Hello from Grade 5/6 J&C 

Writing

For the rest of the term, students will be learning about persuasive writing. They have been exploring different ways to organise their ideas and are practising how to use persuasive techniques to strengthen their arguments.

One of our favourite resources has been Time for Kids, which features short debates on a variety of topics. These debates have helped to spark class discussions and encourage students to consider different points of view.

The writing pieces below have been inspired by the articles and debates we have been reading in class and show how students are applying what they have learned to their own persuasive writing.

Mathematics

Students have been enjoying building up their maths skills by playing card and dice games. This week the game we have been playing is called 101 and out. Below are the instructions as well as photos of us playing the actual game in class.

Inquiry

Students having been investigating inventions. They are currently working on a task whereby they need to create their own invention. An outline of the task is below. We are very impressed so far with the designs students have been working on and can't wait to see the prototypes.

Students will:

1.Identify a real-world problem 2.Design a solution 3.Create a prototype 4.Develop an advertisement 5.Pitch their invention

The Problem

What real-world issue are you solving? Who does it affect? Why is it important?

The Design Plan

Labelled design sketch 

Materials list

Explanation of how it works

The Prototype

A physical model (cardboard, recycled materials, LEGO, etc.) Shows key features. Doesn’t have to function fully — must represent the idea clearly.

The Advertisement must include: 

Catchy slogan

Target audience

Persuasive language techniques

Visual appeal

The Pitch & Reflection

2–3 minute presentation to the class. Explain why your invention should be funded

Reflect: What would you improve?