English

Writing

The writing program this semester will include persuasive and narrative text types. The students will learn how to use persuasive and emotive language to construct persuasive texts. They will learn how to form an opinion and put forward a well constructed argument with evidence to support and develop their own point of view.

The students will focus on the conventions of writing (punctuation, paragraphing and sentence structure).

Reading

This term, all Torrens classes will be reading and responding to the novel The Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl as part of our Literacy Learning block. We have appreciated your cooperation with ensuring your child has their own copy of the book.

Comprehension skills will continue to be developed through participation in workshops to be held over 3 days during the week. The workshops allow students to target their specific needs.

The 12 comprehension skills are described as being either a Here, Hidden or Head strategy, depending upon how information is gathered by the reader to comprehend.

Word Study

Students will continue to develop understanding of the four spelling knowledges (morphemic, visual, phonological and etymological) through Word Study workshops three times a week.

Through workshop learning activities they will discover new spelling rules and generalisations which they are then expected to use when writing. Activities will focus on syllabification, long and short vowel sounds, suffixes and prefixes, homonyms and plurals.

Speaking and Listening

To develop speaking and listening skills, students will be involved in a variety of formal and more spontaneous activities throughout the semester. This will include scheduled oral presentations and active listening opportunities.