Learning and Teaching

Rocket Math Engagement

St Brendan’s has recently implemented the use of the Rocket Math program to help our our students' develop automaticity and fluency of basic number facts.  This program draws upon many aspects of the Science of Learning in its design. It incorporates cognitive load theory, repeated exposures and spaced practice. The program is an ideal support to the number facts strategies that are explicitly taught within the classroom. 

To encourage the engagement of our students’ at home and at school we have introduced a fortnightly Maths award that will be presented at our assemblies. Students who have completed 16 sessions (8 at school and 8 at home) will have their names entered into a draw, where a winner will be selected and awarded with one of our Maths medals to recognise their engagement in the Rocket Math Tutor program. 

This week, we had 4 students that made it into the draw; Max Butterworth (1/2B), Indi Gibson (1/2G), Destiny Debono (3/4O) and Ted Conlon (5/6N).  Max Butterworth was our inaugural winner and received his temporary medal.  He will receive the official one later this week when they arrive. Well done to all students who made it into the draw. 

With your support, I hope to have an increasing number of students each draw to vie for the Maths prize.  

Literacy

I can’t believe we are in Week Ten and our students are almost halfway through their learning for this year. It has been incredible to witness the progress our students have made and their enthusiasm for learning.

A few weeks ago, I shared a video in place of the information evening about Literacy in the Junior School. I have attached the link here in case any parents missed the email. If you have any specific questions, please email me at ehudson@sbsomerville.catholic.edu.au.

Literacy Information Session.mp4

This week, I would like to focus on the pillar of Structured Literacy known as Fluency. Understanding fluency is crucial for parents, as it enables you to support your child's home reading effectively.

Fluency is a vital component of early reading instruction due to its strong connection with reading comprehension. While good phonics instruction leads to efficient word reading, text reading fluency does not always develop automatically. Fluency is important because it bridges the gap between word recognition and comprehension, allowing students to concentrate on the meaning of the text. This enables them to make connections between what they are reading and their background knowledge, thereby enhancing comprehension.

At St. Brendan’s, all students participate in a daily “Fluency Partner” session where they read a text either to focus on a new sound or to build background knowledge. The text is tailored to each child's reading level. Students re-read the same text throughout the week, which allows them to work on accuracy, expression, and speed without the need to decode each day.

You can support reading fluency at home by:

• Re-reading the take-home reader multiple times during the week, especially if your child is still 'sounding out' or learning the code.
• Taking turns reading with your child, particularly during the initial read of their reader for the week.
• Reading aloud to your child using an expressive voice and varied intonation.
• Reading together simultaneously, with you being slightly ahead (by a few milliseconds). This method helps guide your child, especially if they are reluctant to participate.

By incorporating these strategies, you can help your child develop strong reading fluency, which is essential for their overall reading comprehension and success.

Kind regards,

Erica Hudson