Spotlight on Learning

Dear Grade 3 Families,

Welcome back to Term 3!

This week, students have enjoyed settling back into classroom routines and beginning their learning for the new term.

In Religious Education, students will continue exploring the traditions of the Catholic Church. They will investigate how prayer, symbols, rituals, and celebrations help Catholic communities express their faith and celebrate what is important to them.

In English, students will continue developing their spelling, handwriting, typing, grammar, reading, vocabulary, and writing skills. They will learn spelling patterns for the /or/ sound, practise horizontal joins to c, and improve their typing accuracy and speed. Students will differentiate between simple and compound sentences, build reading fluency, and respond to questions about our class novel, The Iron Man. They will expand their vocabulary, explore different sentence types, identify key words and phrases, and learn strategies for note-taking. Students will also revisit the purpose, structure, and features of information reports as they plan and write an introductory paragraph.

In Mathematics, students will develop their understanding of multiplication by exploring how to double numbers in the hundreds. They will practise finding two times a number, such as doubling 300 to make 600, while strengthening their understanding of place value. Using number cards, MAB materials, and place value strategies, students will build confidence in applying multiplication language and mathematical thinking.

In Integrated Studies (Performing Arts), students will explore narrative structures and develop an understanding of the basics of puppetry. They will learn how stories are organised and communicated through performance while being introduced to different puppetry techniques, including shadow puppets and finger puppets. 

In Auslan, students will develop an understanding of how Auslan stories create a three-dimensional picture for the viewer, using signs, facial expressions, and movement to show what is happening and bring stories to life.

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will revisit the St Thomas Way to support a positive start to Term 3. They will review classroom and school routines, explore ways to play fairly and respectfully, and practise using problem-solving skills to navigate challenges and interactions during break times.

Plastic bottle caps needed for this Term's Integrated unit! 

Please send washed plastic bottle caps (soft drink, milk etc) to school with your child whenever possible. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Learning for Term 3, Week 2

Religious Education:

In Religious Education, students will learn about how Jesus chose and sent the Twelve Apostles to share God's love and the Good News. They will explore the mission Jesus entrusted to the Apostles, retell the Gospel story, and explain why Jesus sent them to teach, serve others, and spread his message of faith and hope.

English:

In English, students will continue developing their spelling, handwriting, typing, grammar, reading, vocabulary, and writing skills. They will learn spelling patterns for the /or/ sound, including the graphemes or, ore, oor, and au, while continuing to improve their handwriting and typing fluency. Students will build their understanding of simple and compound sentences, develop reading fluency through accurate and expressive reading, and respond to questions about our class novel, The Iron Man. They will expand their vocabulary from the novel, explore a range of sentence types, identify key words and phrases, and practise using note-taking strategies. Students will also revisit the purpose, structure, and features of information reports as they plan and write an engaging introductory paragraph.

Mathematics:

In Mathematics, students will deepen their understanding of multiplication and division by exploring how the two operations are connected. They will use bar models to represent multiplication and division problems, helping them visualise equal groups, identify known and unknown quantities, and solve a range of word problems. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks, students will develop efficient strategies for multiplying and dividing while building confidence in explaining their mathematical thinking.

Integrated Curriculum:

In Integrated Studies (Performing Arts), students will continue exploring narrative structures and the art of puppetry. This week, they will create a narrative outline and design a main character for their own shadow puppet play. Through this process, students will develop their storytelling skills while considering how characters, settings, and events work together to engage an audience.

Auslan:

In Auslan, students will explore how some verbs change depending on how an action is performed. They will learn that signs such as open and put on can be expressed in different ways to show specific actions clearly. By visualising and signing these actions, students will develop their understanding of how movement and context add meaning in Auslan.

Social & Emotional Learning:

In Social and Emotional Learning, students will begin our Gender Norms and Stereotypes unit. Through age-appropriate discussions and activities, students will explore the idea that everyone, regardless of gender, can enjoy the same interests, activities, toys, colours, and careers. The unit encourages respect, inclusion, and an understanding that people should feel free to be themselves without being limited by gender stereotypes.

What you can do at home during the Holidays:

• Encourage your child to read daily and discuss the characters, events, and new vocabulary from their books.
• Practise spelling words together by identifying patterns, sounds, and different ways letters can represent sounds.
• Support multiplication and division skills through everyday activities such as sharing items equally, grouping objects, or solving simple number problems.
• Encourage creativity by helping your child design characters, tell stories, or create simple puppets for imaginative play.
• Talk about kindness, inclusion, and fairness by discussing different perspectives and challenging stereotypes in everyday situations.

Important Reminders:

• Fidget Toys

  We kindly ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless their use is a planned adjustment in consultation with Allied Health Professionals. Students who bring fidget toys without an approved adjustment will be asked to place them in their school bag for the remainder of the day to take home. We appreciate your support in encouraging your child to leave fidget toys at home.

• Wednesday 5th August - Photo Day - please use QR code in the flyer below

• Friday 14th August - Camp Rumbug long day camp. Leaving school at 7:15am SHARP and returning 5:30pm. More details coming soon!

Plastic bottle caps needed for this Term's Integrated unit! 

Please send washed plastic bottle caps (soft drink, milk etc) to school with your child whenever possible. Your support is greatly appreciated!

We wish you all a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 3,

The Ephesus Team

Contact Us @Ephesus

ephesus@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or