Grade 3 

Reading 

Students in Grade 3 have been reading Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs and practising using a variety of comprehension strategies to extract deeper understanding. We have also also practised reading with expression, changing their voices for different characters and adapting our intonation to suit the punctuation found in the text. 

We are also continuing on with our SpellEx spelling program, which is helping us to practise spelling both common and tricky or useful words. We have been learning and using spelling rules to help us navigate the intricacies of the English language, particularly learning about how and why sounds can be made by different letters or combinations of letters. 

WritingThis week, our creative Grade 3 students have been exploring the world of cinquain poetry, focusing on using powerful verbs and vivid adjectives to bring their poems to life. Unlike traditional cinquains, which follow a syllable count, our young writers crafted their poems with carefully chosen words to capture emotions, scenes, and ideas in just five lines. Each student brainstormed themes, selected descriptive adjectives, and chose action-packed verbs to create dynamic and expressive poems. The results are vibrant snapshots of their imaginations, ranging from playful depictions of animals to thoughtful reflections on nature.

Maths

In Maths this week, we delved deeper into fractions, focusing on fifths and tenths of objects, shapes, and collections. Students reinforced their understanding of how to represent fractions with a numerator and denominator, and they learned how to determine how many more parts are needed to make a whole. We also explored how to read, label, and create number lines, using them to solve various problems. Additionally, we focused on angles and measures of turn, using terms like quarter turns, half turns, and three-quarter turns. As part of this, we completed an Indigenous Australian activity called 'Waayin,' where students recreated animal tracks on the ground. They used directional language and different types of turns to guide their partners in drawing the animals' footprints. The students were highly engaged throughout the unit, thanks to hands-on activities both inside the classroom and outdoors. Next week, we'll further extend their understanding by placing fractions on a number line.

Integrated

This week in our integrated unit, we explored how flags represent communities and societies. We began by identifying the different communities we are part of, such as sports teams, neighborhoods, and groups of friends. Students then created flags to represent themselves, showcasing their unique identities. We also learned about the symbols and colours on the Australian, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander Flags. Through hands-on activities, students cut, sorted, and labelled the symbols on these flags, deepening their understanding of the significance behind each design.