Level 5: Connect

Literacy

This week in Literacy, students have continued their study of The Blue Cat by exploring the theme of refugees and how the experiences of people during World War II are represented in the novel. Students have analysed the text to locate evidence that supports this theme, while deepening their understanding of the historical context and the impact of war on individuals and families.

As part of their reading and writing, students have practised summarising their ideas and using complex sentences to explain how the author conveys the refugee experience. This learning is helping students develop both their comprehension skills and their ability to support their thinking with evidence from the text.

Reading Log 

A reminder that the Senior Learning Centre Reading Log Challenge is still going! Student reading logs are monitored each week to track which class is reading the most and showing the greatest consistency. The competition has sparked wonderful conversations about books and reading, and we encourage all students to keep up the fantastic effort.

Numeracy

We have continued our work on Fractions, with students building their confidence in comparing, adding and subtracting fractions. 

Students have been: 

• Placing a range of fractions on number lines and comparing their size 📏 
• Adding and subtracting fractions with the same denominator ➕➖
• Finding a common denominator when adding and subtracting fractions with related denominators 🔄
• Connecting common fractions with their equivalent decimals and percentages ＝
• Explaining their thinking and learning to "prove it" rather than simply respond with an answer 💬

We have used hands-on activities and open-ended problems to encourage students to try different strategies, discuss their thinking and make connections between fractions. It has been rewarding to see students progress and become more willing to task risks. 

Here are a few ways to reinforce fraction learning at home: 

• Talk about fractions in everyday life by sharing food, measuring ingredients while cooking, or using fractional language like, "halves", "quarters", "thirds" or "eighths" 🍕
• Roll two dice to create fractions, then compare them or place them on a number line 📏
• Encourage your child to create their own fraction challenge or worded problem for someone else to solve 🗣️

Wellbeing - Respectful Relationships

📢Moving into the Teen Years – Date Change

Later this term, our Year 5 students will participate in the Moving into the Teen Years program, presented by Interrelate. This age-appropriate program supports students to develop an understanding of the physical, social and emotional changes that occur during puberty in a respectful and engaging way as part of our Respectful Relationships and wellbeing curriculum.

Please note that the program dates have changed. The three sessions will now be held at school on:

Inquiry

This week, our Inquiry learning has focused on the impact of fast fashion and the way our choices as consumers affect the environment and the use of natural resources. Students have explored why fast fashion is so popular while investigating its hidden environmental costs, including the consumption of resources, pollution and textile waste.

Over the coming weeks, students will use their growing understanding to debate the advantages and disadvantages of fast fashion, considering a range of perspectives before forming and justifying their own opinions. They will also take part in an upcycling challenge, creatively transforming everyday items into something new. This hands-on project will encourage students to think about practical ways we can reduce waste, make more sustainable choices and help protect our natural resources.

Warm regards,

The Level 5 Team - Michelle, Cazz and Katie