Grade 5 News
English: Students have been developing their understanding of vocabulary, grammar and language features through the text The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. Students have explored rich vocabulary connected to the novel, including the words insignificant, superior, velveteen, splendid, succession, evidently, presently, and disinfected. Through these studies, students have built their understanding of life in the early 20th century, including toys from the past, how children were raised, and common childhood illnesses during that time period.
In our reading and writing sessions, students have been focusing on:
- identifying and using embedded clauses
- understanding and applying personification
- analysing and describing character development
- using evidence from the text to support their thinking
- creating character profiles and tracking how characters change across a story
Students have been applying these skills in sentences and paragraph writing, while also building their confidence in discussing characters, themes and author choices within the text.
Mathematics: Students have been developing their fractional thinking skills through a range of hands-on and visual learning experiences. Students have explored how fractions can be represented, compared and used in different ways to deepen their understanding of number relationships.
Key learning areas this term have included:
- identifying and creating equivalent fractions
- representing improper fractions and mixed numbers
- ordering and comparing fractions using number lines
- using and comparing fraction walls and linear models
- adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator
- rewriting fraction number sentences in equivalent forms
- solving fraction problems using bar models, shapes, and visual representations
Students have been encouraged to explain their mathematical thinking, justify their answers, and use visual models to support their understanding. Throughout the unit, students have continued to build confidence in recognising the size and value of fractions and applying efficient strategies when solving problems.
Humanities: Students have been exploring the topic of Immigration and developing their understanding of why people migrate and how migration has shaped Australia’s history and identity.
Students have investigated:
- reasons for migration, including push and pull factors
- different types of migration, including voluntary migration, forced migration, and refugees
- significant waves of immigration to Australia throughout history
- the experiences and challenges faced by migrants
- the valuable contributions migrants have made to Australian society
- the impact of immigration policies and the importance of human rights
Throughout the unit, students have continued to strengthen their historical thinking and inquiry skills by:
- sequencing historical events on timelines
- identifying cause and effect in migration stories and events
- analysing different perspectives and experiences
- interpreting sources such as photographs, texts and personal stories
- communicating their understanding through speaking, writing and visual presentations
Students have shown thoughtful engagement in discussions about diversity, belonging and the experiences of people who have migrated to Australia.
SEL: In SEL, students have been exploring positive coping strategies and developing their understanding of how thoughts can influence feelings and actions. Students have discussed the concept of self-talk, identified examples of positive and negative self-talk, and reflected on personal strategies that help them cope with challenges and difficult situations. Through discussions and collaborative activities, students have shared ways to build resilience, confidence and emotional wellbeing. As part of our learning around Building Relationships and Respect, students have also been preparing for National Reconciliation Week. Through classroom discussions and activities, students have been developing their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and perspectives, while exploring the importance of respect, inclusion and reconciliation within our community. Students have reflected on ways they can take positive action in their everyday lives to strengthen relationships, show respect for others and contribute to a more inclusive community.
Reminders:
- School Diaries: Don’t forget to send your child’s reading journal to school daily to encourage consistent reading practice. Please sign the dairy each night you read.
- Tissues: We encourage families to please bring a box of tissues for our classrooms, 1 box per family truly goes a long way. Thank you.
- Grade 5/6 Phillip Island Camp (Mon 18th-20th May): Monday!! How exciting!! Please refer to compass for all information in relation to camp, or please contact the school for further enquiries.
- Monday 25th May - Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, 9am.
- Wednesday 3rd June - Winter Gala Day: More details to come.
- Wednesday 17th June - Athletics Day: More details to come.
Thank you for your support, have a lovely weekend. Kind regards, The Grade 5 Team.
Mrs Henderson, Mr Broadbent & Ms Mamo