Grade 5/6 News

Reminders and Upcoming Events:

Week 7 Homework: 2 hours of reading and Fractions Worksheet

Week 8 Homework: 2 hours of reading and Big Write talk homework

Learning in Weeks 7 & 8

In Reading, we will focus on developing our understanding of unique features used in some texts to convey meaning. Specifically, we will examine the use of figures, tables, diagrams, maps and graphs in information texts. We will furthermore examine the use of subject specific and technical vocabulary used in information texts, and the impact this has on the reader.

In Writing, we have started our unit on Information Texts. In Weeks 5 and 6, our students began the unit by exploring the structure of an information text (including headings, sub-headings, paragraphs etc). In Weeks 7 and 8, students will now go on to look at language features. They will explore how information can be explained through visual representation, such as graphs and tables, as well as the use of technical and subject specific vocabulary. Students will begin to research their topic, and will create an information text. It's a big 2 weeks ahead, but it is always a lot of fun!

In Mathematics, our weeks are broken into 2 sections. On Mondays and Fridays we focus on an Applied area of Mathematics and on Wednesdays and Thursdays, our students move into 'fluid groups' to develop their understanding of Number and Algebra. 

Our Applied Mathematics topic for for the remainder of this term, is Location and Transformation. During Weeks 7 and 8, students will explore the grid reference system to describe locations; as well as describe translations, reflections and rotations of two-dimensional shapes.

In our Number and Algebra Fluid Groups, students will start our Fractions and Decimals unit. Students have undertaken a pre-test and have been assigned to a class. Each class will focus on an area of the curriculum that is relevant to students' specific needs. 

In Topic, our Term 2 unit is called, 'Think Global, Act Local'. Students will learn about the biggest problems facing children around the world today. In Week 7, students will shift their focus to local aid agencies and familiarise themselves with the work people in our local community, to help others. In Week 8, we will have a guest speaker from Bendigo Food Share, who will discuss the work they do in our community and how, we, as a school community, can get involved. 

In STEAM, the Grade 5 students are enjoying learning how to use the new Tinkercad program. They have had success in designing their own name label to print and we have printed many already! Students are currently exploring more complex designs and printing ideas - this will continue over the next 2 weeks. The Grade 6 students continue to explore simple circuits in our Electricity unit. Our students have started the design process of making either a fan, torch or steadiness tester. All students have been asked to bring in recycled materials (toilet rolls, cardboard, cereal boxes, shoe boxes etc), that are relevant to their group's design. We would encourage our students to discuss their designs and ideas with families.