English

Reading

We will continue to  focus on independent reading, as well as comprehension strategies. In addition, we will begin our ‘literature circle’ reading groups, designed to enable students the opportunity to apply the comprehension strategies learned and consolidated in Terms 1 and 2. They will collaborate as a team to analyse the content, themes and language of developmentally appropriate fiction novels. 

Along with Literature Circle studies, we will be investigating non fiction texts and analysing main idea, non fiction text features and key details as well as technical and subject specific vocabulary. Students will continue to work on accuracy and fluency skills when engaging in both literature circle tasks and non fiction texts. 

It is important that your child has a ‘just right novel’ for sustained, independent reading at school. This might be their literature circle book but if this is not sufficient for the amount of reading they are doing then they may also need to borrow an additional text from the class or school library, or bring one from home if they prefer.

Writing

This term, our focus will be on continuing to hone our skills in narrative and informative writing, with a direct link to our inquiry into sustainability. The students will create a step by step narrative based on a teacher example, which will focus on key skills and elements of narrative writing. We will delve into topics that explore the intersection of environmental consciousness and societal impact, aiming to advocate for sustainable practices. Through this exploration, we aim not only to improve our writing proficiency but also to deepen our understanding and engagement with crucial issues affecting our world today. 

In spelling, we will continue to address weekly concepts, which align with the 4 pillars (Etymology, Orthography, Morphology and Phonology) and the 7 Syllable Types. The students will investigate the difference of similar sound combinations as well as suffixes and prefixes. We will attend to students' points of need through personalised word lists, which they will be tested on weekly. This will also be consolidated by Literacy Planet homework activities. Students will have opportunities to practise their spelling and grammar skills during various writing pieces such as information reports and narrative writing. 

Speaking and Listening - Throughout this term, students will continue to have opportunities to enhance their confidence in public speaking, presenting in front of their class, cohort, and during assemblies. These experiences will serve as foundational preparation for our upcoming formal debating program in Term 4.