THE BIG IDEA

‘How and where we live influences our quality of living and can be impacted by our natural and man-made environments’

During our reading sessions, we are continuing to unpack texts - both printed and digital, that explore The Big Idea.

The students have been researching and working on their ERPs. Most students have chosen to work collaboratively. This has involved having many conversations, respecting others' points of view, negotiating and reflecting upon shared goals.

The students have been exploring their topic of interest through conducting research and discussing effective and creative ways of presenting their information such as, interviews, models and slide shows.

The ERP process encourages students to think critically and creatively as well as, demonstrate their understandings in a variety of ways.

The ERP links to The Big Idea. Questioning and student interest form a large component of the ERP process.

It provides:

❖ Opportunities for students to explore some of their own interests and link to specific framework outcomes in specific curriculum areas

❖ Opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning

❖ Empowers students to take responsibility for discussion, negotiation, risk taking, reflection and self-assessment and peer-assessment (through teacher guidance)

❖ Opportunities for students to reflect and practice skills necessary for future life and study

❖ Fosters the acquisition of transferrable skills so that students can see the links between skills and knowledge that may be useful in other areas of learning

The students consider:

How they can be researchful through varied ways. (e.g. writing a letter to an expert or organisation, collecting data through a survey or interview) and, how this will support them in deepening their understandings of a topic
What ways their ERP will be useful to others - will it have a link to the community?
What information is relevant for them to know and to share with others

The ERPs are due by Friday the 4th of December after which, the students will present their investigations to their teachers and peers.

Year 4

Bulletin

Issue 6 · 30 Nov 2020

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