MLA Learning  

In Reading, MLA have been practising the skill of clarifying and visualising while learning the Australian folk song Waltzing Matilda, written by Banjo Patterson in 1895. Students have explored the language used in the song and used context clues to predict the meaning of unknown words. Students have researched these meanings and clarified unknown words to support them in understanding the events in the story within the song. Once the details of the story were clear, students were then able to practise visualising the events in the story by illustrating part of the song. 

In Writing, we have been learning about nonfiction texts, such as biographies, that can have narrative elements to both inform and entertain. Students have been busy drafting and publishing their own autobiographies and have selected key ideas, details or events that they wish to share. Autobiographies provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their own connection to stories, traditions and family that are important to their identity. Students are experimenting with the functions within Powerpoint to create an interactive experience for the audience when sharing their autobiographies, including menus or action buttons that allow the audience to navigate through their presentation and choose from various topics. They have worked with peers to give and receive feedback about the positives and areas for improvements.

For our eagle eyed readers, we challenge you to identify the poems written in fine print on the Australian ten dollar note. 

One is by AB ‘Banjo’ Paterson (1864–1941), poet, ballad writer, journalist and horseman.

The other by Dame Mary Gilmore (1865–1962), author, journalist, poet, patriot and campaigner against injustice and deprivation. You might need a magnifying glass. Good luck!