From the 3/4
Classrooms
Welcome to Term 3!
Welcome back to Term 3! We hope everyone had a wonderful break and is ready for another exciting term of learning. We have had a fantastic start to the term, with students engaging in rich learning experiences across English, Mathematics, Science and STEM.
Reading – The Sugar Cane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat
We have begun exploring our new Mentor Text, The Sugar Cane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat. Students have been developing their comprehension skills by examining how authors use setting, characters and mood to shape a story.
We started by exploring the setting of Far North Queensland and considering how this unique environment creates mystery and influences the events of the story. Students used clues from the text to make predictions and justify their thinking.
We have also focused on character development by analysing Jacob Wilson’s character. Students used text evidence to describe Jacob and explored why Andy believes he is innocent. They have begun to understand the relationships between characters and the impact the town’s setting has on the story. Students worked collaboratively to respond to text-related questions and applied their learning by creating a character profile for Jacob Wilson.
Students have also been exploring how authors create mood through setting. They investigated how the tropical, wild and remote environment surrounding Andy’s dad’s house contributes to the atmosphere of the story. Students used evidence from the text to explain how the setting shapes the tone, the challenges faced by the characters, and how readers experience the story.
Writing to Inform
In Writing, we have started our new unit on writing to inform. Students have been comparing different informative text types, including procedural texts, information reports and explanation texts. They have identified the similarities and differences between these text types, including their purpose, structure and language features.
This week, students have begun taking a closer look at procedural texts. They are learning about the structure of procedures and the specific language features authors use to clearly explain how to complete a task.
Numeracy
In Mathematics, students have begun exploring division and building their understanding of efficient strategies to solve division problems. Students are developing their ability to solve 2-digit by 1-digit division problems using both mental and written strategies, including the algorithm method without renaming.
We have also been learning about area and perimeter. Students have explored how to estimate and measure perimeter using informal units such as pop sticks, hand spans and everyday objects. They then progressed to using formal units of measurement, measuring the sides of shapes with rulers and calculating perimeter in centimetres and metres.
This week, students have been developing their understanding of area by measuring surfaces using informal square units. They have explored the importance of filling gaps with partial units and combining full and partial squares to calculate the total area of different shapes.
STEM and Science
Last week in STEM, students explored the concept of discovery by investigating how and why things work. Students were immersed in thinking like scientists by asking questions, making observations and exploring ideas.
This week, students will participate in a science challenge where they will explore scientific concepts through a fun butter-making investigation.
We are also excited to have a Mad About Science incursion coming up on Tuesday 5th August. Students will participate in hands-on science activities and learn more about states of matter and forces through engaging experiments and demonstrations.
We look forward to another fantastic term of learning, curiosity and growth!
Home Learning - Continues:
To support our learning at school, we ask that students complete the following home learning each week:
- Read for 30 minutes each night
- Complete the weekly activity from the Maths Home Learning Grid that was sent home earlier in the term.
- Practise weekly spelling words each night (Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check)
Multiplication Practice - sent home each week
The maths, spelling and multiplication sheets are glued in Home Learning books, and students should bring these each Monday to receive new home learning for the week ahead and to submit their homework for the previous week to their teachers.
Important Dates:
Wednesday 5th August - Mad About Science Incursion
15th - 23rd August - Science Week
Friday 28th August - Book Week Dress Up Parade
Prepared by the Grade 3/4 Teachers