3/4 Mainstream 

We would like to thank parents, carers and community for all their support through a packed and engaging term. This week we have been busy wrapping up our focus units on narrative writing, place value and money and building our comprehension strategies with reading. We continue to consolidate routines with a new spelling program and general school routines as we make our way to the halfway point of the year. 

LITERACY

After completing a location and mapping unit, students created their own maps - using features of a map including, orientation, scale and legends using appropriate symbols. We then used these maps as an inspiration to write creative narratives in which students followed the Writer’s Workshop process of seed→ plan→ draft→ revise/edit →publish.

NUMERACY

In maths we did a deep dive into place value looking at whole numbers into the tens of thousands before learning that our place value system also extends to numbers less than one. We specifically looked at tenths and hundredths, their value and how they can be represented using fractions and decimal notation. We used this understanding to draw comparisons to money and specifically Australian currency. 

INTEGRATED 

This term we built our science literacy through our Integrated unit. We studied the life cycle of eucalypts and bees and the relationships and interconnectedness that exists between eucalypts and bees and other pollinating animals.

We learnt that Science involves making predictions and describing patterns and relationships. We conducted experiments and recorded our detailed observations which allowed us to draw conclusions. With guidance, we unpacked how to formulate quality research questions and ways to answer these using evidence. 

One main experiment saw us growing marigold seeds and observing the results when we changed one variable such as soil type, access to light and water to name a few. We used these observations to draw conclusions about what conditions were best for growing marigolds. Our many surviving marigolds have been sent home to be cared for by students and can be planted into gardens in the spring.

Later we studied the importance of eucalyptus oil to the eucalyptus by doing an experiment that tested whether eucalyptus oil could inhibit the growth of mould on a piece of bread. Again, through detailed observations, research and discussion students were able to draw conclusions and confirm or refute their initial predications. 

Our 3/4 scientists were very keen to wrap up our bread experiment, particularly to dispose of some very mouldy looking bread. They have done a terrific job this term and we look forward to continuing to use new skills and understanding built through this unit. 

3/4A

We finished 2 class novels. The first being Holes that students were reading with Josh. Students did some follow up work on the text before watching the film. It provided good discussion points on how versions of a text can differ depending on the medium. 

The second, Murder Most Unladylike. We found using comprehension strategies like focusing on the context, sentence and paragraph to help us understand text specific vocab helped. We are now on the lookout for a class novel for Term 3. We will take student recommendations and allow the class to persuade and debate the novels that hold particular interest. We will then take a vote to select our new class novel for term 3. A reminder to think about potential novels over the holidays and come prepared to share them in the first week back. 

We would like to take this opportunity to say a sad farewell to two of our amazing students. Hazel and Kai have been integral members of our class. Kind, caring and hardworking and we will miss everything they have brought to the class. We wish them all the best for the next chapter of their learning journey. 

3/4B - World Cup Fever and Market & Movie Day

Football fever hit 3/4B the past couple of weeks, as we eagerly followed the World Cup excitement! We brought the tournament into our classroom, working together to track and record match scores. Eating times became a class highlight as we gathered to watch thrilling match replays and live action. To top it all off, we were lucky enough to hit the pitch ourselves for a specialised soccer incursion with coaches from Brunswick! Students had a fantastic time running through drills, refining their teamwork and putting their own skills to the test. It has been an action-packed and energetic addition to our classroom learning!

To celebrate a fantastic term of hard work, 3/4B enjoyed an action-packed end-of-term reward day! We kicked off the morning by transforming our classroom into a bustling, vibrant marketplace. Students put their mathematics and money skills into real-world practice, brilliantly running their own stalls, setting prices and managing transactions. From buying and selling creative items to designing and hosting interactive games for their peers to play, the energy and enthusiasm were sky-high. It was an absolute joy to watch their entrepreneurship and financial literacy come to life!

After a busy morning of trading, we slowed things down in the afternoon and rewarded ourselves with a cozy class screening of the movie Flow. It was the perfect, relaxing conclusion to an incredibly fun day and a wonderful term together. Well done, 3/4B!