Joey’s Matters

Focus on Learning

Stage 3

Mathematics

In Mathematics, we are focusing on multiplication and different working out strategies we can use when doing multiplication. These strategies are the ‘distributive property’ method, the ‘area model’ method, and the ‘algorithm’ method. Knowing the times tables is important for your child when using these strategies to do it correctly. 

 

To help support this learning process at home, here are a few strategies you can use with your child:

  • Practice using a multiplication chart reading the times tables aloud.

  • Incorporate multiplication questions into daily activities, like setting the table (e.g., "If each person gets 3 pieces of cutlery, how many pieces do we need for 4 people?").

  • Use Real-Life Examples:

Grocery Shopping: Ask your child to calculate the total cost of multiple items or compare prices to determine better deals.

Cooking: Use recipes to illustrate multiplication, such as doubling a recipe or dividing it into portions.

 

Here are some math samples of students working on their multiplication strategies using an area model, algorithm and multiplication of double digits using an area model:

English

This term in writing, stage 3 is focusing on composing a variety of sentences/paragraphs that make sense and express a complete thought, in order to compose effective written texts. We are focusing on this by using and reading the supporting text of ‘Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief’, unpacking the focus in smaller steps including ‘big writes’, ‘small writes’, discussions and group work aligning with our supporting text. 

Here are some writing samples, showcasing student’s writing skills so far this term: 

 

Mama came rushing towards me and pushed me behind her. I clung to her tall, tan legs. I can smell their disgusting odour and if they came up to me I would drop dead in a second. Mama pushes me inside but then three enormous vampires charged into our house, knocking down the door. 

- Lily (Soldier Big Write) 

 

The hideous ogre with his beaming uniform grinned with pride as he marched up to me. I couldn’t help but gag. He smelt like dirt, sweat and the poor souls that have withered before him. His rifle was like a knight’s sword hanging down his side. 

- Marshal (Soldier Big Write)

 

Mama turned to me as I opened the door with fear in her eyes. I look around the room and see a tall, muscular figure. It turns to me with bloodshot eyes. The beast’s large metal boots stomp down, shaking the flowers in my hands as he walks towards me. He towers over me and his crusty lips start moving but all I can hear are the thoughts in my head twirling around. 

- Dani (Soldier Big Write)

 

Rocketing out the door, I skip through the field of colourful flowers as I spot a shiny bug crawling onto my little boots. I grew warmer as the beetle climbs, it tickled my skin as it nears my smooth, little face. It felt…special. I split into action and cautiously picked up the little insect and sprinted to home! I stare at the miniature creature wondering. Where are his parents? Are they alive? Hmm…KNOCK! KNOCK! Suddenly a dark figure appears in front of my door.

- Cynthia (Creative Writing - The Beetle)

 

I was walking in mama's garden picking flowers. Smelling the pollen like bluebells while also dodging the bees, I came across a small beetle fighting for his life against a small widow spider. I wanted to help it but…it was fascinating to watch with the grey glowy colours of the beetle almost like an angel and a demonic demon with fangs and a million eyes!

When the spider was done, he wrapped the angel in his thin layer of web. While hiding away waiting for his next victim, I pick the green beetle up with a twig pulling the web of her shell admiring the green metallic colours while stuffing it in my pocket. It’s been there ever since, reminding me of the day I’ve found one of my most treasured items.

- Kendall (Creative Writing - The Beetle)

 

As I stumble home I see a small base of burnt wood floating in the wind. One piece, then two than three til hundreds of burnt wood pieces are floating around me. I come to the end of the woods and see the burnt homes and flowers disintegrated. I think this can’t be my home. I must have taken a wrong turn. But then I see Shanka with her fluffy tail. Next to her is a small beetle, still alive slowly crawling through the burnt daffodils. One of the last things still alive. I slowly picked the beetle covered in ash and Shanka, carrying them to the woods back to the hollow tree. I don’t stop looking at my cat and the beetle. We are the three things still alive all alone, in the deep dark forest. 

-Harold (Creative Writing - The Beetle)

Sport

In our first NRL sport session, the stage 3 students started learning key NRL skills to be able to play the sport. These skills included:

  1. Leg and feet co-ordination skills while holding the NRL ball (zig zag running around the outside of cones, running/jumping over hurdles one foot at a time, stepping side to side through zig zag hoops).
  2. How to hold the ball properly in a ‘hamburger hold’, where the point is facing to the sky and ground with your hands grip around it as if you were holding a hamburger (allowing for easier grip and for easier passing).
  3. Running and tapping the ball on the ground at the other end (scoring skill).
  4. Throwing the ball forwards to team mates and upwards in the air to catch themselves when on the run.
  5. Rolling the ball along the ground and chasing it to pick it up (to be able to grab a moving ball when loose on the field). 
  6. Positive talk between everyone (supportive and encouraging statements for good sportsmanship).

Stage 3 are looking forward to the future sessions this term after thoroughly enjoying their first session, and some stage 3 students have shared this below:

  • ‘We really liked the NRL session. We learned how to pass, hold, and kick the NRL ball properly and we are looking forward to learning how to play a game of NRL’.