b'Issue 11 The British School of AmsterdamRainbow Stick ActivitiesThe children who transitioned into Year 1 in September were introduced to the concept of rainbow stick activities. Each week there is a range of activities in the classroom that run alongside the core curriculum lessons. Some activities are independent, such as matching sounds and words, problem solving, and some activities are supported by an adult, such as fine motor skills activities. When the children complete an activity they take a photograph and upload it to Class Dojo using the class iPad. The children can then collect a coloured stick for their pot. The idea is that children independently collect sticks throughout the week to make a rainbow.Throughoutthe week the teachers and teaching assistants work with the children to make sure they feel the right balance of support and independence.Class Dojo is used for online portfolios for pupils to showcase and share their learning by adding photos and videos to their own portfolios. The children are encouraged to take photographs of their learning independently. As a class, the teachers share each childs online portfolio throughout the week to celebrate their learning. Dojo points can be earned for hard work, team work, being on task, helping others and for good participation.Sign LanguageBasic sign language is introduced to the children as a means of communication.Sign language is recognised as one of the primary means of communication of deaf people, however, the use of sign language has been proven to be beneficial for children in a variety of ways. Sign language can help all children to communicate. Using signs alongside speech can help children to concentrate and listen to what is being said. The signs give the children something to look at as well as hear, and help them make connections between spoken words and their meaning. The children in the Reception and Year One are introduced to two new signs each week in assembly, and the children in Nursery learn one each week and some have a language fan to support them. All children are encouraged to use the signs over the week.5'