Year 3/4 Bulletin
Reading in Term 3
In Reading this term, students developed their comprehension, fluency and ability to navigate a range of fiction and non-fiction texts. They explored how to identify a story’s theme and main idea by examining characters, their traits, motivations, reactions and changes, as well as noticing repeated ideas, titles and text structures. Students practised summarising non-fiction texts by identifying key information, removing unnecessary details and combining ideas in their own words. They also learned how to navigate non-fiction texts by using page layouts, headings and other text features.
Students continued to develop their reading fluency by grouping words into phrases, reading smoothly and expressively and using strategies to decode unfamiliar multisyllabic words. They also strengthened their ability to interpret photographs and illustrations by using sensory details and the ‘notice, think and imagine’ strategy to make inferences about characters and their motivations.
Writing in Term 3
In Writing this term, students explored a range of text types and developed their ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively. They experimented with similes and sensory language to make their descriptions more vivid and engaging and explored how artists communicate ideas and feelings through their artwork. Students also developed their understanding of procedural and instructional texts by identifying their structural and language features, using action verbs, precise details and time connectives to write clear instructions and recipes. Students practised taking relevant notes and using these to write information reports, while also developing their narrative writing skills. They explored how to build a strong narrative problem using the ‘pebble, rock, boulder’ strategy and stretched out problems to create suspense and keep readers wondering what would happen next.
Maths in Term 3
In Maths this term, students developed their understanding of fractions, decimals, measurement, probability, mapping, time, money and data. They explored equivalent fractions, mixed and improper fractions, fractions of a whole and fractions as representations of chance. Students also worked with decimals, including adding decimals using place value and placing fractions and decimals on number lines.
Students developed their measurement skills by measuring and comparing lengths and calculating distances using map scales. They used maps, grid references, coordinates, landmarks and compass points to locate positions and describe routes. Students also strengthened their understanding of time by reading analogue and digital clocks, measuring time to the nearest minute and calculating elapsed time. They explored money through rounding, making totals and solving problems using multiplication, and developed their data skills by collecting, organising, displaying and interpreting information in graphs.
Wellbeing in Term 3: URStrong Program
During Term 3 the students began by revising the four Friendology strategies for making new friends.
These include,
- Super Introducer
- Quick Question
- Ask & Pass
Friendship Magnet
The main focus of our wellbeing program in Term 3 has centred around strengthening and developing our positive social skills and to become ‘Friendship Magnets’. A Friendship Magnet is someone whose actions and words make others feel welcome, safe and happy to be around them. The students role-played the various scenarios to practise positive interactions with each other.
Some of these were,
- Smiling and saying hello
- Inviting someone to play
- Including others in games
- Listening and taking turns
Using kind words
Throughout the term, we have also reinforced the idea that “Friendship Ninjas notice how their actions affect others”, encouraging students to think about how their words and actions can impact those around them.
Camp
A big highlight this term was camp at The Ranch. Students enjoyed a range of activities, including the flying fox, archery, initiatives, the giant swing, leap of faith, mountainboarding and hut building. It was wonderful to see students develop their independence and confidence throughout camp. Students challenged themselves to step outside their comfort zones and demonstrated resilience as they used the step, jump, leap method to approach new experiences.
Book Week
Students enjoyed participating in Book Week activities such as the Book Week Parade, a writing workshop with Australian children’s author Pip Harry, watching the Inked play and having story-time with family and friends.
Frisbee Day
Students had a fantastic time participating in Frisbee Day, where they competed against students from other schools. It was wonderful to see students demonstrate strong teamwork skills, encourage one another and work together throughout the games.
Crazy Hair Day
Students had lots of fun styling their hair and wearing wigs on Crazy Hair Day. It was wonderful to see students get creative with their hairstyles and embrace the opportunity to try something different. There were plenty of smiles and laughter as students showed off their unique and colourful looks!
Family Conferences
It was wonderful to welcome families into the classroom for our Family Conferences. It was a valuable opportunity to share students’ progress, celebrate their achievements and discuss their learning goals. Thank you to all the families who took the time to meet with us and support their child’s learning.
Cooking
In Cooking this term, students enjoyed preparing and creating a variety of delicious meals, including pesto gnocchi (both fried and boiled), beetroot salad, flatbread, orange cake with yoghurt and apple and berry crumble. They developed their cooking skills while exploring a range of ingredients, recipes and cooking techniques.
Gardening
In Gardening this term, students enjoyed making terrariums and paper pots, learning about the Blue-Banded Bee, watching time-lapse videos of vegetables growing and creating their own mini vegetable experiments. Students also took pride in caring for our school environment by looking after the frog pond, weeding, planting, mulching and picking up rubbish.
The Year 3/4 Team
Brigitte, Rosanna, Rachel & Vanessa
Email:
rosanna.caruso@education.vic.gov.au
brigitte.memmolo@education.vic.gov.au