Core Skills Analysis
Art
Jeremy followed written directions to make a snake from pipe cleaners and rainbow yarn, which helped him practise reading instructions in order and turning words into a finished 3D artwork. When one step was unclear, he worked out a solution independently, showing flexible thinking, problem solving, and confidence in trying different ways to get the same result. By comparing his snake to the First Nations stories of the Rainbow Serpent, Jeremy also made a cultural connection between his artwork and a traditional story, deepening the meaning of his creation.
Science
Jeremy used an encyclopaedia and other nonfiction books to research reptiles and snakes, which strengthened his ability to find information from reliable sources. He then wrote a reptile fact file about identification, different types, how reptiles warm up, and how they reproduce, showing that he learned key scientific vocabulary and could organise facts clearly. On the snakes worksheet, Jeremy chose to dictate 10 facts instead of writing them all himself, and he still showed strong understanding by recalling both prior knowledge and new information from his research.
English
Jeremy worked with nonsense words using letter cards and built a list of 'le' words, which supported his phonics skills, spelling patterns, and encoding. He also wrote animal facts for a fact file and found short, clear ways to share information, showing that he could choose important details and express them neatly. His handwriting practice on the worksheet helped him strengthen written fluency while keeping his ideas accurate and easy to read.
Mathematics
Jeremy built Pattern Snakes with interlocking cubes and copied patterns from cards by matching colour, number, and sequence, which helped him notice repeating patterns and follow ordered visual instructions. He then worked out the proportion of each colour in fraction form, connecting hands-on patterning to early fraction understanding in a concrete way. On the multiplication snake wheels, Jeremy practised the 5 and 10 times tables, building confidence with repeated groups and quicker recall while staying focused during verbal problem solving.
Physical Education
Jeremy completed an energetic obstacle course that included an in-out ladder, ankle strengthening, a balance beam, stepping stones, and moving through space on a scooter board. He had to balance while dodging flying toilet paper rolls and catch beanbags and soft toys that were thrown blindly, which supported reaction time, coordination, core stability, and shoulder strength. At the end, Jeremy used a sensory tub with marbles, glass beads, and water beads and noticed how calm his body felt, showing good self-awareness and enjoyment of sensory regulation.
Tips
Jeremy could extend this learning by creating his own labelled snake model and explaining the parts and features in his own words, then comparing it with information from nonfiction books. To deepen his pattern and multiplication understanding, he could design new “snake” patterns using cubes and record each pattern as a fraction and a repeated addition sentence. He could also retell the Rainbow Serpent story through a drawing sequence or comic strip, helping him connect art, culture, and literacy. For movement and self-regulation, he could repeat the obstacle course with a timed challenge and then describe which activities helped his body feel alert or calm.
Book Recommendations
- The Rainbow Serpent by Dick Roughsey: A classic First Nations story that connects strongly to Jeremy’s rainbow snake artwork.
- Snakes by Nicola Davies: A nonfiction book that supports reptile research and snake facts.
- Actual Size by Steve Jenkins: A visually rich nonfiction book that helps children explore animal size and comparison.
Learning Standards
- Science – AC9SFU01: Jeremy observed and described living things by researching reptiles and snakes, identifying features, and learning how they live and reproduce.
- Mathematics – AC9MFN01: He counted and represented quantities in patterns using colour, order, and grouped items, supporting number recognition and one-to-one correspondence.
- English – AC9EFL01: If considered at Foundation level, his work with spoken and written language included using print, letter cards, and sharing information in different formats.
- HASS/First Nations connection: Jeremy connected his artwork to First Nations stories, building cultural awareness and respect for storytelling traditions.
Try This Next
- Draw and label a snake diagram showing scales, habitat, and how it moves.
- Write 5 true/false quiz questions about reptiles from Jeremy’s fact file.
- Create a new cube pattern and write its fraction form and times-table link.
- Retell the Rainbow Serpent story in 4 picture boxes.