Grade 5

Reading

This week students began reading The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, exploring the story through Chapters 1 to 6. They practised reading smoothly and with understanding, engaging in pause points to show their comprehension along the way. Later in the week, students moved into non-fiction texts about polar bears, learning about the main threats facing the species such as climate change and habitat loss. They worked on identifying persuasive language and understanding how authors try to influence readers.

Writing

Students practised expanding sentences by adding details such as who, when, where, why and how to make their writing more detailed and interesting. They learned to write summary sentences to capture the main idea of a text, and explored how to use relative clauses to add extra description to their sentences. Later in the week, students identified the features and persuasive devices used in persuasive letters, such as rhetorical questions and strong word choices. They began generating persuasive points to use in their own letter about protecting polar bears.

Maths

Students began a new unit on statistical investigations, learning the key steps involved in planning one. They explored how to use star ratings and Likert scales to collect and interpret data, and practised writing clear, unbiased survey questions. Students learned the difference between objective and biased questions, and how to choose fair, balanced response options. They also explored different data types, including categorical and numerical data, to help plan their own investigations.

Humanities

Students began a new economics topic exploring the difference between needs and wants, and why people need to make choices due to limited resources. They created a piece of art representing the things they need in their own lives.

SEL

Students explored inclusive language and how to help everyone feel safe and welcome at school. They discussed ways to make their school a friendly and inclusive place for all students.