From the 3/4 Classrooms 

Over the past two weeks, students have been engaging in a range of meaningful learning. Our Grade 3 students also completed NAPLAN, and we are incredibly proud of the effort, focus, and resilience they demonstrated throughout the assessment period.

E-Safety

In our eSafety lessons, students explored the concept of digital identity. They considered how posting images, such as selfies, can influence the way others perceive them online. Students reflected on what makes them unique and discussed how they can present themselves authentically and positively in digital spaces. 

STEM

In STEM, students have been learning about the properties of soil, rocks, and minerals. They examined different soil samples and used descriptive language to compare their features. Last week, students explored how living things depend on soil, with a focus on the important role worms play in creating healthy and fertile environments. As part of this learning, students began a hands-on mini worm farm experiment. They carefully followed the procedure to set up their experiment, then drew and labelled their bottle at the beginning stage and made predictions about what they think will happen over time. This week, students will extend their learning by investigating different types of rocks and their characteristics.

You can download the experiment using the link below and you may wish to try this experiment at home.

English

Students explored the text Our World: Bardi Jaawi Life at Ardiyooloon, which introduced many to a community they were previously unfamiliar with. Through this text, students gained insight into the rich cultural experiences of children living in Ardiyooloon. They then examined the features of tourist brochures, using examples from other significant Indigenous locations such as Arnhem Land, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta. Students discussed the importance of using respectful Indigenous place names and identified language that conveys feelings, opinions, and perspectives. They are now applying this understanding by creating their own brochures about the Ardiyooloon community, including maps and incorporating vocabulary from the English/Bardi word wall.

Students have also revisited traditional Indigenous stories. They reflected on the Reader’s Theatre performances they previously shared and identified key features of traditional narratives. Building on this, students were able to research traditional stories from a variety of cultures. Working collaboratively, they compared these stories by identifying similarities and differences and presenting their findings using a Venn diagram.

Mathematics

In Mathematics, our focus has been on additive thinking. Students have been developing their understanding of addition and subtraction of 2-digit numbers using the jump strategy, building their confidence to solve problems mentally and explain their thinking. 

Alongside this, students explored location and mapping skills. Using an Atlas, they learned about key map features such as grid references, scale, and legends. Students then applied this knowledge by designing their own island or theme park on grid paper, ensuring they included specific features such as a lake at C5 and a volcano at E7. They also worked collaboratively to answer questions and deepen their understanding of how maps are used.

Home Learning Reminder:

Just a reminder that each week your child should be completing the following home learning tasks:

• Reading 30 minutes each night
• Spelling Looks, Say, Cover, Write, Check (Monday-Thursday)
• Maths Activity Grid (parents need to sign off on this)
• Timestables

Important Dates to remember..

Prepared by the Grade 3/4 Teachers