An der SIS Rotkreuz-Zug wurde in den letzten Wochen fleissig musiziert und gearbeitet. Die Vorbereitungen zum jährlichen festlichen Konzert erfüllen das Schulhaus immer mit einer besonders magischen Stimmung und erwecken grosse Vorfreude bei den Schülerinnen und Schülern.

Das Programm sah dieses Jahr besonders vielfältig aus. Los ging es mit einer Präsentation von kleinen Schneemännern aus dem Kindergarten. Die Kinder der Primar 1 haben einen Einblick in Tschaikowskys Der Nussknacker erhalten und studierten einen Tanz ein, den sie mit ein paar Schülerinnen der Primar 5 aufführten. Zudem präsentierten sie den Klassiker «Lasst uns froh und munter sein». Während der Vorbereitungen für das Konzert, sammelten sie wertvolle Erfahrungen, beispielsweise im Musizieren als Klasse und im Verständnis der Bedeutung von Gemeinschaftsgefühl. Besonders wichtig war dieses Gefühl bei der Zusammenarbeit mit den Schülern der Primar 4, die die Primar 1 beim Song «We wish you a merry christmas» begleiteten.

Auch die Schülerinnen und Schüler der Primar 2 brillierten mit ihren Darbietungen von «Frosty the snowman» und Rolf Zuckowskis Klassiker «In der Weihnachtsbäckerei». Mit ihrer Energie und kraftvollen Stimmen füllten sie den Saal mit festlicher Stimmung.

Ein besonderer Höhepunkt war die Aufführung der Primar 3. Sie führten den Song «Rudolf the rednosed reindeer» mit den Boomwhackers auf. Zusammen mit der Primar 4 sangen sie zudem den Klassiker «Oh Tannenbaum».

Die Schülerinnen und Schüler der fünften und sechsten Klasse präsentierten den Song «Winterwunderland», aber ihre Darbietung des Liedes «Carol of the Bells» war einer der Höhepunkte des Abends.

Was jedes Jahr bei unserem festlichen Konzert nicht fehlen darf, ist der Klassiker «Last Christmas». Dieser Song wurde von den Kindern der Sekundarstufen zusammen mit der Primar 6 aufgeführt. Dabei präsentierten die Lernenden der Sekundarstufen das Intro des Songs.

Gemeinsam führten sie auch den Schlussakt, den Tanz zu «Putting on the Ritz» auf. Doch der Abend war damit noch nicht ganz zu Ende, denn zum Schluss sangen alle Schülerinnen und Schüler der SIS Rotkreuz-Zug, den Song «As One» von Arc Music Collective.

Unser festliches Konzert ist ein perfektes Beispiel für Zusammenarbeit, bei dem Grosses erreicht werden kann, wenn wir uns gegenseitig unterstützen und helfen.

Daniela Argentino, Musiklehrerin

Roleplay in early childhood education is a powerful and important tool for the overall development of children. During the first term, our Unit of Inquiry topic was ‘Looking After Ourselves.’ Through a variety of role-playing activity stations, we created an immersive learning environment i.e., doctor, dental, nutritionist clinics, etc. that allowed them to engage with different aspects of the world around them. The children took turns being the professionals and clients which led them to engage in reciprocal teaching.

At the doctor’s station, the children stepped into the shoes of a medical professional and explored the basics of healthcare. Equipped with toy stethoscopes, bandages, and doctor coats, they took turns playing the roles of both doctor and patient. This activity introduced them to basic anatomy and instilled empathy and cooperation as they learned to care for one another. Through this role-play, they learned about the human body, the importance of regular check-ups, and the significance of staying healthy.

At the dentist’s station, the children took on the roles of both dentist and patient. They used a dental teeth model, toothbrushes, playful dental tools, and flash cards to engage in interactive learning. Through this imaginative play, they imitated the role of dentist which allowed them to teach each other the step-by-step process of the proper brushing technique. This also allowed them to emphasise the crucial importance of reaching all areas of their teeth. This hands-on learning made tooth brushing enjoyable and ensured that each child grasped the fundamentals of effective tooth brushing. They also learned about the importance of dental check-ups and avoiding sugary snacks for optimal oral health.

At our nutritionist’s station, the children participated in discussions about healthy eating habits. By exploring different food groups and their benefits, they developed an early awareness of healthy nutrition. They also worked on learning to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy choices, i.e. natural sugars versus processed sugars. This encouraged them to make mindful choices when it comes to food, promoting a positive attitude toward a balanced diet.

This reciprocal teaching approach enhanced the children's communication skills and reinforced their peer-to-peer learning, which created a supportive environment where each child contributed to the collective knowledge of the group. The ‘Looking After Ourselves' theme is not just a topic; it's a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Through role play, the children actively engaged with the learning process and gained valuable insights into various aspects of personal well-being. By fostering independence and curiosity in the first term, we equipped our young learners with the knowledge and skills they will need for a lifetime of self-care and positive decision-making.

Morvee Shrestha, Teacher Kindergarten

Was gibt es Schöneres von Schülerinnen und Schülern zu hören als die Aussage: «Mathe ist viel zu einfach! Wir wollen schwierigere Aufgaben!»

Täglich sind wir von Zahlen und mathematischen Problemen umgeben. Diese zu erkennen, zu analysieren und Lösungen zu finden ist angewandte Mathematik. Im Unterricht wird dies wie folgt geübt.

Wir starten immer mit einem konkreten Problem. Anschauungsmaterial zum Anfassen und Nachstellen ist dazu sehr wichtig. In der Primar 1 kann es der Zehnerrahmen im Eierkarton sein, Steckwürfel, Lego, kleine Figürchen, etc.. Der Fantasie sind keine Grenzen gesetzt.

Danach wird das Problem zu Papier gebracht. Allerdings erst als Bild, um durch das visuelle Erfassen des Problems eine Brücke zu den abstrakten Zahlen zu schlagen.

Wenn diese drei einfachen Schritte beim Lernen eingehalten werden, ist Mathe sooooooo einfach.

Stefanie George, Lehrerin Primar 1

During term 2, class 4 has been learning all about volcanoes. This topic has been of focus in both our Unit of Inquiry, and Design and Technology lessons.

Students first learned about the layers of the earth and their features. They then were able to learn about how some material from these layers makes its way up to the surface. They have learned about the parts of a volcano and their functions, as well as the main types of volcanoes. Many interesting facts were unearthed. The students were very interested and motivated to learn more about volcanoes.

Not only have the students been able to see what a volcanic eruption looks like, but they will also be causing a volcanic eruption of their own! They have been hard at work preparing their own paper mache volcanoes to be erupted. The students have learned the steps to making a volcano, planned what their volcano will look like, and will be busy pasting and painting the outside of their volcano to get the look that they want. We are very excited to see the explosive outcome of their very hard work!

Matthew Pope, Teacher Primary 4

In the Secondary English classroom, students have been on a literary journey, exploring novels that transport them to different times. They are exploring character development, symbolism, themes, and navigating plots that spark their imaginations. Through our weekly book club discussions students exchange their opinions, predictions, and deepen the connection with one another.

Beyond the pure enjoyment of reading, our students are honing essential skills through these novel studies. They are developing critical thinking abilities, expanding their vocabulary, and enhancing their comprehenion skills, all while navigating the intricacies of different narrative styles. Here's to the joy of reading and the endless possibilities that lie within the pages of a good book!

Meredith Crameri-Rooney, Teacher Secondary Class

Throughout the year in mathematics the secondary students are given opportunities to develop their problem-solving skills with open ended investigations. These problems often have multiple methods in which they can be solved, giving each student the opportunity to approach them in their own unique style. The main goal of these tasks is to inspire, educate and empower the students, transforming the latest research on maths learning into accessible and practical forms.

The investigations we have looked at so far have required students to generate data and then logically organise this data in order to be able to spot patterns. From these patterns’ students are encouraged to predict what might happen next and, where possible generalise their findings using algebra. From here, they are expected to verify and justify that their formulas work. The students are encouraged to discuss their thinking visually and verbally, so working with their peers is encourage. Recognizing that mathematics is not always neat is a vital aspect of their development and often surprising to them.

Investigations in mathematics helps students discover mathematical ideas giving them a stronger conceptual understanding of connections between mathematical concepts. Despite often confusing and difficult at the beginning, the secondary students have thrived in these moments and enjoyed being challenged in this way.

Anna Davies, Teacher Math Secondary 1-3