about themselves.
At Kip McGrath we have been preparing children for High School for many years. If you have any concerns, please talk to us.
We are here to help.
Popular Chapter Books for Young Readers
As promised in our last newsletter here is a list of suggested chapter books. Take the list along to your local library, or browse the web, and have fun finding the books you enjoy.
We would love to hear about any other books you have enjoyed reading.
Humour: ‘The Treehouse’ series by Andy Griffiths; ‘The Croc Who Ate My Homework’ by Stephen Pastis; ‘Origami Yoda’ series by Tom Andleberger; ‘The Tinklers Three’ series by M.C. Badger; ‘Captain Underpants’ series by Dav Pilkey
Adventure: ‘Time Hunters’ books by Chris Blake; ‘Zac Power’ books by H.I. Larry;
‘Diary of a 6th Grade Ninja’ by Marcus Emerson (the main character is female)
Mystery: ‘Billie B Brown’ series by Sally Rippin; ‘The Curious Cat Spy Club’ by Linda Joy Singleton; ‘Secret Agent Stalward’ by Elizabeth Singer Hunt
Realistic: ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ series by Jeff Kinney; ‘Ivy and Bean’ series by Annie Barrows; ‘Everyday Angel’ by Victoria Schwab
Mythology: ‘The Olympian’ series by George O’Connor
Fantasy: ‘Diary of a Minecraft Zombie’ series by HerobrineBooks; ‘Whatever After’ by Sarah Mlynowski; ‘The Green Ember’ by S.D. Smith; ‘Story Thieves’ by James Riley; Any book written by Roald Dahl
Teacher’s Tip
Memorising Facts
A good way to memorise a fact is to make up a fun saying.
For example, to remember that the word ‘mean’ is the same as finding the average of scores, we teach this saying: ‘Mean people are very average.’
MONTHLY JOKE
A Couple of Quick Ones…
Q. What‘s small, furry and bright purple?
A. A koala holding its breath!
Q. What do you call a boomerang that doesn‘t come back?
A. A stick!
THIS MONTH
Spring Word Puzzle
Student of the Month
Award for Outstanding
Improvement in Maths
“Since starting kip McGrath Riley has become more confident in all aspect of his work; from sight words to reading and comprehension. We can not thank Julie and the Kip McGrath team enough for all the help they have provided. It has been wonderful watching Riley grow and learn throughout the year. Thank you”
Regards,
Stacey (Riley’s Mum)
Child-made School Lunch
• Mini whole–wheat pitas
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded Cheese
• Side of Fruit
Let your child spoon some sauce into a small airtight container. In a lunchbox container, place cheese into one section, pita into another with the sauce, and fruit into the last section. Pack a spoon for spreading the sauce.
Let the pizza building commence!
