Fantastic 3/4

Term 2 Week 4

3/4 Newsletter

Welcome to week 4 of term 2! We are very excited with our excursion to the Melbourne museum just around the corner. On Monday 19th May. Just a reminder the permission forms need to be in by Thursday 15th May. Please bring a small bag with your lunch recess and water bottle.

School photo day on June 2nd and our amazing book fair on the 26-30th May.

Literacy:

In Reading, we have begun reading the novel ‘The one and only Ivan’ by Katherine Applegate. The insightful story, written from the point of view of Ivan, a gorilla who lives in captivity with a number of other animals, has already introduced a unique range of questions and topics that will be explored throughout the term. We are using the story to build on our comprehension questions, to gain a further and deeper understanding of the book and its surrounding topics. The four different type of comprehension questions that we cover are:

Right there - The author Said it. These are questions that are literal and can find the answers within the text.
Think and search- The author meant it. These are questions that allow us to be a detective using clues to figure out hidden information or smart guesses on what you already know or see.
Author and You- Show what you know. These are questions that allow us to make personal connections between ourselves and the text.
On your own- What’s your opinion? These are questions that allow you to answer using your own thoughts, imagination and opinion

Phonics:

In Phonics, we have began to explore plurals. This rule explains that a plural means more than one. When something is a plural it refers to a group of two or more things, people or ideas. There are specific rules for plurals of when to add ‘-s,’ ‘-es’, ‘oes’ and replace the ‘F’ with ‘ves’. Of course, there are always rule breakers to every rule! The students have been practising writing and reading words using this rule, and other rules learnt last term.

Maths:

In Maths, students continue to work with their respective year levels to investigate vertical multiplication (grade 3) and fractions (grade 4). In year 3, students are beginning to look at identifying rows and columns through arrays in order to work out multiplication sums. Arrays help students understand how multiplication works as repeated addition and groups. In year 4, we are using the strategy of visual models such as shapes and diagrams to show equal parts. (Eg. shading ¼ of the rectangle.) Students have also been exploring fractions walls and strips to compare and find equivalent fractions. (Eg ½=2/4.)

Inquiry

In Inquiry, we have begun our new topic, exploring the indigenous people of Australia and further understanding their cultures, stories and deep history within Australia. Students are currently looking into the more than 250 Indigenous language groups throughout Australia and in particular the Bunurong peoples which is our specific language group for Cheltenham. This unit of work links into our upcoming excursion, where students will explore Indigenous perspectives at Melbourne Museum.

On Monday 12th May 3/4 students participated in a CPR course at school, this course is designed to simplify, age appropriate skills that focus on recognition, response and calling for help. We were very proud of all the 3/4 classes participating enthusiastically and receiving their certificate for completion.

Extra Announcements:

Homework is now handed out each friday and will be collected the following friday
Hats are not required in Term 2, but are still recommended.
Payment of Melbourne Museum needed ASAP

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